Touched by the Hand of Midas by Evi
Summary: A Story of Cassim's Past
Rating: G
Categories: Aladdin
Characters: Original Characters, Other, Cassim
Genres: General
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: Cassim's Adventures and Quests.
Published: 12/05/04
Updated: 12/05/04
Index
Chapter 1: Chapter One
Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Chapter 1: Chapter One
TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF MIDASAn Original Story Inspired by Disney's Aladdin.
written by
Eva Luz Villalón Turrubiates
January 1999.
--------
Some of the characters are Disney's Property. Other ones were created by me.
Queen Amaranth was created by Sedeara.
There are some references to Queen Amaranth and Sultan Hamid of Agrabah. To
fully understand that part of the story I suggest you to read Sedeara's
wonderful story "Flower in Full Bloom".
--------
To my grandfather, Arnulfo Turrubiates, whom I never knew but who has been a
great inspiration in my life.
--------
Special thanks to my dear friend Sedeara. Without her help, advice and
support this story would never been finished.
-------
"... I knew exactly what I wanted for my family: the best.... I couldn't
give up
and go back empty handed.... but the weeks turned into months and the months
turned into years.... I came back to Agrabah one night... but I couldn't
find my
wife... or my son... I thought my family was lost forever..."
CHAPTER ONE
It was a hot afternoon in Agrabah. A tall and handsome middle aged man
dressed
in the Royal Agrabanian Army uniform entered the stables and smiled when he
saw
a young man working hard taking care of his horses. The boy was around 17
years
old and he'd been obviously working very hard because his black shirt was
dirty
and soaked with sweat. The young man saw the older man standing there and
smiled. His brown big eyes sparkled when he smiled widely.
"Dad! I didn't noticed you were here...."
"I can see that, my boy.... you're lost in your work, aren't you? But look
at
these horses! They are beautiful, son! You've been working so hard.... you
should
take some rest...."
"I'm fine, dad... I love doing this... I love horses... someday I hope I
could
be as good horseman as you are... and a fine soldier too, just like you... I
want to serve my kingdom!"
"And you will be, son.... I'm sure about it.... but you are still very
young."
"I'm not, dad... I'm seventeen.... when you were at my age you were already
training in the royal army...."
"I know son, but you have no need of that.... besides you help me a lot
taking
care of the horses here at home and also watching over your mother... how's
she
feeling today?"
"She's fine, dad. She's a strong woman. I know we were worried about her
illness
in the past weeks but she's totally recovered now. Don't worry about her....
how
was your day, dad?"
"Busy as always.... but I'm happy... to serve my kingdom and my sultan is my
honor... and you and your mother are my pride.... now come with me, Cassim,
you
need to take a bath and change your clothes.... it's almost dinner time...."
"Yes dad..."
"Good boy..."
During dinner, Hassan's wife was talking:
"Today I went to the marketplace to get some food, Hassan... there I was
hearing
rumors of some troubles between Agrabah and another kingdom... I can't
remember
the name.... is that true?"
"Well, sometimes the rulers of the other kingdoms become very greedy....
I've
heard some rumors too at the palace but... I really don't think we should
worry
about that... thank Allah our Sultan is a wise man... if there's any trouble
I'm sure he'll find the way to solve it in a diplomatic way.... don't worry
about that."
"I hope so... I'd hate for you to go to the war once again..."
"But mom," -young Cassim said- "Agrabah hasn't been in war since I
remember....
I really don't think that we should worry about that either.... besides, if
there's any war, Agrabah would win for sure.... especially having my dad as
a
Captain of the Royal Army..."
Hassan and his son exchanged smiles. His mother sighed:
"I hope you are right.... I hate wars.... your father has served Agrabah in
two
wars... and it has never been easy for me."
"As I said, our sultan can fix any trouble in a diplomatic way.... no need
to
worry, Aseelah, Agrabah's never been more peaceful and prosperous...."
Aseelah smiled at her husband.
"Well, sometimes I forget that you are a royal soldier.... it's something
you
have in your blood, Hassan.... and even Cassim now has this desire to serve
the
kingdom..."
Cassim smiled proudly and his father nodded.
"I know, but he's still young.... he's learning all from me here at home....
I
want him to go to school and be a cultivated man.... the Royal Army can
wait...
someday my son will be the General of the Royal Army.... and who knows?
Maybe my
grandson will be...." Hassan rolled his thought in his mind for a moment,
realizing that there was not a higher status for a soldier than general...
so
what could his grandson be, then? "My grandson will be the Sultan..." he
laughed.
Cassim smiled and his mother stood up, taking the dishes off the table and
putting
her hand on his son's shoulders:
"Your father's always been a dreamer...."
"It's not a dream, Aseelah, you'll see, our grandson will become Sultan....
the
greatest hero in all the Seven Deserts.... you'll see... my father was a
Royal
Soldier.... I'm a Captain... Cassim will be a General.... and my grandson
will
be the next Sultan!"
Aseelah smiled gently and left the room. Cassim stood up:
"I think I'm going to help mother with the dishes, dad.... I don't want her
to
work so much after her illness...."
"Cassim, wait...."
"Yes?"
"Look, son.... maybe Aseelah thinks I'm really just a dreamer... but I'm
not....
I have all the faith in the world in you, Cassim, do you understand? I
expect
only the best from you... you are my only son and even if we are not rich
people, well, we live quite well... we have what we need to survive and we
have
a family... that's the most important, Cassim.... you're not a child anymore
and
very soon you'll be thinking about marriage and you'll have your own
family....
and your family, son, they deserve just the best.... I expect great things
from
you."
Cassim smiled:
"Don't worry dad... I won't let you down...."
"That's my boy! Well then, go to help your mother.... I'm going to prepare
some
stuff for tomorrow...."
Later that night Cassim saw his father who was on the roof of their little
but
cosy house. He was staring at the sky. Cassim knew that his mother was
already
sleeping and he could say that something worried his dad. He went to his
father's side:
"Father... are you all right?"
"Cassim! Come boy.... come here... sit.... look at the sky.... isn't this
the
most beautiful night you've ever seen? All those stars...."
"Yes...." Cassim sat beside Hassan and looked at him. Hassan returned the
look
and sighed.
"I don't want your mother to know this, son..."
"It's about the war, isn't it dad?"
"It is... today we received orders... we must prepare ourselves. The war is
close, son... the Sultan of the Kingdom of Agkar is getting very annoying...
our
Sultan can't keep this as a diplomatic affair anymore.... and if Agkar
wants to
invade Agrabah, then we'll be prepared for receiving them as they deserve....
we're going to the mountains in the northern side of the land and we'll keep
them
there.... they won't get close to Agrabah...."
"When are you going?"
"In a week or so.... I know I must tell your mother about this but.... I
don't
want to worry her... not yet...."
Cassim lowered his eyes. There was silence for several minutes, Hassan
looking
at the sky and Cassim looking at his shoes. After some minutes Cassim spoke:
"I want to go with you, father...."
"What?"
"I'm a man.... I want to protect my people... my kingdom.... I want to serve
my
Sultan.... and I want to go with you, dad..."
Hassan sighed and put his arm around his son's shoulders:
"Cassim, boy, I know you are a man.... I know you can join us and I know
you'd
be a fine soldier.... but I need you here, with your mother.... do you
understand me?"
"But father, I...."
"Cassim, listen to me, you are not a kid anymore, you are a man.... and I
know
that you think that you only can prove yourself to me going to the war but
that's not true my boy.... you don't need to prove anything to me.... you
don't
need to go to the war.... I'm going to fight for you and for your mother....
that's why I need you here, Cassim.... you'll be the head of this house
until I
return.... and I need to trust you in that.... that's what I need from you,
son...."
Cassim ran his hand across his silky black hair.
"But father I.... I want to prove I'm a man... that I'm not a coward,
that--"
"Son," -Hassan interrupted him- "sometimes a man needs more bravery to stay
with
his family than to leave.... do you understand?"
Cassim looked into his father's eyes. Then lowered his gaze.
"I understand, dad.... and you can trust me... I'm going to take care of my
mother until you return.... you'll be proud of me..."
"I'm already proud of you..." Hassan embraced his son. "Now let's go to take
some rest... and not a word about this to your mother, is that clear?"
"Yes dad..."
"Cassim...."
"What is it, dad?"
"I hope someday you'll be as proud of your boy as I'm of you!"
They shared a smile and went inside the house. It was such a dark and cold
night. And cold was Agrabah's spirit the next days, when the news of the
upcoming war stopped being just rumors and became facts. Even the young
Sultan
made a royal announcement of the war to the people of Agrabah. He told the
people that even if Agrabah was a peaceful kingdom, he was not going to let
some
greedy Sultan try to invade Agrabah's lands. The Royal Army was prepared to
protect the people and the kingdom. Agrabah hadn't been in war for many
years
and the peaceful citizens were very worried. They knew that the war was not
going to hit the city itself, since the royal army would stop the enemy at
the
mountains but anyway, the people feared for all those brave warriors who
would
put their lives on the line to save the lives of the people of Agrabah.
The day before the Royal Army left Agrabah, Hassan spoke with his wife.
Cassim
didn't know what they said to each other but he knew they stayed there,
talking
for hours. His mother was sad but she knew Hassan's responsibilities. After
a
hug and a kiss, Hassan left his wife and went to the stable, where he found
his
son. Cassim smiled sadly:
"Father.... your best horse is ready...."
Hassan patted the horse's head. "He's truly the best horse I've ever seen,
son... you are taking very good care of them all.... I'm sure this will be
the
best horse I've ever ridden in a war..."
Cassim just nodded but said nothing. Hassan put his reassuring arm around
his
son's shoulders. After a while Cassim managed to say in a voice that was
about
to crack:
"I'm going to miss you, dad..."
"I'm going to miss you too, son.... I'm going to miss you and your
mother....
but this won't take long, you'll see.... in a couple of weeks we'll be here
again talking about our adventures.... don't be sad..."
"Yes..." Cassim tried to smile.
"Now, you'll be the head of this family until my return... and I want you to
take good care of the house, good care of the horses, good care of my
business
and most of all, good care of your mother.... I trust you son.... I know
you'll
do it just fine..."
"I will, dad... I promise.... you'll be proud of me..."
"I'm proud of you already...."
"But even if I know that I must stay here with mom and everything...
well.... I
really wanted to go with you.... you're the best captain the Royal Army has
ever
had and I want to be just like you.... there's so much I want to learn from
you...."
Hassan laughed. "You want to have adventures in the war, son.... I know
how this is.... I also wanted that when I was at your age, boy.... but don't
worry....
you'll be a good soldier when it's your turn.... you'll be the General of
the
Royal Army.... you'll be the King... "
"And my son will be a Sultan." Cassim smiled.
"And your son will be a Sultan." Hassan assured.
They stayed there for a long moment staring at the night sky. Then Hassan
said:
"Just remember boy, family must be your priority number one.... your family
will
be your ultimate treasure... never forget that...."
"I won't dad..."
"Well, that's all then.... I need to go to take a good rest... I must wake
up
really early in the morning.... good night son."
"Sleep well.... father."
Hassan rubbed his son's messy hair and smiled. Then he went to his
bedchamber.
Cassim stayed there in the stables for a long time, thinking about his
future
and praying to Allah for his father.
The next morning the Royal Army left. Cassim would never forget how his
father looked in his armor, proudly wearing the uniform of the Captain of
the
Royal Army. He saw his father as he said his goodbyes to his wife Aseelah.
They embraced and kissed. Then he came and lovingly patted his son's
shoulder.
Cassim gave his dad the reins of his horse. Hassan climbed his horse and
smiled
to Cassim.
"Don't forget anything I've told you, son...."
"I won't dad.... trust me..."
"And take good care of your mother."
"I will."
"I'll be back soon.... well, it's time to go....."
"May Allah be with you!" Aseelah called. "Take care, Hassan."
"Good luck father.... "
"May Allah be with the both of you... good luck to you too, son... and never
forget that I love you two!"
They shared a look for a long moment. Hassan spurred his horse and slowly
joined
the files of the Royal Army. Cassim put his reassuring arm around his
mother's
shoulders. He didn't know it at the moment, but it was the last time he'd
see
his father alive.
The news came to Cassim and his mother a couple of weeks later. A royal
messenger came to their home to inform them officially of the death of the
Captain Hassan. He died in an ambush but he was brave until the end. A true
hero. His body was returned to the family as well so they could bury him
with
all the honors he deserved. The Sultan sent them his sympathy and a medal to
acknowledge the bravery of Hassan. Cassim was totally down with the news. He
loved his father deeply. He knew he must be strong for his mother. She
needed
him more than ever and he was not going to fail his father. He promised him
he
was going to take care of the house and of his mother during his father
absence
and he was going to keep his promise.
Cassim and his mother buried Hassan with honors. Lots of people of Agrabah
were
there, even some guards from the palace. After all it was not every day
that
someone was considered hero of the city. But after the funeral they were
totally
alone.
Cassim tried desperately to find a job. He knew they weren't rich people
but
they weren't poor people either, so he was sure he could handle the
situation. He was going to work really hard for his mother. But his mother
was
not a strong or healthy woman. She was ill and when she knew of the death of
her
beloved husband, she did fall to the bed once again, with some strange
illness.
Cassim called all the doctors of Agrabah but they all coincided that it was
an
illness born from sadness. Their science could do nothing against the pain
of
the heart. But there was something really bad about that. Because Cassim was
taking care of his mother all day and night long, he didn't get any job,
instead
he was spending every single cent they had paying the doctors and the
medicines.
Slowly but steadily they started to lose all they had without even noticing
it. The
illness of Aseelah lasted for almost a year and in that amount of time
Cassim was
forced to sell lots of things to pay his mother's medical services. But that
was
not enough for her....
Exactly a year after the death of his father, his mother died too.
In a year Cassim lost both of his parents. And when he finally noticed, he
had
nothing to live. No money, no horses, no furniture, nothing. He only owned
his
old house, but soon he was forced to sell the house too. He needed money to
survive, to start a new life. But he had no experience in business, so he
got
from the sell of the house very little. He wanted to continue his studies,
as
his father wanted. He tried to convince his studies with some job but no one
wanted to hire a young student, because people considered them useless for
physical work. Cassim tried so hard to make something of himself, but in a
few
months he had absolutely nothing. Not even a place to sleep in. With the
death
of his parents his life was forever changed. In a very short amount of time
Agrabah forgot the son of its hero.
Chapter 2: Chapter Two
CHAPTER TWOCassim knew he deserved more. He had to live on the streets, to sleep in
rooftops and basements, to try to gain a coin or two everyday to have something
to eat at the end of the day. But to find a job in Agrabah was not easy at all.
Being such a big and busy city the people had to fight hard to make a living.
And some days Cassim had to steal a loaf of bread or a fruit knowing that
otherwise he would have nothing to eat at the end of the day.
Life in the streets was not easy. He had to fight to survive. Fight all the
time. But he was determined not to give up. He was a natural born fighter. He
often thought about his parents. His father never gave up, he died fighting in
the war. His mother died fighting against her illness. And he would fight until
the end.
He was a lonely street boy. A streetrat, they called him although he hated to
be called that. He was more than that and he knew it very well. When he was
particularly sad he used to go to a high rooftop and stare for hours at the
palace. He used to remember his father saying to him that his son would be
Agrabah's next Sultan. How far the palace seemed from him. Far and unreachable.
But in his heart he made himself the promise to never give up, no matter how
hard things were.
