Tabriz

Tabriz is a city in northwestern Iran.

History[edit | edit source]

In 823, bookkeeper and outlaw Roshan arrived in the city while accompanying her employer Maryam, a madame of traveling caravan. However, she rode to her childhood home in Kandovan to check on her family. Remaining hidden, she found her parents healthy and well but was found by her sister Bolour. Although she learned of Bolour's good fortune, Roshan left back to Tabriz after learning that their sister Masha was in an abusive marriage with a Mongolian merchant Bogd. Arriving back, she asked for assistance from one of Maryam's clients Dervis to find information about Masha's situation but told him to investigate Bogd and all his workings to cover her personal reasons.^[1]

Within two days, Dervis informed Roshan of Bogd's gambling debts to loan sharks and how his wives may be used as collateral. Also, he also divulged that the same loan sharks are also in charge of Maryam's business and will be taking over her business for themselves. He stated that Maryam and more girls, like Bogd's wives, will be put to work, but in harsher conditions. Realizing her job was at an end and her sister was in danger, she made a deal with Dervis to inform Bogd that she will pay his debts for Masha's freedom. Dervis agreed while Roshan went to inform her fellow caravan's women to leave. While the women left, Roshan packed her things and paid an urchin to give a note to Bolour.^[1]

Maryam returned to see the women gone and Roshan packed to leave. Roshan admitted to knowing the truth and how Maryam's employer Xex intended to forgo their initial deal. Realizing the truth, a proud Maryam bid farewell to Roshan and went to the marketplace to meet her fate. Roshan left to find Dervis and finally saw Dervis return with a malnutritioned Masha. Looking from afar, Roshan saw Bolour arrive to take Masha, but not before the urchin left her sisters with the rest of her money she earned as a bookkeeper. Despite being penniless, Roshan was fortunate to find another job working for Dervis.^[1]