Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2015 15:41:35 +1300
From: arthur carkeek <artcart65@gmail.com>
Subject: Eventide Chapter 4

EVENTIDE

CHAPTER 4

BY ARTHUR


CONTACT AUTHOR:

artcart65@gmail.com



For Eventide, it seemed he had just fallen asleep when something caused him
to awaken. At first he could not make out what it was; his room was in
total blackness but there was a heavy weight pressing down on his slim
chest.

As he managed to open his eyes; he felt the full stress of the long
practice session on the large barrel but, there was something else. Above
him he could just make out a faint shimmer of dark eyes very close to his
face. The figure was kneeling over his chest and had his arms trapped at
his side; Eventide tried to move but it was impossible with the weight
above him.

His breathing was coming only with difficulty and there was a feeling of
cold metal on his bare stomach. The figure holding him down was more
ethereal in its darkness; only the dark eyes could be seen as the tightness
around his throat increased and the pressure of the cold metal pressed down
on his boyhood; from the blackness came a young voice.

"A Hashin that sleeps to deeply will soon be dead; always you must sleep
with one ear listening and one eye watching."

Suddenly the vague shape in the darkness disappeared as though it was a
ghost and Eventide was left with the tightness of the silken scarf around
his neck and, after looking down; he saw one of his own fancy daggers lying
with the sharp blade touching his naked boyhood.

Eventide carefully removed the dagger first; it was too close to be
comfortable; with a little struggle he managed to free the tight scarf from
his neck; the pain of his first full breath would always remind him of how
close he was to never breathing again.

Eventide jumped from his bed to find some water to sooth his dry throat; of
his assailant there was no sign. Even now he was not sure which of his six
brothers it had been but it was a lesson he hoped he would not have to go
through again. For the rest of the night, Eventide found it difficult to
fall back into a deep sleep; just the thought of that tight scarf was
enough to bring his eyes wide open again and again.

The next morning when he met all the boys for breakfast; not one of them
even gave the faintest hint of being in his room the night before; it was
as though they all knew nothing of it. Achmed told Eventide it was time to
start his first lessons on poisons; Eventide was not sure if that was a
good thing or not; he had not had the best of sleep last night and the
thought of touching dangerous poisons made him shudder slightly.

As Eventide followed Achmed to a room deep under the manor; he saw Freeman
and Bodan walking towards the outer gate; he was sure he would find out all
about it in time; for now he had other things to do.

Achmed took him into one of the rooms deep underground; it looked as though
it had not been there all that long and was perhaps a later addition well
after the manor had been built.

The room was lined in stone and around the walls were many wooden shelves
which seemed to be covered with scrolls, earthen jars, strange dishes and
measuring devices as well as a small fire that looked much like a child's
forge; the coals inside glowing hot with a faint wisp of smoke coming from
the centre.

Eventide somehow knew that this part of his lessons had been left until he
had a better skill with the Aramaic language as he could now easily
converse with all the others. His skill at writing the language was still
rudimentary but he could recognise most of the figures.

Once he had had a better understanding of written English, the rest came
easier and his small hands were able to make the shapes with ease.

Achmed led Eventide to a wooden bench; lined up were six small earthenware
jars with symbols on them. Achmed had Eventide sit on a stool beside him
and took up one of the jars; the symbol had been carved into the side of
the jar and was not one Eventide recognised from his lessons.

"These six are the ones we use most often; there are some thirty five
altogether that you must learn but we will start with these. First you must
put this on to protect yourself."

Achmed gave Eventide a strange mask made from two thicknesses of black
silk; it had two ties at each end to fasten around his head; the mask
covered both his mouth and nose.

"You must never work with the poisons without the mask. Now each of these
jars has the same symbol as the six flasks you carry; it is a language
known only to the Hashin and you must learn it well or you may kill
yourself with an accident; it has happened before so take great care."

Eventide nodded and watched as Achmed gathered the six jars closer.

"Now for your first lesson, you will practice the smell of each one; I will
also show you how to recognise poisons from non poisons. Most times,
poisons have a bitter smell so it is your nose that will tell you if it is
safe or not. Do not be fooled however, there are those that smell sweet and
tempting but those also usually have a bitter taste."