One day he was wandering in Agrabah's alleyways. It was late afternoon and he was
trying to find a good place to spend the night. He used to sleep in an old
building next to the market, but the place was demolished a couple of days ago
to build a new house and ever since then he had to sleep in any place he could
as he was looking for a new "home". He was thinking how things were when he
lived at home with his parents. Usually he tried to block out the memories
because it was so painful to him.
A noise perturbed the silent of the alley and Cassim noticed that a man was
trying to control a nervous camel near him. Instinctively Cassim took the
camel's reins and controlled the beast in no time. He noticed the camel was
carrying some wares on his back. When he controlled the camel the man smiled at
him.
"Thanks a lot, young man, for helping me... this camel is very uneasy and it
seems I don't have a knack with camels anyway... it took me forever to bring him
from the gates of the city to here..."
"No problem, good man." Answered Cassim patting the camel's head.
"By Allah, it's impressive to see how good you controlled him. You certainly have
a good way with camels."
"Well, I don't know... maybe it's because my father used to have horses and I
was the keeper..." Cassim's face was suddenly covered by a veil of sadness and
the man noticed it.
"I see.... now... would you mind to helping me to take this camel to my shop in
the
market? It's getting late and I don't think I could do that on my own..."
"Sure." Cassim smiled thinking that maybe the man could give him a coin which
would mean a good dinner.
"Thank you, boy." The man smiled as they started to walk on their way to the
market. "It's a blessing you came to help, boy. I really don't think I could've
done this on my own. And it's dangerous to be alone and carrying wares across
the alleys at night... and it's getting darker now..."
"Yes." Cassim answered. "So, you are a merchant, I see."
"I am, indeed. But not a rich one." The man laughed. "I sell fabrics and
clothes. But not fine fabrics or fancy clothes, no. I sell normal stuff. I have
a little shop in the market. It's not much but oh well.... I used to have a
much bigger shop. I did sell fine stuff then. But after the war I had many
losses. I lost caravans, I lost money... I even lost my family..."
"Your family?"
"Well.... yes... in fact I lost my wife years ago. She died during the
childbirth of our third kid. Not even my son survived. It was tragic."
"It was."
"But my first born son was a very spirited young boy. He was about your age and
as soon as he knew Agrabah's Army was going to defend the city, he volunteered
to join the Army. He was wounded in battle. He was sent back to us, but we
couldn't do much for him. He died."
"He was a hero." Cassim said in a low voice keeping his eyes in the ground.
"He was... war can be so painful..."
"It is painful..."
The man noticed that Cassim had his eyes shinning with tears, even if he was
trying so hard to hide them. The merchant put his hand on Cassim's shoulder.
"What's wrong, boy?"
"Nothing." Cassim tried to smile but he didn't. "It's just that your story is
awfully familiar to me."
"Did you lose a loved one in the war too?"
"My father... he died in duty... he was a Captain in the royal army... Captain
Hassan..."
"Captain Hassan you said? Oh, my son told us all about him... he was a brave
man."
"He was... but my mother couldn't bear his death... she got ill and died a few
months ago.... and I lost everything trying to get a cure for her... now I have
nothing... just the memories of my happy life with my parents."
"Oh, my boy, I am so sorry to hear that..."
"It's okay, sir.... we both have the same pain after all..."
"At least I still have a family, for I still have my daughter... but you... you
have nothing left..."
"I still have my faith..." smiled Cassim.
They stopped at the door of the shop.
"Here we are." Said the man.
"Well, sir, I was happy to help..."
"Could you tell me what your name is, son?"
"Oh yes, of course, my name is Cassim.... Cassim Ben-Hassan, at your service,
kind sir."
"My name is Khalid." Said the man handing three coins to Cassim. "Thank you very
much for your help, boy. May Allah repay your kindness. Now get yourself
something to eat."
"Oh, thanks a lot, sir." Smiled Cassim. Those three coins felt like a treasure
for him.
Cassim bowed to the merchant and turned to leave. He looked at the man's kind
face and then at the coins in his hand. He shook his head and started to walk.
Khalid turned to get into his shop. But then, at the same time both of them
turned back to each other and spoke at the same time:
"Sir.."
"Cassim, boy..."
They smiled at each other.
"Go ahead..." said Cassim.
"Well.... I was wondering if maybe you.... well.... it's just that it's so hard
to find good help this days and I was thinking that maybe you.... maybe you...."
"Yes?"
"Well.... would you be interested in working here with me at my shop? I mean, I
know I'm a small vendor and you won't be rich working with me... but it's a
start... I really can use some help. Things have been crazy since my son died...
he used to help me a lot... and I was wondering if you... if you want to take a
job here with me?"
Cassim smiled widely. He was about to ask him a job. He felt his heart filled
with excitement.
"Are you serious, sir? Oh boy! This is great!"
"Do I take that as a 'yes'?" smiled Khalid.
"Sure! Oh, sir, I won't let you down.... you have no idea how hard things have
been for me ever since my parents died.... I've been living in the streets...
being called streetrat... but I promise you, I'll do my best.... you'll be proud
of me... thank you! May Allah bless you!"
"That's okay, boy... we both will have benefits out of this deal... you'll have
a job and I'll have a faithful helper. It's a good deal..."
"It is. It really is"
"Now tell me, Cassim, do you have a place to live?"
"Actually.... I -- I really....."
"I imagined that.... look, there's not much I can offer to you, but if you want
you can live here in my shop, in the back store... it's not much but at least
it's a roof over your head and besides, that way you can keep an eye on the shop
all the time..."
"Thanks sir! You are so generous!"
"I'm trusting you, son. I know who you father was and I want to help you. Please
don't let me down."
"I won't sir. You'll get the best of me."
"All right then... help me unload this camel..."
"Oh, leave it to me, sir. You can go to your home. I'll unload the camel and put
the stuff into the store. It's okay."
"If that's what you want, it's fine. Then I'll see you in the morning." Khalid
handed the key of the store to Cassim. "Thank you, boy."
"Have a good night, sir."
"You too, son. Have a good rest."
Cassim was very grateful to Khalid. He worked for him the best he could.
Besides, the man was a kind old man. Well, he wasn't exactly old, for he must be
around 50 years old, but he sure looked much more older. But he had that gentle
smile and those kind eyes. He sure was a good man. In a few days Cassim was very
fond of him as much as the man was fond of the boy.
Young Cassim was a wonderful worker. He was always willing to help. He never was
tired and he was always in a good mood. Khalid stated to see him as a true son.
And some how Khalid filled in Cassim's heart the hole his father had left him
when he died. They were always talking. They knew everything about each other.
They really got along pretty well.
That day a shirtless Cassim was accommodating a few boxes in the back store when
Khalid entered. The boy was sweating and he looked really tired but he kept
himself working.
"Cassim, my boy!" Khalid saluted him.
"Khalid, sir.... do you need anything?"
"Leave those boxes there.... come here." Cassim did as he commanded and removed
the sweat from his forehead and put his shirt on as he approached the man.
"Yes?"
"Today it's my birthday, boy."
"Oh, sir... I didn't know that... this is a special day then..."
"Well, my daughter thinks so.... she is preparing me a special dinner tonight...
she wanted to spend a nice evening with me... but since I've talked so much
about you to her and so much about her to you, well, I think this could be a
good time for you to meet each other... I'd be happy to have you for dinner at
home tonight..."
"Me?"
"Are you coming?"
"Oh... sure!" replied Cassim happily.
"That's great... you go to change your clothes while I close the shop... go
boy!"
Cassim smiled. He longed to have a nice dinner in a place called home.
The first stars were shining in the sky when they arrived at Khalid's house. It
was a small nice home in one of the many alleyways of Agrabah. It was not the
house of a rich man, but the home of a common merchant. Something about that
house reminded Cassim his own home, the one where he used to live when he had a
family. When they entered the house, Cassim noted that it had a woman's touch
without any doubt. There were vases everywhere with flowers. Cassim smiled as
Khalid was speaking:
"My daughter is a little shy but I'm sure she'll enjoy the company.... My dear!
I'm home!"
"Oh! Coming, father.." a sweet female voice responded from the other room.
Soon a petite figure appeared in the room and as soon as she noticed Cassim's
presence she covered her face with her veil.
"Oh, father, I didn't know we have company..."
"That's okay, dear. No need to cover your face. This young man is Cassim, the
boy who helps me with the store, I've talked about him to you."
As the girl uncovered her face, Cassim bowed before her and took her hand
kissing it.
"It's a real pleasure, young lady. Your father is always talking about you. I'm
Cassim Ben-Hassan, at your service."
"The young man is quite a gentleman, I see." Smiled Khalid.
"I'm Zahrah and the pleasure is all mine." Smiled the girl.
Cassim smiled widely. The girl was beautiful, he thought. She was small, with
wonderful dark eyes and the most gorgeous smile Cassim had ever seen. She was
around 17 years old, Cassim calculated.
"Young Cassim is like a son to me, Zahrah, so I decided to invite him to join us
for dinner tonight. Now, I'm going to wash and change my clothes.... I'll be
back in a few minutes..."
Khalid disappeared from the room leaving behind the young couple. Zahrah blushed
and Cassim decided to take matters in his own hands even if he was feeling
nervous too.
"Your father is always talking about you, Zahrah. I'm glad we finally met."
"Yes, he's always talking about you too, Cassim."
"Really? What does he say about me?"
"Well, he says you are a very nice boy and a great help."
"Your father is very kind.... but when he told me about you he forgot to mention
that you were so beautiful...."
Zahrah blushed again and lowered her eyes with a shy smile. Cassim felt his own
face warm in a blush. He couldn't believe he had just said that. It was the
first time he told a woman such words. He ran his hand across his hair and
changed the subject.
"Your home is very nice.... with all those flowers...."
"I love flowers." She said. "It's a good way to keep a good atmosphere in the
house... we've been so sad ever since..."
She didn't finished the sentence, but Cassim nodded anyway. He understood.
"Yes, I know... your father told me everything about your brother.... and I can
share your pain, for I lost my father in the war too...."
"I know... father told me about it..."
Cassim smiled.
"Boy! It seems we know everything about each other even if we just met a few
minutes ago."
Zahrah smiled too but the smile soon became a worry expression.
"Oh no! The food!"
She ran into the kitchen and Cassim went after her smiling. The food was okay
and smelled wonderful too. Cassim couldn't remember when was the last time he
had dinner like this. Cassim offered to put the dishes on the table for her
while she finished preparing dessert.
When Khalid came back a few minutes later and found the couple talking and
laughing happily, he smiled too. It was like having his son back home again. He
found that particularly significant, because ever since her brother died, Zahrah
was always sad.
They shared a wonderful dinner, talking, laughing and having a great time.
Zahrah was a wonderful cook and Cassim thought the food she prepared was a
God's dish. After dinner, while Khalid was drinking coffee, Cassim volunteered
to help Zahrah wash the dishes. He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was so
beautiful. He tried to get closer to her every time he could to smell her soft
scent. Wild flowers scent. Cassim knew it was not a perfume but the true scent
of the flowers she kept in the vases.
It was late when Cassim said his goodbyes and kissed Zahrah's hand once again.
They smiled to each other and for a moment they got lost in each other's eyes.
Then Cassim say goodbye to Khalid and went back to the store.
While he was walking across Agrabah's alleyways he felt his heart filled with a
new feeling. Something that was magical. He could still smell the scent of
flowers even if he was not with Zahrah anymore. He felt like he was walking
on the clouds. It this what they call 'love'? He wondered. It was a magnificent
feeling.
In the next few days he worked harder than usual. He wanted to have some extra
money to get a good gift for Zahrah. He was even helping other vendors to get
more money. Khalid noticed that all that Cassim could talk about was his
daughter... and for some reason Zaharah kept herself talking about Cassim all
the time. Khalid was happy about that because he loved Cassim deeply. He knew he
was a good young man, regardless of his poverty. He knew Cassim was well educated
and noble at heart. Besides he was hardworking and very dependable. Khalid would
bless the love between his daughter and this young man... If only that love
would be born soon!
Cassim entered the store and smiled at Khalid.
"What is it, boy?"
"Sir, I have this little present for your daughter..."
"A present for her? Why is that?"
"Well... it's just that.... I mean.... she was such a great hostess the other
night
that.... well, I mean, you also were a great host but... it's just that..."
"I see. And may I see the gift?" Smiled Khalid.
"Sure!"
It was a small bottle of the finest perfume Cassim could find in the market. It
had the glorious scent of flowers that Cassim loved in Zahrah.
"But my boy, this is a very expensive gift... it must have cost you a fortune!"
"Well.... I really---"
"Where did you get the money to buy this? You didn't steal it, did you?"
"Of course not, sir. You know my days as a thief are over... besides I only
stole
food. But anyway, I had some money and I worked this week helping merchant Hakim
to unload some stuff and merchant Bassel asked me to help him to clean his
store... and... well, I had some extra works.... but it was worthy.... this
perfume would go great with your daughter..."
"I see.." answered Khalid, touched.
"So, I was wondering if you could give it to her for me, Khalid, sir?"
The man smiled widely.
"I think you must go to give it to her personally."
"Me?"
"Look, Cassim... she's been very sad and very lonely since her brother died...
they were always so close to each other... I think she really needs a good
friend now. She needs to go out, to distract her mind... and maybe you could
help me.... she needs us..."
"I understand." Said Cassim looking at his feet. He was thinking that those were
his own needs too. He also needed a good friend. Someone to share his feelings
with.
"Go to find her, Cassim." Smiled Khalid. "It's early. Take the afternoon off and
go with her... that would be very kind of you..."
Cassim smiled but said nothing.
Later on that afternoon Cassim arrived at Zahrah's home. He knocked on the door
and
her musical voice responded from the interior.
"Who is it?"
"Cass---" but he stopped in the middle of the sentence noticing his boyish
voice. He cleared his throat and said in a more "manly" voice: "It's me,
Cassim."
Immediately the door opened and Zahrah smiled widely. Something was shinning in
Cassim's eyes.
"Oh, Cassim... it's you... what a nice surprise! Father didn't tell me you would
come."
"He gave me a break... and I wanted to come to give you this..."
Cassim handed her the little bottle and she was surprised.
"What is this?"
"Oh, just a little something... it's my way to thank you for the wonderful
dinner you prepared the other night..."
"This is wonderful!" she exclaimed smelling the scent. "But it's very
expensive... Cassim, you shouldn't---"
"Nevermind!" he smiled. "So, do you liked it?"
"I love it! How can I thank you?"
"Well, maybe putting a few drops on you..."
She smiled and did as he said. She smelled wonderful. Suddenly she realized she
was keeping him on the doorsteps.
"Oh, Cassim, please, come in..."
"Actually," he interrupted her, "I was wondering if maybe you want to go for a
walk... the afternoon is beautiful and there's so much we can see in Agrabah..."
She looked at him and smiled.
"Sure... I just need to get my veil..."
A few minutes later they were walking across Agrabah's busy streets. She kept
her head covered but he insisted she keep her face unveiled. He loved to see
her face, those glorious eyes and that breathtaking smile of hers. They went to
the marketplace and saw so many wonderful things. They also visited squares and
gardens. They shared a very nice conversation and came back home when the stars
were already shining on the sky.
They sat on the doorsteps outside the house to look at the sky. Cassim was
talking:
"My father and I used to look at the sky all the time..."
"You miss him, don't you?"
"Yes... I miss him a lot.... he was great..."
"I can imagine... I'd die if my father..."
She didn't finished the thought.
"Your father will be with us for a long time, Zahrah... he's a kind man..."
"Yes, he is... he's so incorruptible, so lawful... he's been all his life so
worried about the moral character... about the good name of the family..."
"Your family does have a good name already.... and you," he smiled, "you have
the
best of all names... Zahrah... it means beautiful flower... it also means
star... it's the perfect name for you... you are so beautiful and so shiny..."
