Sheik Abd el'Salam is the ruler of El'Jazira, a small desert community. Assisted by his secretary Jardon and guarded by Horace Burry and the members of the Ganissary, he strives to maintain a peaceful environment for his people. Abd el'Salam has a son named Ahmed, and has been known to do business with those outside his community, including Aquetane, the gemsmith.