Eventide looked at Achmed with a little fear; was the boy going to make him
actually take poison to find out how it tasted; it did not seem the sort of
lesson that one would walk away from. Achmed saw the look of horror on
Eventides face and smiled.

"Yes Little Brother, you will taste some of them but only in very small,
almost harmless amounts. First you learn the symbols, next you learn their
smells, and then you learn their taste. I promise you will only be a little
sick with some of them."

Eventide did not like the small laugh that Achmed gave him.

"Now little Brother, first the symbols, this one is Scorpion venom."

Achmed held up the jar and showed the symbol on the front; it looked a
little like a stylised Scorpion but with a few extra squiggles to disguise
it. Achmed opened the stopper and took up a thin sliver of wood; dipping
the sliver into the jar, he then held it out for Eventide to see; it looked
like a thick yellow tree sap.

"Now, do not touch it; this is processed and is very dangerous; the
slightest scratch on the skin and it will enter your blood and you will
die. Now carefully smell it but do not touch."

Eventide leant forward and took a deep smell of the thick goo; he wasn't
sure if he could tell it had a smell or not.

"What do you smell, Little Brother?"

"I'm not sure; I think I smell bitterness."

"Close, now close your eyes and smell again; the eyes are the deceivers of
all your senses; close them and use only your nose."

Eventide followed Achmed's instructions and tried again; this time the
distinct smell was stronger; the bitterness was more pronounced and made
him pull back quickly.

"Good, now you can see the difference; if any time you are not sure about
something or if you suspect someone of trying to poison you; close your
eyes and smell deeply. Every poison has its own distinct smell but not all
are bitter like this one."

Next, Achmed took a jar with an eye symbol on the front; with a very small
spatula, he took out a few grains of white powder.

"This is the dream maker from which you never awaken. It is found deep
under the ground and it is said that they lose a thousand slaves every year
to its mining and processing. Now smell it but carefully; do not breathe in
to deeply but let its smell rise to your nose."

Eventide was not sure about this one; with trepidation he leant forward and
let the aroma float up to him; as the first hint of odour reached his nose;
he closed his eyes and it became more pronounced and readily
recognisable. Much to his surprise it smelt very nice; it was much like one
of the nuts they had all eaten after a meal.

"I see you recognise the smell, this is deadly even though it smells of
almonds; in very small doses it can slowly make a person ill and they
eventually die or, you can use a greater quantity and kill them immediately
but that way it is easily recognised for what it is as the person will
froth at the mouth and shake with the pain."

Achmed took up another jar, this one had a symbol of a tree; again stylised
and almost unrecognisable as such. Opening the jar he used another sliver
and brought out a thick clear liquid, much like the Scorpion venom but with
no colour.

"This comes from the sap of a plant; I am sure you will know it when you
smell."

Eventide leaned forward and smelled carefully; he was immediately surprised
at the sweet smell and also his recognition of it.

"It is the same as that long yellow fruit we have had at meal times; were
they poisoness?"

"No, the fruit is not poisoness, however the sap from the tree on which
they grow can be when reduced this way; one scratch from this and you will
die; these three and the next one have no antidote; once given the person
will surely die."

The next jar had the stylised symbol of a snake etched into it.

"This is the venom of a snake so deadly that many hundreds of people die
each year from it. It comes from a far away country to the East called
Indus; the snake is called a Krait; two drops and you die within minutes."

Eventide looked at the thick yellow liquid; it was much the same as the
Scorpion venom but slightly darker in colour. Eventide leant over to smell
with his eyes closed; this time the smell was more of a cloying bitterness
and it even left an oily taste in his throat even though he had only smelt
it.

Achmed took the second last of the two jars and opened it; he then took a
small wooden box from his clothes and laid it beside the jar.

"These we call, the slave makers; once they are taken you will have a
willing slave to command; it creates such a desire that they have to come
back to you to be able to survive; if they stop taking it they will suffer
terribly. It comes from a small red flower found in the high mountains to
the east called, the Hindu Kush."

