But suddenly, a hand from behind grabbed me tightly. I was scared, yet at the same time relieved, thinking maybe I wasn't alone anymore. I quickly turned around... but there was no one! Only silence and a cold breeze. Suddenly, a voice rose from the direction of the mountain. I turned; a man in a brown cloak could be seen in the distance. Without hesitation, I ran after him. No matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t reach him. I looked up... but I didn’t see the Simurgh! I was surprised, as it had never left my side since the beginning of this journey in this land. The man disappeared behind a rock near the mountain. I, determined and without any doubt, followed his path. When I reached the rock, I was shocked! A massive, beautiful, luxurious, and magnificent mansion appeared before me, so dazzling that any description would fall short. The Simurgh, with astonishing grace, was perched on one of the entrance columns of the mansion! The rock that had hidden behind it extended, acting as a barrier for falling stones behind the mansion; and now it was clear why it had been hidden from view...
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