She smiled and blushed.
"You know a lot of things, Cassim... you must be a scholar..."
"I was... even after my parents died I still was attending school but then...
well, when you run out of money you just can't keep yourself at school.... I
needed to go to the streets to survive... it was hard... it was the worst year
of my life... thank Allah I met your father..."
She put her hand on his shoulder, letting him know she understood. They smiled
sadly and looked at the sky. Soon Cassim's eye was caught by the Sultan's Palace
which could be seen from there in all its glory. Cassim smiled.
"That palace is so beautiful... what would it be like to live there?"
"I don't know... it's all so fancy and so... well, I really don't know if I'd
like to live there or not.. I think I'm happy with my life..."
"I don't know," he replied sadly. "Sometimes I feel I deserve more than this...
I mean, I'm so happy working with your father and having him and you as my new
family... is just that... well... I really don't know..." after a silence he
laughed. "The funny thing is that my father used to say that when I got married,
my son would be Agrabah's next Sultan..."
"Don't laugh... " she smiled. "That could happen... who knows Allah's plans?"
"You don't really believe that, do you?" he smiled.
"I don't know.... I really don't know..."
"Well," Cassim said glancing at the palace. "If our Sultan Hamid doesn't soon
take a wife and give us an heir, maybe the post for Sultan could be open when he
dies..." he joked.
"Or maybe he could have a daughter and you could have a son... and they could
marry...."
"You know the law... only a Prince can marry a Princess."
"Love can conquer all..."
Cassim looked deep into her eyes. They both smiled and got lost in each other's
look for a moment. Cassim felt his heart beat faster and Zahrah blushed. At that
moment Khalid's familiar voice sounded.
"Good evening, children. Did you have a good afternoon?"
"Oh father! Welcome! Yes, Cassim took me to take a walk and we saw so many
things... it was a lovely day."
"I'm happy to hear that, dearest. Now, Cassim, would you join us for dinner?"
He glanced at Zahrah. She smiled and nodded. Cassim smiled too.
"It would be an honor!"
During dinner Khalid talked about the possibility of a travel. He needed to get
more stuff for the shop and the only way to get good merchandise was joining a
caravan and traveling to other cities to trade. It wouldn't take long. Just
three
weeks, at most. And when he returned he would have new stuff to sale. It would
be beneficial for the business. His daughter told him that it was dangerous for
him
to join a caravan but he replied that he was thinking about taking Cassim with
him. He told them that a caravan would leave Agrabah in a couple of weeks and
they were going. Zaharah would stay at the home of the good widow who was the
neighbor. Even if she didn't like the idea that much, she understood that it was
the best for the business and all was decided that night. Khalid and Cassim
would join the caravan in two weeks.
The next days Zahrah visited the shop everyday. She started to bring food for
her
father and Cassim everyday for lunch. She'd never done that before. But she
looked so happy and so beautiful. Her father knew that love was borning between
Cassim and his daughter and that made him happy. He was old and he wanted to
make sure his daughter would have a faithful husband before he died. And he could
clearly see the true love between his daughter and young Cassim. Khalid blessed
the night when he had met Cassim and thanked Allah everyday for bringing such a
nice young man into his family.
The night before they parted with the caravan Cassim went to visit the family.
His visits were so often that Zahrah waited eagerly for him every night. He used
to have dinner with them almost every night. That night Khalid went to bed early
because they would leave Agrabah early in the morning. Cassim was outside with
Zahrah, saying his goodbyes.
"I've never traveled in a caravan before.... I'm a little nervous...."
"I'll be praying for you every night, Cassim...."
"Thanks... I'm sure Allah will take care of us thanks to your prayers.... but
don't worry, we'll be back soon...."
"It's just that ever since my brother died I have this fear of losing my loved
ones...."
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of your father... remember that my dad was a
soldier and even if he never allowed me to join the army, well, he made me pass
the basic training... I can take good care of myself and of Khalid... don't
worry about him..."
"I know he's safe having you with him...." Zahrah blushed. "But I'm also worried
about you..."
Cassim was surprised. He stared at her for a moment before he could react.
"Me?" he asked in disbelief.
Zahrah looked deep into his eyes and caressed his face with her soft hand.
"You ARE one of my loved ones... you are part of my family now, Cassim.... and I
couldn't bear it if anything bad happened to you.... because I---"
She stopped in the middle of the sentence. Cassim was feeling very nervous but
he took her hands in his anyway and said:
"I love you too, Zahrah..."
Zahrah smiled half shy, half nervous and she threw her arms around Cassim's
neck. He hugged her close to him feeling her fragile body pressed against his
own. She could feel his muscles under his robes. He needed to protect her and
she wanted to be forever safe in his embrace. He lifted her face and softly
touched her lips with his and they shared a long kiss under the stars. Khalid
saw the scene from his window and smiled.
"It was about time." He muttered to himself.
The next morning when it was still dark the caravan left Agrabah. Cassim could
only think about her while he rode his horse leading a line of camels behind
him. The caravan was formed by a dozen of merchants and almost 50 camels and
horses. It was going to be a long trip but Cassim knew that it would be the best
thing for Khalid's business and therefore for Zahrah. He smiled contentedly as
he
remembered her. Oh, he sure was going to miss her a lot. Why, it was less than
two
hours since they had left Agrabah and he was already missing her.
After a few days of travel they arrived at the big city they wanted to without
any
trouble. They traded the wares and before they expected they were in their way
back to Agrabah.
But Cassim could sense the fear in the caravan one night. He asked another
merchant why they all seemed so nervous and the response he got really scared
him.
"This is your first travel, isn't boy? We all know that these lands are
territory of the Forty Thieves."
"The Forty Thieves?"
"Yes, the most dangerous band in all the lands of Allah! They take no
prisoners... they are powerful and unmerciful.... Allah forbids us to cross the
way of the Forty Thieves... they had killed many people and stolen so much
merchandise... they are so dangerous... everyone fears the Forty Thieves."
"I've never heard about them before...."
"You were lucky then, boy... but beware and keep your eyes open.... we could
never been so careful.... now go to your post..."
Cassim returned to the side of the camp fire where Khalid was trying to get
himself warm.
"What did Omar tell you, boy? A caravan story perhaps?"
"He told me about the Forty Thieves, Khalid.... Have you heard about them?"
"Who hasn't? They are dangerous...."
"So, they are not just a caravan story, are they?"
"I don't know.... they seem like a story... but so many people say that they are
real... I don't know about the Forty Thieves, son, but I think we have to keep
our eyes open anyway..."
Cassim sat beside the old man and took a cup of coffee from the fire.
"So, is there any other story you'd like to tell me?"
"Do you like stories?"
Cassim shrugged.
"I think it's nice to tell stories by a campfire...."
"Yes." Smiled Khalid.
"When I was just a kid my mom used to tell me all kind of stories about heroes
and forbidden treasures.... and I liked those stories a lot.... I've always
wanted to be a treasure hunter...."
"Did you mother ever tell you about the Hand of Midas?"
"The Hand of Midas?" smiled Cassim.
"It's just a myth.... " admitted Khalid, "about a hand made of gold which can
turn anything it touches into solid gold. The ancient used to call it the
Ultimate Treasure.... I believe it is a Greek legend.... I have a book about
it...
so many adventurers have tried to find the hand... and lived so many
adventures..."
"That sounds great!" said Cassim dreamily. "Has anybody found this ultimate
treasure ever?"
"Yes, in the stories there were so many lucky people who could find the
treasure.... but it was not a good thing."
"Why not?"
"They had to face so many dangers in order to get the treasure... besides the
Hand of Midas is located in this island that is never in the same place
twice..... if you want to find the Hand you must first find the island... and
that's not an easy thing to do... there are maps and lots of magical things
which
can help to find the island... but since you never know the exact location of
the island, well, this search is really hard.... it's also known that the Hand
of Midas has this curse with it.... it turns everything it touches into gold...
but it can also sink things..."
"What does that mean?"
"It means, boy, that treasure can make you lose what is really important for
you... the Hand of Midas has sunk so many people...."
"Is this a real story or just a legend?" smiled Cassim excitedly.
"It's just a myth, as I told you.... nothing more, nothing less..."
"But myths have something real deep inside, don't they?"
Khalid glanced at Cassim and smiled widely:
"Are you thinking to take the chance, boy?"
Cassim shook his head and smiled.
"I'm sorry.... it's just that the story really got me... it's nice...."
"Yeah, it got me too when I was young... I first heard about that in one of my
journeys. And I was obsessed with it for years... until I met my wife...
anyway, I have a book about it. Remind me to give it to you as soon as we're
home."
"Thanks Khalid.... I'd love to read it... but so far.... I think I already have
my Ultimate Treasure, sir...."
The old man smiled widely.
"You do?"
Cassim glanced at his feet and then with a shy smile he looked at Khalid's face.
"Sir... I really don't know if this is the right moment to say this but.... oh
well.... sir, I am in love with your daughter..."
Khalid took a sip of his coffee and looked at Cassim.
"And what else is new, boy?"
Cassim looked surprised.
"Did you know?"
"From the beginning, Cassim..... there are things you just can't hide."
"And.... and you....?"
"I'll be the happiest man alive if you marry my daughter..."
Cassim smiled.
"Really? Oh sir, I really want to marry her and make her happy.... I love her so
much and I want to make her the queen of my world.... I want to work so hard and
to have lots of money for her.... and then..."
"Slow down, boy.... she doesn't want money... she only wants you...."
Cassim smiled a shy smile and looked into his eyes.
"May I have the hand of your daughter in marriage, Khalid?"
He smiled widely.
"You have my blessing, Cassim, but that's a question that only she can
answer..."
They both smiled and embraced each other. They wanted so badly to be back in
Agrabah and talk with her about Cassim's proposal.
A few days later they were in Agrabah's market. They just finished to putting
the
new merchandise in the store and they decided to go back home and surprise
Zahrah. They came back to Agrabah a few days earlier than expected.
When they arrived at Khalid's home, the young woman was watering the flowers at
the doorsteps. As soon as she saw the two men enter the alleyway she threw the
water's recipient away and ran to her father.
"Oh father! You are back!"
She hugged her father and the man kissed her forehead.
"I'm back, my dear... and I have some gifts from you from the far lands of
Egypt...."
But Zahrah wasn't listening to her father anymore. She was caught in Cassim's
eyes. They both smiled and then Cassim opened his arms. Zahrah embraced him and
he held her close to him.
"I missed you so much!" he whispered in her ear and his face got lost in her
dark hair.
"And I missed you! Cassim! Oh, it's so good to have you back!"
Khalid smiled and entered the house, leaving behind the young lovers. After
their welcome kiss, Cassim kissed her hand. It wasn't until then that they
noticed that Khalid
wasn't there anymore.
"Oh Allah," she said worried. "Where's my father?"
"He must be in the house."
"Yes, I think so... but he saw us.... and we were..."
"Don't worry Zahrah.... your father knows everything about us...."
"He does?"
"Yes... I told him that we're in love... we had so much time to talk during the
trip..."
"What did he say?"
"He's blessing our love."
"Thank Allah!" She said and threw her arms around Cassim's neck.
"My beloved Zahrah... there's something I want to ask you..."
"What is it, my dear Cassim?"
Cassim looked deep into her eyes and kissing her hand he said:
"Do you want to be my wife? Would you marry me, Zahrah?"
The young woman was speechless at the proposal. But then she saw the sincerity
and the love shinning in Cassim's loving look and his kind smile. She knew it
was the real thing. It was true love. And yes, she wanted to spend the rest of
her life with him, with her Cassim.
"Oh Cassim, I love you!" it was all she was able to say. She buried her face in
Cassim's shoulder and he held her close to him.
After a long, loving embrace, Cassim let her go and kissed her softly on her
lips and then on her forehead. She had tears in her eyes but she also had the
most shinning smile on her face.
"I want to marry you, Cassim! I want to be your wife!"
"And I want to be with you forever as your faithful and loving husband. I love
you, Zahrah!"
Cassim took a white flower from one of the vases and after kissing it, he put it
on Zahrah's hair. They both smiled.
"My bride... you are beautiful!"
"But you two must be wed at once!"
They looked at Khalid who was standing at the door and smiling happily. They
motioned for them to go into the house. Once there, Cassim spoke.
"Khalid, when can we be wed?"
"I have to go back to Egypt to close a business by the end of the year... maybe
you could be wed after that trip."
"But father," Zahrah replied. "It's more than 3 months until the end of the
year... we can't wait that long!"
"You are so impatient, my dearest!" The good man smiled. "But if this is what
you want, I could arrange the wedding for the end of the month... just 2
weeks... is that a long time, my dear?"
Cassim and Zahrah smiled. She spoke.
"It's a long time but I guess I can survive.... we can make arrangements for the
wedding... I need a new dress, a beautiful one... and lots of flowers... this is
going to be the most important day of my life! Oh father! I love Cassim so
much!"
Cassim smiled.
"And I love your daughter, Khalid."
"I'm glad. Allah's blessing has fallen upon us! And I'll be happy to have lots
of children playing around the house very soon!"
Cassim and Zahrah smiled and blushed. Khalid laughed.
"Tomorrow, first thing in the morning we'll start with the arrangements.... now
it's getting really late and I'm tired... we just came back from a trip across
the desert... we need a good rest... Cassim, son, I suggest you go to take
your rest too. Very busy days are about to come!"
Cassim embraced Khalid and then he kissed Zahrah's forehead.
"I'm leaving now. Have a good rest, my sweet princess... I'm going to dream
about you!"
"Good night, my dear Cassim!"
When Cassim left, Zahrah sighed. Her father hugged her.
"He's a good boy. I'm sure he'll make you happy."
Chapter 3: Chapter Three
CHAPTER THREEThe following days were busy days indeed, but also happy days. Khalid prepared
his house to have the celebration there with the friends of the family. Zahrah
got her beautiful dress and Cassim also got a fine robe for the wedding
ceremony. Everything was ready soon and they all were just hoping the time would
fly so they could be married as soon as possible.
Zahrah and Cassim spent hours together, just enjoying each other's company,
looking at the sky and planning what a wonderful life they would have together.
They planned it all. They would have a nice home with flowers and children. They
wanted many children. Cassim wanted to have a beautiful horse, just like the
horses his father had. And he wanted to teach his son how to ride horses. He
also wanted to have a little girl, as beautiful as her mother and lay her to
sleep every night and tell her stories until she went to sleep.
Two weeks passed really fast but at the same time, terribly slow for the young
lovers. The night before the wedding Khalid went to his shop to visit Cassim. He
found the young man sitting on the floor, lost in his own thoughts.
"Cassim, boy, tomorrow is the big day... everything is ready?"
"Wha--? Oh, Khalid, sir, it's you... I didn't hear you come in. I'm sorry...
what did you say?"
"Your mind is not here, boy... are you nervous?"
"Well... I guess I am..."
"You also look sad... what is it, boy?"
Cassim looked at Khalid and sighed sadly. Then he showed the man the powerful
sword he was holding.
"It belongs to my father."
Khalid sat besides Cassim and spoke.
"Want to talk about it?"
Cassim shrugged.
"Not much to say.... I hide this sword... it's the only thing I have from him
now.... it's the sword that always was with him... until the end.... I just
needed to feel my father close to me in this important day... I wish he could
see this..."
"Cassim, son, if your father were here he'll be as proud of you as I am."
Cassim smiled sadly.
"Do you really think I'm the right man for your daughter?"
"I'm sure about it, boy."
"My dad was always talking about the importance of the family... I learned a lot
from him. And I want to have the perfect family.... like my father had."