Achmed took out a small round black ball from the small box and, with a
spatula took a white powder from the jar. Eventide smelt them both, the
ball smelt sweet and sickly and the white powder was similar but not as
strong. Achmed held up the round ball.

"This one is smoked, if you put it in a hookah and get him to smoke it he
will be your slave for ever more; you may have to smoke with him to make
him confident; make sure you do not inhale the smoke; keep it in your mouth
then breathe out; it will make your tongue a little numb and your mouth a
little bitter tasting; if you inhale it to your lungs you will be no better
than him."

Eventide nodded.

"The powder can be put in his drink or food; it will have the same effect;
both will take a number of days to get a hold of him but once he has tasted
the drug he will come back for more and he will be your slave."

Achmed reached for the last jar; it was marked with a simple X.

"This is made from the black berry of death, once given it is certain death
unless you can find a means to purge his innards thoroughly; the use of a
heavy concentration of salt given with the oil of the olive can achieve
this if used in time. Often, by the time it is noticed, it is already too
late for them."

Achmed dipped a sliver into the jar and showed Eventide the black, thick
mass; after smelling the bitterness, Eventide looked at Achmed and shook
his head to clear away the stale smell from his nostrils.

"These are the ones most often used; when you can identify each and
everyone without sight then you will be ready to move onto the more obscure
ones; they are no less dangerous but are rare and hard to come by. Now this
time I want you to cover your eyes with a blindfold; when this is done I
will give you one of the jars. You must feel the mark and relate it to the
tops of your own vials. Once this is done you will then take the stopper
out and tell me which is which without sight."

Eventide waited while Achmed covered his eyes and made sure he could not
see anything before placing the first jar in his sword hand. Eventide used
his thumb to lightly run over the symbol on the jar; after some time trying
to identify the symbol; he reached for the six empty vials in the special
holder he had been told to bring with him.

It took some time for Eventide to really be able to feel the symbol on the
small top of the vial; once he thought he was correct; he carefully felt
for and then pulled the stopper of the jar. After smelling carefully he
said to Achmed.

"It is the Scorpion venom."

"No, it is the snake venom; they are similar to each other but the Scorpion
is less powerful in smell also, the symbol of the Scorpion has four lines
to a side and the snake only three. Touch the symbol again, you must use
the lightest of touches or you will miss something like you just have. I
know the effect will be the same but the snake venom will leave its trace
for others to find where the Scorpion will not."

Eventides lesson went on for far longer than he thought; for his first test
with his eyes covered, he got only one right; it was a good lesson and he
had to work hard to finally; after more than three hours; get them all
correct. With his first full success, Achmed called a halt to the day's
lesson. From now on it would be easier for Eventide now that he knew a
little more and how to identify the markings and smells; tomorrow; although
unknown to Eventide; would be the taste test; the day after that Eventide
would spend recuperating from the experience.

As the two friends walked back up the stone steps; Eventide asked Achmed.

"How did you get all this down here for us to use?"

"This is not ours; it belongs to your father and Elder Brother; he gave his
permission for us to be here. In times when I am not here to teach; he will
come to help you; his knowledge is even greater than mine as he has been
doing it so many years longer and was taught personally by Elder Brother
Desert Lion; who of course, is the best among us."

When the two boys got up to the passageway they had previously used, they
were surprised to see the manor a hive of activity. Eventide looked at the
servants running around and called out to one of them.

"What is it?"

"The Emir will be here shortly My Lord; we are preparing rooms for him."

Eventide felt excitement at the thought of seeing Mahmud again; it had been
nearly three weeks since they had last met just before he was to leave for
the manor. Eventide decided to hurry to his rooms to change and bath; he
was now getting used to bathing twice a day and his four servants always
seemed to have water on the fire whenever it was needed.

Achmed smiled at Eventides enthusiasm as he waved and went his own way to
find the other five; he knew they would be called to the evening meal for
their report on Eventides lessons and progress.

Eventide was a little surprised to see both men side by side at the top of
the table; there was now no need for pretence from either man as Eventide
was now one of them although still a little brother.

