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Haqq Najir, of course, was a man that he had met before, back at the Golden Fort in Sair. He was also the brother of Asad Najir. And in their last meeting, Haqq had not been particularly nice.

Hector had known that Haqq was with Hahl Saqqaf's entourage this whole time, but he had yet to actually have a face-to-face with the man again. Which seemed strange, considering how prominent of a figure Haqq was within the Sandlords. And Hector had been wanting to talk to him, too, if only to see how the man was handling the news of his brother's capture at Uego.

But Hector had just been so busy. And seeking Haqq out hadn't seemed that important.

Here and now, Haqq Najir was looking rather haggard--not very much like the busy, attentive man of science that he had before.

Perhaps that wasn't so surprising, though. His escape from Sair had no doubt been a harrowing one. In fact, the look on his bespectacled face reminded Hector of Salvador Delaguna, a man who had lost many family members recently.

Thinking about all that, it was hard to keep the concern from his voice, but he tried. "Hello again, Lord Haqq," said Hector, offering a handshake.

It took the man a few moments to shake it and meet Hector's gaze. "Hello, Lord Goffe..."

Hector felt like he should say something more, but nothing came to mind. And a brief silence arrived.

Abbas seized the opening. "Well, it would seem that I am not needed in the defense of Warrenhold," he said, "so if it is all the same to you Lord Goffe, I shall simply leave a couple of my sons here with you and then return to Lorent. There is more work that I would see done. Perhaps you could call me when you are prepared for the examination?"

Hector gave the man an affirmative nod. "Alright."

And since he was already heading in that direction, Hector ventured with them back up through the Entry Tower and saw them off. Apparently, they'd brought a helicopter, though not all of them needed to use it.

Only a handful of Saqqafs remained behind, along with Haqq Najir.

Hector bid the others to go back down into the castle and make themselves at home, but Haqq stayed with him, as per his assignment.

Then it was just Hector, Haqq, and Garovel.

'...Where is your reaper?' asked Garovel.