"And I'm sure you'll be the best husband and the best father.... now cheer up,
my boy! You should be happy!"
Cassim smiled.
"I am happy, sir. Tomorrow I'm going to marry the most wonderful woman on Earth!
I'm sorry if I was depressed tonight... it had nothing to do with your daughter
or our wedding... it was just me.... but now that I have my father's sword, I
feel like he were here with me to see my wedding."
"He's here, boy.... I know he's here!" Khalid patted Cassim's back as he stood up.
"Now take a good rest, son. I'll see you tomorrow!"
When Cassim was alone in the back store he smiled and holding his father's sword
he promised himself he'd be the best husband and father on Earth, just like his
father had been.
The wedding was perfect. Zahrah never looked more beautiful. She was truly a
princess and Cassim was glad that the young Sultan Hamid were on his royal
voyage to seek for his own bride, because otherwise he'd fear the Sultan could
see his own bride and fall in love with her. And Zahrah was surprised when she
saw her groom in his wedding robe. He looked like a prince. He was very
handsome.
They signed the papers which legally made them husband and wife. Everything
was a dream. After the official part of the ceremony, the judge continued the
Agrabanian tradition by saying:
"Now, with the holy kiss you are wed."
Cassim smiled. His eyes shinning with love. Zahrah smiled too. They embraced
each other and their lips met in the most sacred kiss of their lives. All the
guests went crazy, clapping and wishing the couple the best. Khalid came to hug
both of them. The old man was happy. Now he had not only a daughter, but
also a beloved son.
The following party was very nice with the best food and many gifts for the
newlyweds. It was truly the best day of their lives for Cassim and Zahrah. It
was the magic of love. Countless blessings were given to their marriage. And
when Cassim took his wife to the wedding chamber, they knew they had made the
right choice. It was just the beginning of their new life as a family. A life
that was meant for them to share.
Time passed by. The new life was delicious for Cassim. He moved to live in
Khalid's house which was big enough for the whole family to live in. Even if
Zahrah was starting to think about moving to a bigger house, thinking on the
kids they would have soon.
But Cassim had no hurry in having kids. He loved his wife and loved the new life
she was giving to him.
Khalid made Cassim the new manager of the store while he decided to manage
their new business as exporter. Things couldn't be better for them. They had a
happy life. Cassim loved his new family above everything else. He loved his wife
and also Khalid who was for him just like a father. He was the one who gave him the
chance to prove himself worthy. He would do anything for that man.
One night they were talking in the kitchen, having their cup of coffee. Khalid
was telling Cassim about the Hand of Midas once again. He had found a book and
other papers that day while he was searching for some papers and decided to give
them to Cassim.
"This is the book where I learned everything about the Hand of Midas, son.... and,
as I told you, I was so obsessed with it that in these papers I wrote all the
stories I heard about it in my many voyages across the Seven Deserts...."
"This is so exciting!"
"But remember, boy... this is just a myth and just that.... don't believe this
story... the search of the Hand of Midas is the search of the man for his own
ideals, do you understand?"
"Yes, I do. What you are trying to say is that we all have a Hand of Midas in
our lives, an Ultimate Treasure we have to reach and find someday.... an
inspiration to live everyday... isn't it?"
"Yes, that's what I'm trying to say." Smiled Khalid.
"Well, so then I've found my Hand of Midas already.... it's your daughter,
Khalid, she's my ultimate treasure... besides, she turns into gold everything
she touches... I love her so much! She's my reason to live, my ultimate
inspiration...."
"Well, Cassim, son, never forget that."
Khalid gave the book and the papers to Cassim.
"What?"
"Keep them, boy. And remember what this means."
"I'll never forget."
Khalid smiled and handed a little bundle to Cassim.
"What is this?"
"Oh, as you know I traveled across the Seven Deserts and beyond when I was
young.... this is a little something I got from my many journeys and I want you
to keep them.... as a gift for you... and for my grandchildren."
Cassim opened the bundle and a beautiful dagger shined in his hands. The package
also had a coin with a strange figure on it... the same figure the dagger had in
the handle. The figure of a hand.
"What is this stuff, Khalid?"
"An old man gave them to me in one of my journeys. The man knew I was interested
in the legend of the Hand of Midas and since I helped him during a journey, when
I found him sick and all alone in the middle of the desert, he gave me those as
a gift... it is a nice dagger but I'm not the warrior type.... so I thought
you'd appreciate it more than I do... as for the coin... it's sort of a pin... I
don't know.... it has the figure of the Hand of Midas on it but I really don't
know what it is.... maybe it's just a pin to keep the cape in place." Khalid
laughed. "But anyway, I want you to keep them."
"They are wonderful, Khalid.... thanks.... " said Cassim examining them
carefully.
They couldn't say more because Zahrah appeared in the kitchen requesting her
husband's presence in their room. Cassim was tired and he had to work early in the
morning so he decided not to fight his wife's wishes and followed her to the
room. Before he left Khalid told him:
"We need to talk tomorrow, Cassim. It's almost the end of the year and we need
to go back to Egypt to close the business I have unfinished..."
"You can talk about it tomorrow, father." Zahrah smiled.
"Sure.... take a good rest."
When the young couple disappeared Khalid smiled sadly.
"I have this strange feeling inside me.... as if this will be my last business . . ."
He shook his head and went to his own room to sleep.
As Khalid said, they started to prepare for the next trip to Egypt. It was a risky
business but it was worthy. They would gain lots of money out of this deal.
Khalid was very excited. Cassim didn't know much about business but he knew his
father in law was a great dealer and since they needed money now that the family
was growing, Cassim decided to help Khalid in the business even if that meant he
had to leave his wife alone in Agrabah for a month but he didn't want for Khalid
to travel all alone to Egypt.
They joined a caravan and prepared their camels with the ware. Zahrah would stay
at the widow's home as always. The night before the travel Cassim and his wife
were talking:
"I don't know, Cassim, but I'm worried about this trip."
"C'mon, Zahrah, it's not the first time your father is on his way across the
desert... we'll be fine."
"Of course I'm worried about him because he's not young anymore... but there's
something more..."
"It's a risky business, I know... but I'm sure your father knows what he's
doing... I'm still not very good at business, so I trust Khalid's good
judgment."
"Oh, Cassim, it's more than that.... I really can't put my finger on it but...."
"Shhh, don't worry, Zahrah... I'll take care of your father. Nothing bad will
happen. We'll be gone just for a couple of weeks.... I promise!"
The next day, before dawn, the caravan left Agrabah on its way to Egypt. The
travel to Egypt was hard and Cassim knew Khalid was risking everything they had
but he was sure the old man knew what he was doing.
And indeed, he knew. The business went great and Khalid doubled his money. For
the first time in his life he was rich. And Cassim was very happy for Khalid and
for his own wife.
A little caravan was about to leave Egypt on its way to Persia. Cassim wanted to
wait for the caravan to Arabia but it would delay its travel one more week.
Khalid convinced Cassim to go back with the Persian caravan. He wanted to go
back to Agrabah and to his daughter as soon as possible. He had so many plans
with all the money they had now.
"We risked everything," he told Cassim. "We have nothing left in Agrabah, but on
these camels we have the future of our family.... it was the best deal of my
life, son.... can you see? You don't have to be a bandit to have a good fortune!
Praise Allah!"
But it was then when the misfortune came in. They were so close to home,
traveling across the lands of the Forty Thieves. The caravan would continue its
travel to Persia but Cassim and Khalid would take their own way next morning.
Agrabah was just two days ahead and they were dying to go back there and share
the good news with Zahrah.
But it was the unfortunate night. The caravan was resting. The animals were
sleeping and most of the men were sleeping too. It was way past midnight and it
was such a peaceful night.
Cassim and Khalid were at the fireside, talking about their dreams for the
future. Suddenly a strange noise disturbed the silence of the night. Horses. Lots
of approaching horses.... horses everywhere. The caravan hadn't time to
understand what was happening. In a few minutes they were surrounded by many
men. Cassim took his sword and so did many other men. They were willing to
fight. A man covered with a cape spoke:
"Surrender to the Forty Thieves now and no one will be hurt.... or fight for
your lives... but you won't have a chance against the King of Thieves and his
Forty Thieves!"
"The Forty Thieves," muttered Cassim to himself. "So, they are real after all!"
"We will never surrender to you, thief!" the chief of the caravan faced the king.
"Then die!"
Without any warning the Forty Thieves attacked the caravan. It was a very unfair
fight, since the thieves were forty and the caravan men were just a dozen. But
they were willing to die fighting. Cassim fought like a hero, just like his
father would have. But the thieves were more and soon they were defeated by the
thieves.
But before the fight ended, Cassim saw Khalid fighting with the King of Thieves
himself. Cassim felt panic in his heart. What chance would the old Khalid have
against that young man? Cassim tried to help him, but he was stopped by
another thief. A tall, bald thief with big muscles, and a menacing grin and
look. And with a weird weapon on his fist, sort of a knife. Cassim was fighting
bravely with this man who surpassed him in strength, when he saw Khalid fall into
the ground with blood covering his robes.
"No! Khalid, no!"
At the same time the chief of the caravan surrendered to the thieves. Cassim
rushed to Khalid's side and placed his head on his lap. The old man only opened
his mouth and told him:
"Take good care of my daughter, Cassim... promise me!"
"I will, Khalid... I will..." Cassim was crying.
"Then I'm going... Allah is calling me.... tell her I loved her to the end....
I-- love her! I'm so proud of you, my boy.... always remember.... never forget...."
With this words, Khalid died in Cassim's arms. Cassim embraced the lifeless body
and cried over him for a moment. The thieves were already taking all the
plunder, laughing, indifferent to the pain they had caused. Cassim took his
sword and faced the King of Thieves himself.
"You! You killed him!"
"Out of my way, boy! I don't have time for this...."
"You're going to pay!"
Cassim wanted to fight with the King, but a couple of thieves stopped him.
"Do you want to end like the old man, boy?" the King laughed.
Another of the caravan men took Cassim's arm and said:
"Respect his sacrifice, Cassim.... you have a wife.... do this for her..."
The King laughed and climbed on his horse.
"You are a wise boy!" he scoffed at him.
"We'll meet again!" Cassim threatened him. "And you'll pay! You will pay!"
The King laughed and the thieves laughed with him. They spurred their horses and
they disappeared taking all the camels with them. Cassim went back to Khalid's
lifeless body and promised him he would take revenge of his death.
The next night he found himself at the gates of Agrabah carrying the lifeless
Khalid on his horse's back, covered with a white blanket.
The guards stopped him at the gate of the city.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Cassim Ben-Hassan.... my caravan was attacked by the Forty Thieves last
night.... and my goods were stolen... and my father in law was killed...."
The guards looked angry.
"The Forty Thieves!" one of them said. "They'll pay for this!"
"You can leave the body here, sir." the other guard said. "We'll take care of him
until you'll be ready for the funeral.... we have to report this to the
Sultan.... who was this unfortunate man?"
"His name was Khalid....." said Cassim and a tear escaped his eye. "Khalid the merchant."
Cassim went back home that night. He had very bad news for her wife. Not only
her father was killed, but they had nothing left for Khalid had risked
everything in his business... and the Forty Thieves had stolen everything they
had...... including Khalid's precious life.
He saw a light in his home and knew that his wife was sleeping there. He knew
that even if she was supposed to stay at the widow's house, she preferred to stay
in her own home. He took a deep breath and entered his home. He had that
horrible feeling again. The feeling he had felt when he lost his parents.
He entered his room and saw his wife sleeping peacefully on the bed. He ran his
hand across his hair as he used to and whispered her name. She opened her eyes
and for a moment she stared drowsily to him. The only light in the room was the
moonlight entering the window. Zahrah smiled widely when she recognized her
husband.
"Oh, Cassim! You are back!" she said taking his hand and pulling him close to
the bed.
Cassim held her hand and lowered his head.
"Yes... I'm back..."
"It's late, my beloved, I didn't expect you to come back tonight.... You must be
so tired... do you want something to eat? Are you hungry?"
"I'm fine, Zahrah... I'm just fine..."
"And where's father?"
Cassim looked deep into her eyes and then lowered his head as he sat on the bed
beside her. He held her hand tighter.
"Zahrah... my dear... we need to talk..."
"Cassim, what's wrong?" she said nervously. "What happened?"
Cassim looked at her eyes again and opened his mouth but the voice died in his
throat before he could say anything. He was trying so hard to hold his tears. He
swallowed hard and kissed her hand.
"We were on our way back to Agrabah...." he managed to say. "We were resting...
it was the middle of the night... the business in Egypt went great and your
father was so happy...." he stopped for a moment, running his hand across his
hair and then he managed to continue. "We didn't expect them... the caravan
wasn't prepared but.... they attacked... they took us by surprise and.... and we
tried to resist... but they were many... they were forty...."
Cassim stopped again. Zahrah had her eyes filled with tears. She could feel
Cassim's hand, it was cold and sweaty. He was shaking.
"Cassim.... what happened with my father?"
Cassim looked at her face and opened his mouth but said nothing. A tear ran
across Zahrah's face and Cassim lowered his eyes. She understood, no need to put
that into words.
"I'm sorry....." was the only thing Cassim could say.
"No... Cassim.... no my father.... please..."
Cassim opened his arms and held his wife close to him. She buried her face in
his shoulder and he buried his own face in her hair. She was crying. Cassim
wanted to cry but he knew he had to be brave for her, but he couldn't avoid the
rebel tears that escaped from his eyes. They didn't noticed the time. They
mourned Khalid for a long time. After a while Zahrah looked up into her
husband's eyes.
"Did he...? Were you....?"
Cassim nodded.
"He went peacefully... his last thought was for you. He died in my arms...."
Cassim's voice cracked. "But someday the King of Thieves will pay...."
"Where is he? Did you bury him in the desert?"
"No... he's here, back in Agrabah... we'll bury him here, in his land."
"Thanks Cassim...."
They embraced each other for a long moment. After a while she spoke.
"We have nothing less, Cassim..."
"We still have each other...."
"But my father lost everything.... we have nothing now."
"Don't worry.... we still have the shop and a few items there... we'll recover,
you'll see... we need to have faith in Allah, my darling. Everything will be
fine. We have each other."
"I thought the day you were back would be the happiest day of my life... my
father would be so happy... but now I see that happiness can't ever be
complete."
"What do you mean?"
"Allah is merciful, Cassim. When the All-Powerful took my brother's life, He
sent you to my life.... and now that He summoned my father...." Zahrah looked
into his eyes. "It's a life for a life, Cassim..."
"What?"
Regardless of her pain, Zahrah smiled. The tears on her face shinning with
happiness for a moment.
"Cassim.... our child is growing inside me."
Cassim was confused. For a second he couldn't react. Then he felt a warm feeling
inside him. A feeling which was even more powerful than the pain he held in his
heart.
"Our child, you said?"
Zahrah nodded.
"I'm pregnant, Cassim."
Cassim embraced his wife.
"Oh, praise, Allah! But when did you..?"
"I wasn't feeling okay when you left with my father... the widow told me that my
sickness was symptom of pregnancy... she took me to see the midwife and she
confirmed our suspicion... I'm pregnant, Cassim.... we are going to have a
baby..."
"Allah really is the Great One, my dear. A baby! I can't believe how this
feeling could overweight the pain I have in my heart. A child... my child..."
"Are you happy, Cassim?"
"I'm so happy, my dear... now we have a reason to go on... to live... we are not
alone anymore. Now we have this compromise with the child. A child who's here to
bring us faith... faith in Allah and faith in life... faith in our love... we
have to do our best for this little child." Said Cassim placing his hand in his
wife's belly and smiling tenderly.