Eventide sat on the right of Freeman; there was no sign of Mahmud and
Eventide felt a little let down that his friend had not made an appearance
with his uncle; Saed saw the look of disappointment on the boys face.

"Do not worry my Kahlif; your brother will arrive tomorrow; he had lessons
on court procedure to finish; he will come and stay for two days before
returning to court; for now I must return to my homeland, there are things
afoot that must be taken care of as soon as possible."

Eventide brightened up at the knowledge Mahmud would arrive the next day
and smiled widely at the Emir.

"How goes your lessons, young Kahlif?"

"I find them very interesting but at times they are inclined to leave
bruises on more than my ego, Your Highness."

Saed laughed loudly and looked at Freeman with a hint of merriment.

"Well brother, it looks like your new son is doing well; do you think he
will be ready to travel when the time is due?"

"Yes brother; he will be ready or one solid bruise from head to toe."

Eventide blushed as the two men laughed; next Saed looked at Salud.

"You have your report ready little brother?"

"Yes Elder Brother; I would have each of his teachers report to you
themselves."

"Good, do so."

Ishmael was the first to stand and begin his report.

"Elder Brother, our little brother shows great advancement in his ability
to lift a man's purse and is advancing rapidly in following the tracks of
men and beasts. His first lesson in seduction perhaps is still settling in
his head but, as he is so young and is not brought up in our ways, it will
take a little longer but I feel certain he will also accomplish that talent
with little doubt."

Demetrius was next.

"Elder Brother, little brother has a good eye and a steady hand; his knife
throwing is accurate and with practice will attain good distance in
time. His skill in silent approach improves with each lesson and he is just
now learning to use the garrotte with confidence."

Mohammad was next.

"Elder Brother, little brother is well mastering the horse; he can ride
well and is learning quickly about our bow and fighting style. In time he
will also be able to fight with the scimitar from horseback. I would say he
will be a competent camel rider by the time he leaves for our homeland. I
will leave it until then to teach him the art of war from a camel."

Medan spoke up.

"Elder Brother, little brother is still working on his locks; as you well
know this takes time and patience, but he does put all effort into
learning. I am having made his gloves and boot straps for climbing but as
yet they are not ready."

Achmed was the next to stand.

"Elder Brother, little brother has a great fitness and shows good balance
and dexterity. He has just now begun to work on the poisons but does show
patience and common sense when handling those so far. He listens to
instructions well and takes great care with his safety when handling the
poisons."

Finally it was Salud's turn.

"Elder Brother, little brother has surprised even me; were I not to know
different, I would think him born of the Bedou. He works hard and takes
instruction well. His skill with language is excellent and he is far on in
writing and reading our language. I have sent for a sword of the Indus for
him. As yet his hands are too small for a full sized scimitar but the Indus
sword will give him practice. His work with the dagger is as good as I have
seen; he has speed and cunning and his small size is an even better
advantage. Elder Brother, I would say that little brother is now one of us
and only needs some of the finer lessons to complete him."

"Thank you Salud; you and your brothers are doing well and I and Desert
Falcon thank you for guarding him so well and giving him lessons. My nephew
will be here tomorrow; he will stay for two days before returning to
court. Tomorrow I must be on my way home; there are things to attend to. I
place the life and safety of our little brother in your hands and would
hear you all offer a blood oath for his protection."  Eventide could not
believe his ears. By this time he knew exactly what Saed was asking the
boys to do and what the blood oath meant to those giving and receiving
it. If the six boys agreed they would be bound to Eventides safety for
life; he could not understand why anyone would want to do that for
him. When all six boys stood up from the table; Eventide could only gasp as
they spoke all together.

"We sons of the Bedou and brothers of the Hashin, swear by our blood to
protect and defend our brother Shaitan Bin Izurak unto death."

The six sat down as Saed nodded in agreement, there was little more to say
on the subject. Saed turned to Freeman.

"I hear you have discovered a new type of bow; can you tell of it?"

"I can do better than that; I have a man who will be overseer of the manor
lands who is an expert on the matter; I will call for him and he can show
you himself."

