The Falcon’s Eye

The commander’s private quarters at Fort Al-Hisn was an ancient stone chamber perched atop the highest bastion of the fortress, overlooking the vast, silent ocean of the Rub' al Khali beneath a glittering canopy of desert stars. A roaring hearth of dry tamarisk branches cast warm amber light across the thick wool rugs and low divans. In the corner, a large brass basin of warm water infused with sea salt…