Zahrah caressed Cassim's hand.
"We have a new family now, Cassim."
The next day Khalid was buried with all the ceremonies required. Zahrah and
Cassim were so sad, but a new hope lightened their lives. The miracle of life.
They cried for Khalid and in his heart Cassim promised to avenge his death, but
after a few days of mourning they understood that life goes on. They needed to
go on, not only for them, but for the child.
Cassim took his place as the new owner of Khalid's shop. But they had so little.
Khalid had risked everything in his deal... and the thieves had taken everything
from him. For Cassim and Zahrah life wouldn't be easy for they had to start all
over again. Zahra decided to go to the shop to work hand in hand with her
husband.
But things weren't easy. Cassim was not good at business and no matter how hard
he worked, the shop didn't seem to go in a good way. Cassim was desperate. His
wife understood but she said nothing. She knew Cassim could make great things.
Month after month, Zahrah's pregnancy was obvious now. And Cassim's failure
with his business was obvious too. The shop had no many clients and Cassim knew
that soon he'd be needing of more money to take care of his child. He worked so
hard, but the new shop just across the street were bigger, had more merchandise
and was stealing all the customers from Cassim's small store.
One day Agrabah woke up in mourning. The Royal Messengers came to the streets
to announce to the people the terrible news. Sultan Hamid had been married for a
few months and Agrabah was expecting the arrival of the heir, for Queen Amaranth
was pregnant and all the people were celebrating the good star of the Royal
Family. But the news the messengers carried that morning was bad. The Queen had
lost the baby, and the Sultan was not even in town to share the pain with his
wife.
All the shops of Agrabah closed in mourning for the Royal Child. Cassim and Zahrah
were particularly sad. They were in their house, just laying in each other's
arms.
"I can't believe it." Zahrah said sadly. "The Queen must be so sad. It's a
shame. She's so young and pretty... and the Sultan was so happy with the news of
his baby. And he's not even here to support his wife... it's awful... Oh Allah,
have mercy of the Royal Family!"
"Terrible." Murmured Cassim. "Just terrible... an heir was lost today... this is
Agrabah's darkest day... the Sultan will be so upset when he... he'll be so
sad..."
"That must be horrible, Cassim... to lose a baby just like that. I couldn't bear
it... and not having the support of your husband... poor Queen Amaranth! Oh,
merciful Allah, send her relief to her wounded heart!"
Cassim put his hand on her belly and could feel the baby moving there.
"I'll be here for the both of you always, Zahrah... I won't leave you!"
"I know... and I trust you, my love. But I can't stop thinking about the Royal
Family... Agrabah needs an heir... I wonder if she'd want to bear another child
after what happened."
Cassim kissed her forehead, still caressing her belly.
"But my darling, Agrabah has already an heir... he's here!"
They both smiled. The baby was moving.
"The kid will be here soon, Cassim."
"Are you nervous?"
"No... I'm excited. I want so badly to have my baby."
"The baby will need lots of things, Zahrah. I think we must be prepared for it.
The shop is not going very well and I... I was thinking..."
"What?"
"I hate to do this, but we need new merchandise. We need more stuff... and the
only way to get that is... is traveling to get new ware... a caravan..."
"Are you planning to go out?"
"I don't want to do this, Zahrah, but I guess I have no other choice. And it's
better to do it now, when there's still a few weeks before the birth of our
child. I want to be here to receive my kid when he or she born."
Zahrah said nothing. Just placed her head on his chest and sighed. Even if she
hated the idea of Cassim leaving her and joining a caravan, she knew he was
right. It was the only way. They needed the money.
"When are you leaving?" she whispered at last.
Cassim sighed.
"As soon as possible. A caravan is leaving Agrabah next Friday. I might join
them. But don't worry, I won't be gone for long. I'll be back in two weeks, I
promise!"
His wife just nodded. He felt his child moving inside her and kissed her
forehead.
"Have faith, Zahrah, everything will be fine. This is for our baby."
"I know... just be careful, Cassim. I want my child to have a father... be
careful with the Forty Thieves. Our kid will need you as much as I do."
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. And our child has nothing to fear, I'll
be here for him forever... as for the Forty Thieves..." rage crossed Cassim's
face but he said nothing more.
The night before his travel he couldn't sleep so he decided to take a glass of
water. When he was in the kitchen, he was thinking about his life and how
important was for him to have a good inheritance for his wife and for his child.
He remembered his own childhood. He had everything he needed from his parents.
He had a loving mother and a caring father, he had a family and he wanted just
the best for his own child. He wanted the best for his family, Zahrah deserved
the best and he wanted to give her everything. He loved his wife so deeply. But
he had no money. The business was bad and he knew he needed more money. For his
family he was willing to do anything.
Lost in his own thoughts he went to the room where Khalid had their books.
Cassim noticed a bundle on one of the shelves and immediately recognized it. It
was the book about the Hand of Midas, as well as the pin, the dagger and the
papers Khalid gave to him a while ago. Cassim lay himself on the couch and
started to read. It was interesting enough. A nice legend. The absolute
treasure, the Hand of Midas. He thought it would be nice if he could find such a
treasure for his family. He wanted to give them just the best. He noticed that
Khalid had written lots of interesting facts about the Hand of Midas, including
the story of the Vanishing Island and how it had once appeared in the shores of
Arabia, near Agrabah. He smiled. Could he think that Khalid actually believed
those stories? When you are young you can be fooled by anything. He thought.
He noticed it was almost time for him to go, so he went back to the kitchen and
put a little purse on the table. It was the last money he had and he decided to
leave it to his wife, she could need it. He noticed how few coins the purse had
and sighed. He had better make good business in this travel, otherwise, they
would have nothing less.
The Ultimate Treasure... he looked at the pin with the Hand of Midas image on
it. He was still staring at it when Zahrah appeared in the kitchen.
"You're awake already, Cassim! Is it time?"
"Yes... I think I should be going now... here you have money. I talked with the
widow yesterday, if you need anything just ask her. And please, Zahrah, take
care of yourself!"
"Don't worry about a thing, Cassim, I'll be fine. You just concentrate on having
a good business trip. When you're back our kid will be almost here."
"Yes..."
Zahrah went to the other room to get something. Cassim went to put the book back
in the shelf. The Hand of Midas, he thought, the Ultimate Treasure. Then, as if
they were coming from another world he remembered Khalid's words: "There's a
curse. He hand of Midas can turn everything it touches into gold... but it also
can sink it." Cassim shook his head and read a line on Khalid's papers: "When
you're looking this Hand you must beware. In order to get it, sometimes the
adventurer has to resign his most precious treasure without even noticing it."
Zahrah came back into the room carrying a dark cape.
"It's cold out there, Cassim, you better take this with you." She placed the
cape on his shoulders. "Now I only need to get something to clasp the cape..."
"This can be useful." Said Cassim handing the pin to his wife.
"Oh yes, this would do it...what is it?"
"You father gave it to me... with this dagger... I'm taking the dagger and my
father's sword with me... just to be prepared..."
"Yes." Smiled Zahrah placing the pin on the cape on Cassim's shoulder. "Perfect!
This pin will keep the cape in its place!" she handed Cassim a bag. "It's
food... take it."
Cassim smiled and pulled his wife closer to him, embracing her.
"I have to go now. But I'll be back soon, I promise. Now go back to sleep. It's
still dark and you need your rest."
"I will."
Cassim caressed her stomach and kissed her lips softly.
"I love you!"
And with those words he was gone. He climbed his horse and went to Agrabah's
gates. The caravan was leaving.
And with those words he was gone. He climbed his horse and went to Agrabah's
gates. The caravan was leaving.
Cassim had good business during the trip. He was happy and eager to go back to
Agrabah. He'd been gone for two weeks and he wanted to come back as soon as
possible for he knew his child could be arriving any minute.
He joined a safe caravan and prepared himself to go back home. After a few days
of traveling they were only two days from Agrabah. They stopped to spend the night in
a little Bedouin camp. Soon Cassim was talking with one of the nomads of the camp.
"You are not sleeping like everyone else, young man." The old man said.
"I'm restless tonight... I can't wait to go back to my home."
"Do you have a wife there?"
"Yes, a lovely wife and my child is coming soon. I traveled all this way just to
make money for them. They deserve the best."
"Sure. It's been a real blessing you could pass the Forty Thieves lands safely.
They are bad seed. They are always attacking caravans."
"I know... I was attacked by them once... they killed a dear friend of mine."
The old man shook his head.
"They are bad seed.." he repeated.
"So, these are their lands."
"Yes... the lands passing those cliffs... and the shores. It is said that they
had a magical den somewhere near the sea. I don't know but there are stories
about people seeing how they parted the seas using magic words. They have there
in their den all kind of imaginable treasure."
"Yes." Said Cassim absently. "I've heard all kind of fantastic stories about the
Forty Thieves..."
"And I see you also know about the legend of the Hand of Midas, boy."
Cassim looked at the old man, surprise in his eyes.
"How can you know that?"
The man pointed at the pin Cassim had on his cape.
"Oh, this... it's just a gift from a friend... the Hand of Midas is just another tale. A myth."
"Could be. But there is word that the Vanishing Island once appeared near here,
on the sea... some people say that there is a sunken ship made of gold... touched by the Hand of Midas."
"And sunk by it." replied Cassim by reflex, remembering Khalid's words.
The old man shrugged.
"The deserts are filled with legends and treasures... there's this legend about
a shark which swims through the sands. His belly's filled with gold of a thousand
sultans... there's also the story about the Cave of Wonders and its forbidden treasure."
"I'm not interested in forbidden treasures or in magical sharks, good man. I am only
interested in my family... those are just stories to tell by the campfire."
"Perhaps... but you never can be so sure about it... when I was young I used to
visit those rocks over there... and one time I could swear I saw the golden
sunken ship... but it was long ago. When you are old you forget things."
Cassim glanced at the rocks the man was talking about. His sense of adventure
suddenly awoke. The rocks were just a couple of miles away from the camp. Would
it kill him to go to take a look? He had the whole night to go there, he'd be
back before the caravan left. He could do it. What could it hurt?
He asked the old man for directions and asked him to keep an eye on his camels
until he'd be back. He took his horse and ran to the shores to see for himself
the golden sunken ship.
It was midnight when he arrived to the high rocks. The full moon was high in the
sky and he didn't need any other light to see his way. He dismounted his horse
and went closer to the shore. The sea was calm and he could swear he had seen
something shinning in the ocean floor. He decided to climb the rocks so he could
have a better point of view. He rounded the rocks and found an entrance to a
cave hidden behind some big rocks. He entered. The place was filled with spider
webs, bats and scorpions. The water filtered there too. It was a wet, dark and big
cave. Cassim took the torch he had taken with him and fired it. His steps echoed
in the whole place.
He found some stairs carved on the rock and went upstairs, slowly. He noticed
the strange symbols engraved on the walls. Finally he arrived at a dead end. He
examined the wall and noticed that it looked like a door. A hidden door. Cassim
looked at it closer and he found a familiar symbol. The symbol of the Hand of
Midas engraved in a tiny hole. It was the same size as his pin, he thought. He
took his pin on his hand and compared it with the engraved one. With curiosity
he pulled the pin inside the hole and he could hear a noise. It was the noise
of an old thing which had been not used in centuries. A rusty noise. The floor
shook a little and before Cassim's eyes a door was open in the wall.
Cassim felt fear but also curiosity. He entered to some sort of hall. It was
also carved in the rock and it has all kinds of strange symbols engraved
everywhere and also lots of stuff, like swords, spears and old armors. Cassim
thought it had been years, maybe centuries since someone were there for the last
time. Some of the walls of the hall were covered with old tapestries. The place
was like a hidden place. A very good hidden place. Cassim wondered if Khalid
knew about this place or if he knew that the Hand of Midas pin was actually a
key.
He noticed a hole in the wall and a soft breeze let him know that maybe it was a
way out. He went there and found himself in a high and small terrace above the
sea. But what he saw exceeded all his expectations. From there he could clearly
see something shinning under water. With the moonlight he could clearly see it.
It was a ship... a sunken ship... a GOLDEN ship. He swallowed hard. The legend
was true. The Hand of Midas was the real thing. It was the proof. He knew the
ship would cost a fortune, it could make him even richer than the Sultan, but
the ship was resting so deep in the Ocean floor. It was impossible to take it to
the surface.
Cassim went back to the chamber. He stared at one of the tapestries. It had a
big figure of the Hand of Midas embroidered on it.
"It's real." He said aloud. "The Hand of Midas is real... and I could find it.
It is the Ultimate Treasure. I need to find it. With that treasure I could give
my family the best. We'd be rich. We'd have a big, comfortable house, lots of
horses... my children would have the best teachers and my wife would have the
best dresses and lots of jewels." He shook his head. "No, this can't be real...
this cannot be real." He looked over his shoulder and could see the glittering
water where the golden ship was. "But it's real. Maybe you knew about it,
Khalid. Maybe you wanted me to find the treasure... I need to read your books
and your notes... as soon as Zahrah has our baby I'm going to start looking for
this treasure."
Cassim left the hall in a hurry, making sure it wouldn't be discovered. He
wanted to go back to the camp as soon as possible, but he was so excited that he
forgot the precautions in his way out. He ran to his horse without noticing two
figures that were standing there. When he noticed them, it was too late to run.
The men smiled malevolently.
"So, what's the hurry, boy?"
"What do you want?" asked Cassim half surprised half scared.
"We want all you can give us..."
"I have nothing."
"Then we can take your life... the Forty Thieves never go empty handed."
"The Forty Thieves?" Cassim's voice reflected his rage. "You are going to pay!"
Cassim took his sword and attacked the men. Sure, they were two against one but
the thieves were slow compared with Cassim. Being the son of a soldier he sure
knew how to use the sword. But the noise of the battle soon attracted the other
thieves who were just coming back from a robbery. Cassim was defeated. One of
them laughed and Cassim recognized him. He was the bald man who fought against
him the day Khalid was killed.
"Let's finish soon with this little pest." The man said. "We have to go to our
den to divide tonight's plunder."
"Where's your King?" Cassim asked furious.
"A little man like you can't see our King!" the bald man laughed.
"Shall we kill him here, Sa'luk?" One of the thieves asked.
"This is an honor thing!" Cassim cried. "Your King killed someone I loved! I
want him to pay for what he did!"
The man named Sa'luk smiled. A fight between the King and this man could benefit
him. If this man could kill the King he, Sa'luk would be the new king.
"Such spirit!" He said. "If that's what this boy wants, well, let's give it to
him. Take him to the King!"
The thieves tied Cassim's hands and put him on his horse, leading him to the
shore, near the hidden cave. Sa'luk raised his arm as he cried just two words, Open
Sesame and before Cassim's eyes the seas parted and a big entrance opened. It
was the legendary den of the Forty Thieves.
Soon Cassim was in presence of the King of Thieves himself. A tall and dark man
with evil shinning in his eyes. When he came to meet Cassim, Sa'luk had
already told him about the "honor thing". The King thought it was a good time
to have some fun, especially because that boy wouldn't stand a chance against him.
"So," he said, "It's an honor thing, boy... there's only one way to solve this
honor thing, don't you think?"
The thieves laughed and the King held his sword in front of Cassim's face. He
gulped. He remembered his wife and his child. He couldn't end like this. Not
there, not that night. He was holding his father's sword and he had to avenge
Khalid's death. He was filled with rage but also with the determination to
survive. For Zahrah and for his kid.
"You killed someone who was very important to me, King of Thieves. You caused
so much pain in the heart of the woman I love... and you are going to pay for it!"