Freeman called for one of the servants to go and fetch Bodan and to bring
his bow. The servant disappeared quickly and, ten minutes later arrived
back with Bodan striding along beside him; his longbow in his hand.

"Ah Master Bodan; thank you for coming at this late hour. This is my friend
the Emir Saed Ben Haman; he is interested in your longbow; would you be
kind enough to explain it to him?"

"Of course My Lord; it is my pleasure."

It took no time at all for Bodan to forget he was in the company of Royalty
as he got down to the business of showing off the longbow. Saed looked to
be fascinated by the bow and asked endless and in depth questions about
everything to do with it. It was obvious to the others that the Emir knew
exactly what he was talking about.

"Thank you Master Bodan; there are only a few more questions I would like
to ask if it is not too much trouble and the hour not too late?"

"Of course Your Highness; my time is yours."  "Thank you Master
Bodan. Firstly; you say that this bow must be used with glove and bracer;
why is that?"

"With your Persian bow there is little need as it is held and pulled to the
side; perhaps a glove if in combat as the number of arrows could make a
man's fingers painful. For the longbow the bracer is a vital part as are
the gloves. The longbow is not like the Persian in that the stance we use
is side on to the target and that brings the bow straight to the eye; this
also means the string will slide along the forearm; this bow is far more
powerful and when it is fired it will bite the forearm unlike the Persian
bow which rarely touches the skin.  Without the bracer your arm would be
raw meat in two or three shafts. The glove is for much the same reason;
with the heavier pull it would soon cut through the skin and leave an
archer without use of his hand."

"I see that the bow string is made from some strange fibre and waxed; why
would that be?"

"Unlike the Persian bow which has a string made from the gut of an animal
and can become useless when wet; we use a string made from the fibres of
the hemp plant. The fibres are split until they are a single thin fibre
then we rub bees wax into it; when we have the right length, we roll three
fibres together to make a single strand; this again is waxed then when we
have three of them finished we roll them all together to make one string;
then it has its final waxing. The waxing stops it from being affected by
rain or water and the multiple strands make it strong enough to hold the
bow at full pull without the fear of a breakage."

"Yes I can see; an excellent idea; although my homeland has little water it
would still be an advantage to have a bow that is always ready, no matter
the weather. Now for my last question; why are there metal tips on the ends
of the bow, and how are they made?"

"Well as you can see, Your Highness, the tips are made from iron; they are
pointed in such a way so that they not only strengthen the bow tips, they
can also be used as a weapon if the fight comes too close. Unfortunately
they can become brittle and the rust is also a problem unless they are kept
well oiled. My youngest son is our best forger for making them.  They must
be made to fit each individual bow as no two bows are the same. I only wish
we had a better metal to make them with; there is a lot of time spent
repairing that part of the bow and it is the only downfall they truly
have."

"I see. Hmm...What if you were able to use a fine grade of steel; the
problem of brittleness would be taken away and if the steel is well forged
it would be almost impervious to rusting?"

"That would be a great problem solved but, unfortunately we have no one
that knows how to forge steel like that."

"Well then I may have a solution for you; that is if you are willing to
trade a little for it?"

"What would I have to trade with Your Highness that would be of comparable
value?"

"Why, your skill and your bows. Soon my nephew and his friend Eventide are
coming to my lands; they have their own palace to attend to. Eventide will
be staying for one year; perhaps your youngest could accompany him and
learn the trade of making fine steel in Damascus; if you have another son
that is competent in bow making; he could also come and teach my men the
art of your bow and how to make them; it would certainly give my army a
great advantage in the many battles that rage in our lands. What do you say
Master Bodan, do we have a trade? One year of your two son's time for the
secret of Damascus steel. They will be paid of course for their skill and
trouble as well as the trade."

"Your Highness, it is a one sided trade that benefits us more than you but
I can only agree to your terms; it would be remiss of me to turn such an
offer down. My fourth son is a very good bow maker and also has the art of
teaching; he is also a wanderer and would enjoy travelling to such a
land. I know my youngest would fulfil one of his life time dreams to be
accompanying the young Lordship while he is still young and does not have
the responsibility of the Black Bow as yet."