And so the fight had begun. It was obvious that Cassim wouldn't stand a chance
against the King. But the fight was amusing the thieves. Cassim was sent to the
ground again and again. But he was also fighting like a demon. But soon the King
made him to drop the sword. Cassim was defenseless against a rock. He knew he was
about to die when he saw the King coming to him with his own sword over his
head. Cassim said a prayer and remembered his wife. At that moment he remembered
the dagger he had in his sash. With an incredibly quick movement he took out the
dagger and put it in front of him. The King couldn't stop and he went directly to the dagger.
The thieves saw the King falling to the ground with a dagger in his heart. It
was silence. Young Cassim looked at the lifeless body with horror. He was trying
to catch his own breath. The thieves didn't know what to do. Their King was
dead. Sa'luk was the first to react, grateful in his heart to Cassim, for he
had killed the King.
"He killed our King!" he cried. "He's a murderer! And we have rules against
murderers! The boy must die!"
Sa'luk raised his strange weapon to hit Cassim but then the voice of the older
of the thieves sounded.
"Sa'luk! Stop!"
"What is it?"
"We also have rules about a fight like this. This was a challenge. The boy
challenged the King of Thieves."
"So what?"
"The rules say that whoever kill the King in a challenge fight would become...
the new King of Thieves."
Everyone was surprised to hear that. Especially Cassim and Sa'luk. The man
looked at the young Cassim.
"This boy can't be our King... he just can't!"
"It's the rule, Sa'luk." another thief said. "You know that!"
Sa'luk looked at the thieves. They all were nodding. He cried:
"This boy just killed our beloved King and you want to make him our New King?
This is scandalous!"
"The King killed someone who was important to the boy first, Sa'luk." the other
thief said.
"And the boy was brave enough to came here to face the King of Thieves in a
challenge, a very unequal challenge. And the boy won. I say he's a hero!"
Sa'luk was furious.
"So, you want HIM to be our new King... what about if I challenge HIM right now?"
"You can't, Sa'luk, it's against the rules to challenge another of our thieves
and you know that. And if he refuses to take the place as our King, the penalty is death."
The oldest thief came to Cassim and put a hand on his shoulder.
"The boy, he's our new King!"
All the thieves started to cheer and clap for Cassim. He could see Sa'luk's angry
face. Another thief gave him back the dagger while some of them took away the
lifeless body of the former King. Cassim didn't know what to say, but one thing
was for sure, he knew that was his only chance to survive, for if he refused the
post he would be killed at once.
"What's your name, young King?" the oldest thief asked.
"My name is Cassim." He said with his best manly voice, trying to be calm and to
pretend to have everything under control. "And from now on, I'm your King since
I've defeated the man who killed my father in law! Now you have to do as I
command, otherwise I'll have to apply the Law." Cassim was shaking but he prayed
for them to not to noticed it.
"And what are we going to do now, King?"
Cassim felt fear. He had to go back to Agrabah right away, but how? He smiled as
an idea came to him.
"I want you to know that I'm a very benevolent king. And for a start I want to
give you some free time. I mean, I'm sure you all had been working so hard here
and all and maybe you want to visit your family or to go to spend money or whatever..."
"Yes!" was the popular shout.
"Well then, you can go to do whatever you want... for 3 months you are free!"
Everybody was happy with the new King. The thieves came to shake his hand and to
pat his back. The only one who was not happy was Sa'luk. Cassim sighed, he could
come back to Agrabah and never return to the Forty Thieves. His life was assured.
"Is this a plan?" Sa'luk asked him.
"Well, you have to keep your workers happy, Sa'luk, if you want them to love
you." Smiled Cassim trying to remain cool even if he was feeling so frightened inside.
"What are you going to do, King?" a thief asked him.
"I have to go back to my home. My wife is having our first baby soon and I have
to be there."
Sa'luk saw the popular Cassim with raising rage in his heart.
"Some day, Cassim I'm going to take revenge on you... on you and on what's most
important to you... your first born!" he whispered to himself.
Cassim came back to the Bedouin camp where the caravan was just in time to
continue his travel. He knew he had almost died but he decided to keep it from
his wife. The thieves could never find him and he was not going to go back to
them. He looked at his camels and smiled. That was well-earned money, not the
dirty money of the Forty Thieves.
The King of Thieves, he thought. He had avenged Khalid's death and now he was
the King of Thieves. Wasn't that funny? But soon the image of his beloved wife
appeared in front of him. He had no other choice, it was the only way to save
his life, by accepting that tittle.
"My boy will never be called 'Prince of Thieves' nor 'streetrat'... I will work
hard for him. He'll be proud of his father."
When he came back to his home Zahrah received him with great joy. She was fine
and the birth date was so close now. Cassim was so happy to be there, at home
once again with his wife. He told her that his voyage was successful and he had
money for the kid, plus new items to sell at the shop. They were going to be
fine. Zahrah was so happy to hear that.
"You see, Cassim, the honest work always pays!"
"Yes." He smiled. "The honest work."
Chapter 4: Chapter Four
CHAPTER FOURCassim worked so hard the following days. He wanted to forget everything about the
Forty Thieves. But there was something he couldn't forget even if he was trying
hard: the golden sunken ship and the Hand of Midas. He reviewed Khalid's notes
and books. He knew he could find it if he tried hard enough. But that meant to
leave his wife and his baby for a while. If only he could find a good way to...
He knew the shop was going well. Not perfect, but well. He remembered Khalid's
words when he told him: "you'll never be rich working here, but it's a start"
and then Zahrah's words: "honest work always pays!" But the search of the Hand
of Midas was an honest work, wasn't it? He wanted the best for his family. And
he knew that the life he could give them being just a humble merchant was not
the best.
He was in a beautiful temple. The Hand of Midas was right in front of him. He
took it by the handle and touched the floor of the temple. Everything turned
into gold. He laughed. His own clothes were made from gold. The Ultimate
Treasure. But the temple was being filled with water. He tried to escape, to
swim but the golden clothes were to heavy. He was sinking... he was drowning.
"Touched by the Hand of Midas and sunk by it!" Those words sounded in his mind
again and again. And then a deep voice, like the voice of an Oracle asking him:
"What is your Ultimate Treasure, Cassim?" He continued and was about to die, sinking
in the water. Some words sounded so far from him. "The Diamond in the Rough".
And then the Oracle's voice once again: "Only one can save you, Cassim. Only
one!"
"No!" Cassim awoke gasping trying to catch his breath. It was only a dream. Only
a dream. He remembered his weird dream.
"My ultimate treasure? The diamond in the rough?" he whispered to himself "What
does that mean? Who's the one who can save me?"
He felt Zahrah's hand squeezing his own.
"Cassim," she whispered in a low voice. "I think it's time..."
"What?"
"The baby, Cassim... the baby is coming..."
Cassim was prepared for that. Immediately he went to get the widow.
"Go get the midwife, Cassim," the old woman told him. "I'll stay with Zahrah. Now hurry!"
Cassim had previously hired the services of one of the best midwives in all of
Agrabah. She had lots of experience and she even had worked at the palace as one
of Queen Amaranth's midwives. Cassim wanted just the best for his wife.
The woman was always ready for emergencies so they were on their way back to
Cassim's home in no time. Cassim was nervous but the midwife was a kind woman
and as they were fast walking to the house she was trying to calm him down.
"Don't worry, sir, I'm sure your wife will be fine. I've seen hundreds of
childbirths and most of the time there's nothing to worry about."
"Well, I am nervous and I can't hide it."
"Your wife will be fine. And soon you'll have your precious baby in your arms.
What would you like it to be, a boy or a girl?"
"Oh, that really doesn't matter. I want my child to be fine and my wife too.
That's all I'm asking for."
"Allah will hear your prayers."
When they entered Cassim's house, the widow came to them.
"The baby is almost here, hurry!"
"So fast?" Cassim asked. "How long does a childbirth take?"
"It depends... hopefully this one will be fast." The midwife said preparing
herself. "Now relax, sir, I'll take care of her, stay here."
"I can't stay here, it's my wife who's there! I want to be with her!"
"But," the widow protested, "you can't go inside there. It's against the customs and..."
But Cassim was inside the room already. The midwife smiled kindly.
"Well, maybe he can help me."
The childbirth was blessed. It was fast and Zahrah did it wonderfully. In just
two hours it was almost over. Even the midwife was happily surprised.
"You are a strong woman, my lady... now we just need a last effort... a last
push... the baby is coming already..."
"C'mon my darling," Cassim encouraged her holding her hand, "It's almost over."
A small sob was heard in the room as soon as the midwife held the newborn in her
hands.
"Praise Allah!" Cassim smiled.
"It's a boy!" the woman said.
Cassim kissed Zahrah's sweaty forehead. The young woman was still breathing fast
but she felt her heart beating with joy and happiness. It was all over. She had
her son now. Zahrah looked up into Cassim's eyes. Cassim leaned to kiss her
hand.
"He's our son." He said.
The widow wrapped the crying baby with a soft blanket and put him in Cassim's
arms. He looked at his son's little face. He was a beautiful boy. Cassim smiled
and kneeled at Zahrah's side, putting the baby in her arms.
"He's beautiful, Cassim." She said, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. "He's as handsome as his dad."
"No... he's as beautiful as his mother."
"Thank Allah!" she said kissing the boy's face and holding him close to her.
"Now," the widow said, "Cassim, it is your duty as the father of this boy to name
him. What will his name be?"
Cassim smiled widely. He had his own eyes filled with tears.
"Well... we've been through hard times lately... but this boy came to bring us
hope... this boy is Allah's blessing upon us... this boy gave me back the faith
I lost when Khalid died... this boy is the faith Zahrah and I have in Allah....
Allah' al-Din... the Faith in Allah... his name is Aladdin."
Zahrah hugged the little boy close to her.
"Aladdin, my boy, my little son!"
Cassim smiled and kissed Zahrah's face and Aladdin's forehead.
"You two are my whole life. I love you!"
A few minutes later and while the widow was cleaning Zahrah and the baby, Cassim
was helping the midwife to pack her stuff. They were in the kitchen.
"I want to thank you for what you did."
"Oh, never mind, Cassim, it was my pleasure. Besides, you paid me very well."
"Well, it's more than just money. I know lots of women had troubles during the
delivery... and I was nervous..."
"Your wife is a strong, healthy woman. There's nothing to worry about. Besides
you had a beautiful son, Cassim. In all my years as a midwife I'd never seen
such a beautiful baby. He looks like a little prince."
Cassim smiled remembering what his father used to say about his son being
Agrabah's next Sultan. But that thought made him remember the Royal Family.
"Tell me Madam, how's the Queen? We were so sorry when we heard the bad news."
"She's fine... she's fine but sad. I really don't know if she can bear another
baby. She's not very strong. But I've been told that she insists to conceive an heir
for Agrabah." The midwife sighed sadly shaking her head. "The poor girl! I hope
everything goes well for her and for us. Allah forbid us to be a kingdom
without an heir. Besides I've always hoped to hold in my hands Agrabah's heir someday."
"Yes." Smiled Cassim. "We'll be praying for the Queen."
"She really can use our prayers. Well, now I'll be leaving. Take care of your wife and
take care of that beautiful son of yours, Cassim."
"I will."
Cassim felt he was the happiest man alive. His son, Aladdin, filled him with a
new pride, a new feeling of love and happiness he'd never felt before. He spent
hours talking to his son, caressing him or just rocking him. He knew the boy was
too small to play but he couldn't wait for his son to grown up. He had so many
plans for his son. He had to teach him how to ride horses, how to use the sword,
how to climb a tree. His son would be a hero, an adventurer. Besides he knew he
was going to be a very handsome young man. He could win the heart of any woman
in the Seven Deserts. He'd be the best son he could ask for. Zahrah smiled at
Cassim every time he was talking about it, and it seemed that Aladdin was
everything Cassim could talk about.
"But he's just a newborn, Cassim, how can you be planning his wedding already?"
laughed Zahrah.
"Oh, time flies, Zahrah, my dear. And when you least expect it he'll be here, in
this kitchen telling us 'Mom, dad, I'm going to marry the Princess of Agrabah!'
you'll see!"
Those were the happiest days of Zahrah and Cassim's lives. The little Aladdin
was truly a blessing. The shop was running perfectly and Cassim knew life was
getting better by the day. Soon they were celebrating Aladdin's second month.
That day Cassim was in his shop talking with the man who owned the stand of
ceramics which was outside his shop.
"I'm telling you, Akbar, my boy Aladdin is growing fast. He's two months old now
and he's beautiful. He has the most wonderful eyes and his smile is so beautiful...
he's everything for me, Akbar."
"I'm happy for you, Cassim. A son is always a blessing from Allah."
"Your are right. I feel blessed. I have a wonderful wife and a beautiful son."
"So, are you planning to have more family?"
"Well, sure. We want more babies but not this soon... we need to wait for
Aladdin to grow up a little more, you know, I'd like to--" Cassim didn't
finished the sentence, for a man had entered the shop. "Excuse me, Akbar, I have
a customer."
When Cassim entered the shop, the man saluted him kindly.
"Good day my good man. Is this Khalid's shop?"
"Well," Said Cassim sadly. "It was. He was my father in law but he died almost
a year ago. Now I'm in charge. How may I serve you?"
"Oh, Khalid is dead... I'm so sorry to hear that, mister---"
"Cassim, my name is Cassim."
"Well, Cassim, so that explains why Khalid hasn't paid us yet. He used to be
such a punctual payer. But I'm sure you'll have the payment ready for us."
"Payment? What payment?"
"Don't you know? Khalid asked for a loan a year ago. He was planning to go out
in a caravan and make good business at Egypt. My father did lend him the money
he needed. He promised he'll pay as soon as he came back from the travel but
it's been almost a year and my father really needs his money right now."
"I see..." said Cassim worried. "I never knew about that..."
"Well, don't worry. I understand that. With Khalid's death I'm sure everything
has been crazy around here."
"Yes, it has." Cassim said with a worried voice. "How much do I have to pay?"
The man gave Cassim a paper. It was a bill. Cassim's eyes widened. It was lots
of money.
"This is so much money, sir... I don't think Khalid would have asked that much."
"No, of course not. But it's been a year, sir and the interests are high but if
you don't want them to continue to grow up you better pay now."
"But... sir, I-- I really don't have that much money... I couldn't--"
"It's a shame then," the man said coldly. "I believe we have to arrange this
with the Sultan. I have here the bill signed by Khalid himself. He compromised
himself to pay. Of course to arrange this business at the Sultan's Justice Court
will only add more interests to the debt and you'll be forced to pay or you'll be
send to prison."
"This is not fair, sir."
"I know it's not fair, but it's the law."
"I have a newborn son and I don't have the money... what can I do?"
The man looked around him.
"You could give us this shop as a part of the payment... and you can pay the
rest in cash."
"This shop is the only thing I have, sir." Cassim was half angry and half
desperate. "What would I do without it? I have a family to take care of!"
The man sighed sadly.
"Very well then, Cassim. We'll see you at the Justice Court..."
"No!" Cassim cried. He knew that he could go to jail. "Please, give me time and
I'll pay!"
"I can only give you two more days."
"Two days? That's impossible to get the money in just two days!"
"All right then... so then we'll fight at the Court."
"No!" Cassim sighed. "Two days... come back in two days."
That night Cassim went to take a long walk across the city. He needed to be
alone. He knew Khalid had the money to pay his debt after the travel, but the
Forty Thieves took everything away. Now he had to pay or go to jail. He couldn't
go to jail. He had to look out for his family. He had to pay. He'd lose the shop
and all the money he had but he had no other choice. He sighed. Why was life so unfair?
He looked at the palace.
"I've worked hard all my life and I have nothing. I deserve more!" he said to
himself. "My family deserve more!"
Cassim shook his head. He couldn't tell Zahrah the truth. He was going to lose
the shop but he had to lie to her. He'd hate to see her worried.
"Cassim, where have you been? It's late and I was worried..."
Cassim smiled and kissed his wife and went to the cradle to lift his baby boy
Aladdin.
"I'm sorry I'm late, my darling, but I have good news for you."
"Really? Are you hungry?" she said putting the plates on the table.
"Do you remember the business your father had in Egypt before he died?"
"Yes."
"Well, today an old partner of your father came to see me. He's from Egypt and
he proposed me a wonderful deal. It's perfect and we have nothing to lose. It
was a deal your father and him had since long ago... I think it would be perfect
for us."
"Oh, yes?" she said serving the food. "What is it?"
"Well..." Cassim hesitated. "It's kind of hard to explain but... I'll try to put
it into words.."
"Nevermind." She smiled. "I don't know anything about business, so I trust you."
"Thanks." Sighed Cassim. "But there's only one bad thing about this... you know
what your father used to say about business, no pain, no gain...."
"He said that?"
"Well, yeah, he said that... ahem... anyway, the trouble is that I need to sell
the shop."
Zahrah looked at him. Cassim was playing with Aladdin trying to rest no importance
on the subject.
"Are you sure about this, Cassim?"
"Yes, I'm sure... why, your father even had the contract ready and everything.
He wanted to do this. The man who came to see me today, quite a gentleman
besides, he has all the papers signed by your father."
"I don't know, Cassim... do you think we should do this? Think of Aladdin, the
boy need lots of things... we can't take risks now."
"It's not a risk. There's nothing to worry about... it's a perfectly safe deal. Trust me."
Zahrah smiled and took Aladdin from Cassim's lap placing him on his cradle to
let his father have his meal.
"Do what you think is the best."
"Thanks Zahrah!" Cassim sighed.
Two days later Cassim handed the shop to the creditor man. He also gave him half
the money he had. After that Cassim knew he had almost nothing. No money, no
shop. He needed find a good job soon. But he promised himself that Zahrah would
never know about it.
A whole week passed and Cassim couldn't find any job. He told his wife that the
money of the shop went to Egypt and it was only matter of time to have it back.
It was a good deal, he kept reminding her.
One night he was truly desperate. He needed to get money. When his wife was
sleeping he left the bed and went to see his son. The baby was peacefully
sleeping. Cassim caressed his tiny face and went to the kitchen. He took
Khalid's book about the Hand of Midas and read it once again.
"This is my only chance." He said to himself. "I can find this treasure, I know
I can. And then my family would have anything they want. We are living hard
times but I know we'll get over.... I need to take this chance. I can't fail. I
know plenty about the Hand and I know I can find it. I need some time. I can tell
Zahrah I'm traveling to Egypt again... it's only a matter of a few weeks... a
couple of months perhaps... and I'll be back as a rich man and they'll have
everything. I have to do this for them. They deserve much more than this. I'm
going to do it..."
Cassim read Khalid's notes again. He read about the curse again. But he had no
other choice. It was his only hope. And he was going to take the chance.
"This would be easier if I could have help." He thought.
Then, suddenly, he remembered the Forty Thieves. They could help him. He was
their leader after all. Maybe he could convince them to give up the life of
crime and help him to find the treasure. The treasure was limitless after all,
he could share it with them. He could do it. He knew it was dangerous but it
would only last for a few months. He had to do it. Three months. The three
months he had given to the Thieves were almost over. He had to go back to the
Thieve's den as soon as possible. It was his only chance.
Cassim went back to Aladdin's cradle and took the sleeping boy in his arms,
holding him closer. The baby opened his eyes and smiled at his dad.
"It's for you, my boy... I'm doing this for you and for your mother. I hope you
can understand this. I'm leaving tomorrow, son. Be a good boy while I'm not
here. I'll be back. I love you, my beautiful Aladdin."
The next day he prepared himself to leave. Zahrah was so worried.
"But Cassim, this travel was so... unexpected..."
"I told you, my dear, the man from Egypt needs me to go with him there to finish
the deal. I have to go, but don't worry, I'll be gone just for a few weeks. And
when I'm back I assure you we'll be the richest people of Agrabah!"
"I don't care about the money, Cassim... I'm worried about you!"
"I'll be fine!"
"But ever since the Forty Thieves killed my dad I'm always so nervous when you
have to cross those lands."
"Oh, don't worry! I'm sure the Forty Thieves won't hurt me!"
"I don't know who the King of Thieves is... but whoever he is, I'll hate him
forever!"
Cassim lowered his eyes.
"Don't say that, Zahrah, I'm sure he'd pay for what he did. Maybe there's a new
King of Thieves now... someone who's not a bad guy."
"He's a thief!"
Cassim blushed.
"Maybe he's not a thief."
"Cassim, they hurt innocent people!"
"Yes... but that can be changed..."
"How?"
"I don't know." Cassim managed to smile. "Let's pray and Allah will hear us."
Cassim finished arranging his saddlebags on his horse. He was wearing dark
clothes and his Hand of Midas pin. He looked more matured than usual. Maybe it
was because of his new beard, Zahrah thought. But he looked as handsome as
always. Cassim took Aladdin from his mother's arms and embraced him for a long
moment.
"Always let him know that I love him!" he said.
"You're talking as if you're never coming back, Cassim."
"Oh, no... it's just that this is the first time I left my son behind."
Cassim kissed Aladdin's forehead and handed him to Zahrah. He embraced his wife
and softly kissed her lips.
"I'll be back soon, my dear. Never forget that I love you..."
"I won't."
Cassim took the dagger he had in his sash and handed it to Zahrah.
"What is this?"
"It belongs to your father. He once saved my life, Zahrah. Give it to Aladdin."
"But..."
"Do as I say. Keep it and give it to our son... please."
"I will."
Cassim kissed his family for the last time and climbed to his horse. For a long
time he looked at his wife and his son. He felt tears in his eyes, but held them
back. He smiled and spoke:
"You are beautiful, my darling... always remember that everything I do is for
you... for you and for Aladdin.."
"I love you, Cassim!"
"I love you too, Zahrah! I'll be back soon!" he said spurring his horse not
wanting to make the goodbyes longer.
"Take care!" it was the last he ever heard of his wife.
Chapter 5: Chapter Five
CHAPTER FIVECassim went to the Forty Thieves den and was received as their King. He was sure
he could find the treasure with the help of the Thieves but he decided to keep
in secret which treasure it was. The first thing he did when he arrived there
was change some of the rules of the thieves. He especially added one: they would
never hurt the innocents. He also forbid them to attack Agrabah or any
Agrabanian caravan. He made the hidden cave his personal quarters but he kept
them also in secret. It was a safe place, far from the thieves and most of all,
far from Sa'luk who turned to be his greatest enemy. He was subtle, he had
accepted Cassim but the King knew he had to keep an eye opened for Sa'luk. He
knew he could betray him any minute.
The first thing Cassim had to do was gain the confidence of the Thieves. He
didn't wanted to attack caravans but he soon found out that he had no other
choice. If he wanted to convince the Thieves to help him with his search, he
first must prove himself a good leader. He was a good man, and soon he was loved
and respected by the Thieves, but it was still not good enough.
Cassim continued searching for more information about the Hand of Midas. But
soon he found out that things wouldn't be as easy as he thought it would be. Many
times he wanted to quit, but then the image of his wife and son came to his
mind. He couldn't go back to Agrabah empty handed. He must go on.
Time passed fast and Cassim saw days turning into weeks and weeks turning into
months. "I'm closer now!" he kept saying himself. But with every single step
that approached him to the Hand of Midas, he felt he was getting far from his
family. But he couldn't give up! Soon the Hand of Midas was his obsession. He
could only think about it. He could only dream about it.
And the weeks turned into months....
His life... the good life he had shared with his wife seemed so far. He promised
he'd be back. But he also promised he'd be back as a rich man. And he wanted to
keep his promise, at any cost.
Sometimes he even forget who he really was. Sometimes he wanted just to listen
to his own name. There everyone kept calling him "The King". Only Sa'luk called
him by his name and Cassim was thankful about that. If it wasn't for Sa'luk
he'd forget who he really was.
Adventure after adventure. Robbery after robbery... the name of the King of
Thieves was known in all the Seven Deserts. He was not a man, he was a demon,
someone who couldn't be captured. His men loved him, they were loyal to him to the
end. He had earned their faith.
He was a rich man now. He had money, he had gold.... but he still didn't have
his Ultimate Treasure.... that Hand of Midas. The one that could turn everything
into gold. every time he thought about that, he could remember some words saying
to him: "Touched by the Hand of Midas, and sunk by it."
He tried not to think about it. It was too painful for him. He once had a
family. But he couldn't go back. Not now. He was so close to the Hand, he knew
it. But after a while he realized he also was trapped... he was trapped in the
world of the Forty Thieves. How could he go back to his family now? He was now a
wanted man. He was the King of Thieves.
And without even noticing it, the months turned into years.
He used to remember his wife, his dear Zahrah. He kept a sweet memory of her. He
also remembered Khalid and his own father, Hassan. But most of all, he
remembered his son, Aladdin. How he longed to see his boy! But he was doing that
for him. For his Aladdin.
Soon Cassim lost the sense of time.....
One night they attacked a caravan on its way to Getsestan. Among the plunder,
Cassim found a mysterious half-scarab amulet.
"What is this?" Cassim asked one of the thieves when they were dividing the
plunder that night. "It's broken."
"Oh, no King, it's not broken." The thief said. "It's the Golden Scarab...
haven't you heard about it?"
"I don't think so..." said Cassim examining the piece.
"The legend says that whoever who can find and join the two halves of the amulet
will find the mysterious Cave of Wonders..."
"The Cave of Wonders?" Cassim said remembering the tale told to him by that
nomad the night he became the King of Thieves. "I've heard about this Cave... it
has a forbidden treasure, right?"
"Oh, yes, it has a forbidden treasure. They say that the riches in there
overweight the treasure of a thousand Sultans. It is guarded by a Tiger god, but
not anybody can enter there, only the one who proves to be worthy... that's what
I know about it, King."
"I see." Cassim said doubtfully. "But I'm not interested in forbidden
treasures... I only want the Ultimate Treasure.... besides, who would want this
half medal anyway?"
"There's a man." Another of the thieves answered. "He has been looking for
anything related to the Cave of Wonders for years. My cousin Gazeem works for
him... this man collects all kind of magical devices. He's a sorcerer, or at
least that's what Gazeem told me. Maybe he could be interested in buying or
trading this medal..."
Cassim's face lightened up and smiled.
"That could be." He thought. "Maybe he could give me in exchange for this Golden
Scarab something about the Hand of Midas..."
Cassim spoke to the thief:
"And what's the name of this man?"
"I don't know, King... I know he's a very important person, and that's why he
keeps his name in secret. But my cousin Gazeem says that..."
"Look," said Cassim giving the thief a bag filled with golden coins. "Take this
and go to find your cousin Gazeem, tell him to bring this message to that
mysterious man..."
By saying that, Cassim wrote a message:
"I've heard that you are interested in the Golden Scarab that can lead you to
the Cave of Wonders. I have a half of it and I'd want to exchange it for
information about the Hand of Midas or the Vanishing Island. If you are
interested just let me know about it."
Cassim handed the note to the thief.
"Do it as fast as you can. Bring me news soon. You and your cousin will be
rewarded if you do as I command."
"I'm your humble servant, my King!"
The thief took his bag, the note and left the den. He knew that the King was
very generous when he was pleased. Cassim smiled and placing the amulet in his
pocket, went to his hidden quarters to take some rest.
A few days after that, the thief, whose name was Sahid, came to meet the King of
Thieves. He had news.
"Sir, King, can we talk?"
"Oh, Sahid, I see you're back! Welcome! So, do you have news for me?"
"I do, King! I met with my cousin Gazeem and he took the note to his boss. A few
days after I had a response from him and I came back as soon as I can. My cousin
said that his boss is very interested in the amulet."
"So, where's the response?"
Sahid handed to Cassim a rolled paper. Judging by the quality of the paper and
the elegant handwriting, the man had to be a cultured man. Cassim read:
"I'm interested in what you have. I've been looking for that Golden Scarab for
years and I'd be more than happy if we could trade. I have some information
about what you want. In all my years searching for magical items I have quite a
collection. I have a map for you and also some other information you'd like to
hear. You can meet me. Your man has instructions. Do it as soon as you can."
Cassim rolled the paper and looked at Sahid.
"So, you have instructions for the meeting, don't you?"
"Yes, we have to go to Agrabah, sir."
Cassim eyes widened.
"Agrabah?"
"Yes, the man lives there."
"But... I can't go back to Agrabah... not just now!"
Sahid looked at the King's worried face.
"What's wrong, King?"
"It's just that... oh, never mind, what else did that man say?"
"Not much, he asked you to go to Agrabah, once you're there I'll tell to my
cousin Gazeem, and my cousin will arrange a meeting with the man... in a secret
place... it seems to me that man has something to hide... Gazeem says that he's
a very important man in Agrabah, but I have no idea who he could really be, but
when I was there..."
As Sahid continued talking, Cassim was lost in his own thoughts. Go back to
Agrabah! How long had he been gone anyway?
"King! Are you listening to me?"
"Wha-- oh, yes, yes..."
"When are we leaving?"
Cassim passed across the room, rubbing his chin.
"Look, Sahid, go to take some rest... I have to put some things in order and I'll
let you know when we'll leave, okay?"
"Yes sir."
When Cassim was all alone, he went to his hidden chamber. He used to go there
when he needed to think.
"Agrabah... Agrabah means my wife and my son... how can I go back there empty
handed? I know, I have treasure now, but this kind of treasure is not what I
want for them... this is dirty money... the money of the thief. But I can't
keep myself running all my life. I have to go back, I know I have to... but now
I'm scared. It's been so long! But I have to face them... I need to see them. I
love them. I love them more than ever. Not a single day has passed that I
haven't thought about them. Zahrah, Aladdin... how can I go back to you after all these
years? What should I say? What should I--?"
He went outside to the terrace to contemplate the sunken ship. That ship was
himself, so full of gold, but too heavy to go to the surface once again. He was
ashamed of himself. How could he look into Zahrah's eyes knowing that he was a
thief? How could he hold his son knowing that he was a wanted man?. Touched by
the Hand of Midas and sunk by it. Those words resounded in his head. Was this
really important? Was it worth enough to lose his family for it? Would they
accept him after all those years? Cassim sighed sadly.
"There's only one way to know... I have to go back to Agrabah... go back to my
family. I can't keep myself running away all the time. I'm sure they'll
understand. I'm sure they will forgive me for what I've done. I'm sure they
still love me... this is the ultimate risk and I'm going to take it!"
Sahid was eating in the company of other of the thieves. Cassim entered the room.
"Sahid, we're going to Agrabah!"
"Now, King?"
"Yes, we are leaving now. C'mon."
When Cassim and Sahid left the room the other thieves smiled.
"The King really wants his treasure!"
It was late afternoon when they arrived in Agrabah. Cassim felt his eyes wet at
the image of his beloved city. He knew he couldn't stay there for long. He was
already a hunted man, a dangerous man. He covered his head as they entered the
city.
"I'm going to find my cousin, King. Where can we meet?"
"Meet me at the marketplace at midnight."
Sahid left and Cassim was all alone in the main street of Agrabah. The sun was
dying and he decided it was time to go back to his home. He was crossing the
marketplace lost in his own thoughts when he heard a man screaming.
"Stop that little thief!"
Before Cassim could react, a small boy crashed to him. He was around 6 years
old. Cassim looked down at the boy's face and he smiled when he noticed the boy
was carrying a loaf of bread in his hand. A guard came to them.
"Here you are, streetrat!"
"What's wrong, sir?" Cassim kindly asked.
"This little thief has stolen that bread!"
"Oh, no, no, sir." Cassim laughed putting a reassuring hand on the boy's
shoulder. "I'm sure he didn't want to. My son can be a little forgetful
sometimes, he forgot the money at home." Cassim gave a coin to the guard.
"Is this kid your son?"
"Yes, he is." Cassim said caressing playfully the boy's hair.
The guard stared at them for a while and then with a growl he left.
Cassim smiled at the boy.
"You should be more careful, boy."
"Thanks, sir."
Cassim gave another coin to the kid.
"Here, get yourself something." He said with a smile patting the boy's shoulder
affectionately. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Then Cassim
turned to leave.
The little boy kept an eye on that kind stranger, smiling at him until the man
got lost in the alleys. The kid stared at the alley where the man had
disappeared until another boy about his own age came to him.
"C'mon, Aladdin, you can't stay there forever! This time you were lucky,
slowpoke!"
"Hey!" the boy cried. "Wait for me, Amal!"
The boy took another look at the alley where the man had entered and smiled a
warm smile, running his hand across his hair. He looked at the coin in his hand
and put it in his pocket smiling. He hurried up to catch up to his friend Amal.
It was dark when Cassim found himself standing in front of the house he once
shared with his wife. Light from the lamps illuminated the windows and he could
hear the laugh of a young boy inside and he could see the shadows of a young
woman in the windows. His wife, his son. How would they react when they saw him?
He pulled his cloak off his head and climbed the doorsteps. He knocked at the door
nervously. Almost immediately a young man opened the door. A two year old girl was
hiding herself behind the man's leg and looking at Cassim with a
curious face. Cassim also could see a young boy standing there. The boy was
about 5 or 6 years old. The man looked at Cassim with a kind smile on his face:
"May I help you, sir?"
Cassim just stared at him unable to say a word. What was this man doing in his
home? Who was this little girl? Was that boy his Aladdin? Where was his beloved
Zahrah? Cassim couldn't put his thoughts into words. Soon he heard a female voice:
"Omar, dear, who is it?"
A young woman appeared on the scene and Cassim looked at her in surprise. He
half smiled and sighed in relief. She was not Zahrah. Until then Cassim could talk:
"I'm sorry to disturb you," he said kindly, "but I was looking for a woman who
used to live here. Her name was Zahrah and she had a little son."
"Oh," the young man said. "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't help you. You see, we did
buy this house a couple of years ago. It belonged to Bassel, the merchant, the
one who sales carpets and tapestries at the marketplace."
"Oh yes, I know who he is."
"Well, maybe he could inform you what happened with the young woman you are
looking for. You should go to see him."
"I think I will." Said Cassim trying to smile but suddenly an idea came to his
mind. "Do you know the old widow who lives next door?"
"We knew her. She died when we moved here. She was a kind lady but she was old."
"Yes, she was." Cassim lowered his head. "I guess I better be going now. Thanks!"
"You are welcome, sir."
The man closed the door and Cassim felt fear in his heart. How long had he been
gone? He almost ran to Bassel's shop. The old Bassel was closing his store when
he arrived.
"I'm sorry, sir, are you Bassel?"
"I am... who wants to know?"
Cassim was in a hurry.
"Look, I only want to know one thing, did you sell a house that used to be
property of Khalid the merchant? The one who owned a fabric and clothes
store?"
"Oh yes. The house was owned by his daughter, Zahrah."
"Oh thank Allah! Yes, that house... did Zahrah sell it to you?"
The old man shook his head sadly.
"She needed money after she lost her husband."
"What?" Cassim asked in disbelief.
"She lost her father and her husband in less than a year. It was tragic. The
Forty Thieves killed them both."
"But... how?" Cassim was feeling as if he were in a nightmare.
"Her husband was a devoted man. He went to Egypt to close some business the good
Khalid had left unfinished... but the young man never came back. Zahrah waited
for him for a long time. She had a little son and the money soon was all gone.
That's when she did sell the house to me. I gave her a good price, for I knew
her father. But it was long ago."
Cassim was shocked. He was dead. For her he was gone forever. The old Bassel
stared at him.
"By Allah, you look exactly like her husband. I was in their wedding and you
really look a lot like him."
Cassim smiled sadly.
"I'm his brother." He said.
"Oh, I see... that's why you are looking for her."
"Yes."
"What happened to your brother?"
"He was killed..." he sighed. "He actually was killed by the Forty Thieves."
"Allah have merci on his soul!"
"But what happened with Zahrah and with the boy?" asked Cassim anxiously. "Where
are they now? Where can I find them?"
The old man shrugged.
"I don't know. I had word that she was working at Salim's house but I'm not sure
about it."
"Salim's house? Who's Salim? Where's his house?"
"Salim is the most important jeweler of the city. He even sells jewels to the
palace. One of the richest men of Agrabah."
"And when does he live?"
"Oh, in the main street, you can't miss the place. Just a couple of blocks before
the palace. It's the biggest house."
Cassim smiled.
"Thank you, kind sir. I have to go to see this Salim now."
With those words Cassim left the marketplace, running to Salim's home. It didn't
take long and he had no trouble finding the home. It was, indeed, a big, fancy,
beautiful home. He knocked on the door and a servant appeared almost instantly.
"Yes, sir? May I serve you?"
Cassim was not in a mood for formalities.
"I want to see your master now! I need to see Salim!"
"I'm sorry sir, but my master Salim is taking his dinner and you can't see him
just now. You need to have a previous appointment and---"
"Look, buster!" Cassim said pulling the servant by his clothes. "I'm a rich,
important man and I don't have time to lose! I need a good jeweler right now!
But if your master doesn't want to see me, then I guess I just need to go find
another jeweler who wants this!"
Cassim opened a little bag filled with golden coins. The servant gulped.
"Yes-- yes sir!" He said and went into the house.
A few minutes later Cassim was in a big, fancy room. Salim entered bowing to
Cassim. He was a middle aged man with exaggerated manners and obviously not a
nice guy.
"Good evening, sir." He said with a soft voice. "I understand you are here to
get a jewel. Let me introduce myself, I'm Salim."
"Yes," Cassim said. "I'm looking for a jewel... the most precious jewel in Agrabah..."
"Well, well, well. I think I could have that one. My jewels are the best in
Agrabah, they are admired even by the Sultan. He did buy a wonderful blue
diamond for our young Princess Jasmine this morning. And he was very pleased
with my services."
Cassim blinked. Who was Princess Jasmine? But he shook his head and went to the
point.
"That's very nice, Salim, but actually I'm looking for another kind of jewel. Do
you know a woman named Zahrah?"
Salim stared at the window, rolling the name in his mouth and fingering his
chin.
"Zahrah... Zahrah... I think I've heard that name before..."
"Bassel the merchant told me she was working here at your home!"
"Oh, a servant girl! Of course, Zahrah the cook... I remember. Quite an
excellent cook, I must admit."
Cassim sighed in relief. He had found her.
"Is she here now?"
"Oh no, I'm afraid not..."
"Then where can I find her?"
Salim shook his head and said without any emotion in his voice.
"I'm afraid she died two years ago."
Cassim felt something exploding in his chest. He wished he hadn't heard those
words. Not his wife, not his beloved Zahrah. She couldn't be dead! Not her! Not
her of all people! He put his hands on his head. It was about to explode. He
felt as if his legs weren't strong enough to hold him, so he had to find support on
the wall. Salim was still talking.
"She was a poor girl. She actually was a widow. I hired her and was quite
pleased with her services, even if she had that annoying little boy, her son...
but I guess she was not a very healthy woman... she was always sick. I removed
her from the kitchen and assigned her to clean the house. Her son was always
trying to help her, but he was a little clumsy boy... I didn't like him anyway.
She died after a while... and I had to pay for the doctors and even the funeral... "
"When?" Cassim asked with a voice hoarse from trying to hold back his tears.
"I told you, she died two years ago."
"Are you sure she's dead?"
"She died in the servant quarters, of course I'm sure she's dead. We buried her
beside her father."
"No!" Cassim cried. "No!"
"Who are you anyway, sir?" Salim asked.
"I am-- was her husband..."
Salim looked surprised.
"But she always said she was a widow... that miserable little liar!"
Cassim put his powerful hands on Salim's throat.
"Don't you dare call her that! Do you hear me? She was my wife! And she thought
I was dead... I was lost all this time..."
"Relax!" the man said pulling Cassim away. "Relax or I'll have to call the
guards!"
"And the boy?" Cassim asked anxiously. "Where's the boy?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?" Cassim shouted. "You don't know? You should know!"
"Look, mister," Salim said with anger. "I have no obligation to keep a track on
that little streetrat, do you hear me? If you are so worried about him, then you
should've been here when they needed you!"
Cassim was crying. He said in a low voice.
"You are right... I should have been here... but I need my boy... he's the only
thing I have left... please, tell me where is my boy!"
"I don't know... and now, if you'd be so kind, please, leave my house!"
"What happened with him after his mother died?" pleaded Cassim.
"He was still around here for a while... but he was useless... he was just a
kid. He was only 4 years old. I couldn't use him as my servant... someday he
disappeared. I don't know what happened to him. He must be living on the
streets, I don't know and I don't care!"
"You let a four years old kid to go to live in the streets just like that?"
Cassim shouted. "How could you? You are---"
"I am NOT his father!" Salim replied.
Cassim wanted to kill that man but he knew he was right. Salim was a miserable man,
but he couldn't say he was free of charges. He had left his family. He had lost
his family.
Cassim left the house. He had nothing left to live for. He had lost everything.
Life was meaningless for him. His wife was forever gone. And his son, his little
Aladdin. He knew he could never see his son again. He went to Agrabah's
cemetery. There he found Zahrah's grave. And there he cried like a boy. He
wanted to wash all his faults with his tears but he knew he could never be
forgiven for what he had done. He had failed to his father, to his mother, to
Khalid, to Zahrah. He had abandoned his son. He was a criminal. He had murdered
his own family.
"I only wanted the best for you, Zahrah, for you and for Aladdin... I never
realized that the only thing you needed was a husband... a father... please,
forgive me. Forgive me! I always lost the ones I love... father, mother, Khalid,
Zahrah... Aladdin, forgive me!"
He mourned for his loved ones for hours. He cried until he had no more tears to
drop. He knew it was his goodbye. He promised himself he would never came back
to Agrabah. He was exiling himself forever. He wished he were killed the night
he meet the King of Thieves. He deserved to be dead, not them.
After a few hours of mourning, he pulled himself together. He had nothing left
to lose. He had lost everything that was important to him. He shook his head
trying to get all those names out of there. He didn't want to remember. He
didn't want to stay there anymore. Cassim was dead, as dead as the people he
once loved. He was not a husband anymore, he was not a son, not a father. He was
only one thing, the only thing he had left, he was the King of Thieves.
He said goodbye to the ones he once loved. He left the cemetery without looking
back. The man he once was buried in that cemetery. He was only a thief. A
miserable wanted man.
He came back to the now empty marketplace. It was almost midnight. He sat on a
well, waiting for Sahid to come to him. He was trying to think about nothing. It
hurt him so much that he wanted to forget, to deny everything. Suddenly the
face of the kid he had helped that evening appeared in his mind. For some reason
that made him feel warm inside.
"If only I could be as innocent as that little kid. He had something in his
smile... something in his eyes... it was the face of innocence... it was the
face of the goodness... it was the face of all the things I've lost in my life."
A single tear ran across his face and suddenly, from the back of his mind he
could hear the words he had once heard in a dream.
"What is your Ultimate Treasure, Cassim? The Diamond in the Rough. Only one can
save you, Cassim. Only one!"
At that moment he heard Sahid's familiar voice. He quickly brushed the tear off
his face.
"King! Here you are! The man is waiting for you in an alleyway near here... follow me..."
"Sahid..."
"Yes?"
"We'll be leaving Agrabah as soon as we have finished talking with that man. And we
are never to come back here, do you understand?"
Sahid looked confused but nodded anyway.
"Yes King, we'll do as you said."
"Well.. let's find that man then."
A few minutes later, Cassim met the sinister man. They met in a dark forgotten
alley on the oldest side of the city. He was tall and thin, and he could be a
snake. Cassim was not comfortable with him, especially for his soft, malignant
voice. He was dressed in black and red and was holding a snake staff.
"So, you are the one who is interested in trading the Golden half of the scarab
for information about the Hand of Midas."
"I am."
"Well... there's not much I can give to you. The Hand of Midas is located in the
Vanishing Island. And I have this map... the Island is on the back of a giant
turtle and it never appears in the same place twice."
The man handed an old map to Cassim. It was painted on leather. Cassim smiled
and took the map.
"Is there anything more you know about it?"
The dark man shrugged.
"No. But I've heard about an Oracle. That's the only way to find the Vanishing
Island. If you find the Oracle, you'll find the Island... and the Hand... that's
all I can say."
"Where's that Oracle?"
"I don't know. I only know that this Oracle can only answer one question."
"That's interesting." Cassim said. "At least I know what I must look for."
"Now, a deal is a deal."
"Sure!"
Cassim pulled the half medal out of his pocket and handed it to the dark, mysterious
man. The man smiled.
"I've been looking for this all my life..."
"But what about the other half?"
"I'll find it."
"You are interested in the Cave of Wonders, I see...."
"I am."
"Well, I'm not interested in forbidden treasures."
The dark man smiled.
"And I'm not interested in cursed treasures. The Hand of Midas has a terrible
curse on it. Do you know that?"
Cassim lowered his eyes.
"Yes... I know."
"Well then, the business is done. It's been a pleasure. Now, no one can know
we met tonight, do you understand me? I'm a very important person and I need to
keep my privacy."
"Don't worry." Cassim said. "I'm a wanted man. When the sun raises I'll be long
gone from Agrabah... forever..."
The dark man climbed his black horse, and left without another word. Cassim
sighed sadly and took a look at the map. Sahid came to see over his shoulder.
"So, that's what you wanted so badly, King?"
"I don't know, Sahid. I really don't know if this is what I wanted... but this
is all I have left. Let's go, it's time to go..."
They both climbed their horses and left Agrabah. Cassim didn't want to look
back. It wasn't until they were far from the city, when Cassim stopped his horse on
a dune and took a last look at the city that once was his home. The Sultan's
Palace looked magnificent under the pale moonlight. Cassim sighed but he
wouldn't cry.
"Sometimes you don't know what you really have, Sahid, until you lost it.
Sometimes the most important things are the little things.... I hope someday I
can forgive myself for what I've done... I meant well... but now... now I have
nothing left."
"Sir?"
"Nevermind..."
Cassim turned his back to the image of the city. He spurred his horse to the
desert on his way to the Forty Thieves den. Sahid spurred his own horse to catch
up with the king.
"Do you really think that the Hand of Midas can turn everything that it touches
into gold?" Sahid asked.
"Yes." Cassim said almost sadly. "but it also sinks everything it touches..."
Cassim knew that he could still be redeemed and absolved. But he also knew he
must first clean his conscience in exile.
"One day," he promised to himself. "One day I'll be back and I'll find the one
who can save me... someday I'll find my Ultimate Treasure.... and forgive
myself."
The two horses got lost into the desert night, back to the World of the Forty
Thieves.
"....at that moment I would have given anything to have my family back...."
E N D