"The Black Bow? Is that the one I have heard so much about? The one that a
full grown man could not pull yet a young boy could?"

"The bow of manhood, Your Highness; yes it is the same."

"I would like to see such a bow some time but not tonight; the hour is late
and there is much for all of us to do. Thank you Master Bodan for such a
good lesson; I will never forget your instruction and I look forward to
seeing your young ones when they come to my lands."

Bodan bowed and then took up his bow and left the hall as the others sat
around to finish off the last of the mead and then find their beds; it had
been a long and full night for everyone.

When Eventide awoke, it was to the sound of the Emir leaving the manor. He
was still in his bath when he heard the next sound of a number of men
arriving; knowing full well that it should be his friend and brother
Mahmud; Eventide jumped from his bath and quickly dressed for the day.

Eventide met Mahmud just as the boy was entering the hall where breakfast
was served; with him came his usual retinue of six Hashin and behind them
was a long line of servants; four of which were carrying two large chests
between them.

It did not take long for the two friends and brothers to hug each other in
a very warm and friendly grasp; it was more than three weeks since last
they had met and to boys as young as they; that amount of time was like
years had passed. Over breakfast and with Freeman excusing himself early;
the two boys talked and talked about what they had been doing over the last
three weeks.

Mahmud was happy for Eventide and how well he was doing with his lessons;
both spoke in the tongue of the Bedou which only went to confuse any
listeners that should not know of certain things. Mahmud only complained
about the rules of the King's court and how boring much of it was; he then
told Eventide that the only thing that kept him at his lessons was the
thought of coming to be with his friend and brother.

Eventide told Mahmud about the two extra boys that would be going to
Mahmud's homeland with them and how it had come about; Mahmud had only one
thing he wanted to do for now; all of Eventide's lessons were suspended for
the two days of Mahmud's visit; it took less than five minutes for the boys
to be running towards the stables and calling for their Falcons; it was
time to hunt.

Late that afternoon, when the boys had returned victorious from their hunt
and were sitting in one of the many empty rooms that had been set aside for
Mahmud's use when he was to visit; Mahmud called for some of his servants
to bring in the two large chests.

The servants placed the chests within reach of Mahmud but also close to
Eventide then left on other business and left the two boys alone; outside
the door stood four of the young Hashin as guards to the room.

"Now my Brother." Mahmud began as he lent down to open the chests. "It is
the time of the first quarter and so the people of Wadhi Sufaria have sent
you your share of the taxes gathered so far."

Mahmud looked at the stunned face of Eventide as the boy tried to
comprehend what Mahmud had just said.

"What taxes? Why?"

"Why the quarterly taxes; you will need them for your expenses and it is
what must be paid to the Kahlif each and every quarter. The Emir had it
sent to you here as you will need it for your journey to the homeland."

"But how do I get such a share; if those chests are filled with coin then
what of yourself?"

"My two chests were delivered to the castle; the Emir's are held in
Damascus where his palace is. Each quarter they count the taxes from the
merchants in the Wadhi and those passing through with their caravans; half
is put into the coffers of the city for its upkeep and the payment of the
town militia and soldiers; one quarter is sent to the Emir and the last
quarter belongs to the Kahlif, in this case; one eighth each for us. This
time of the year, the trade is slow so it is only two chests each; the next
quarter it will increase as the time of the caravans is far more busy with
the great road open from the snows of winter in the eastern lands."

"It seems a lot of coin just for one man?"

"Nonsense, there is much for you to pay for and your travel to the homeland
will tax you even further; you will find it will take almost a full chest
just to move you and your people over the distance. Your horses alone will
need one full Dhow just to carry them and keep them fed across the great
seas from the Spanish port; add another Dhow for yourself and your men;
there will be little left from that chest. The best way is to purchase the
Dhow's in full and crew them with men of your own choice; that way they
will always be at your command and, if you chose your captains well; they
can carry goods for you to make profit when not in use by yourself. I have
six Dhows working for me and, while they only make a small income from
their cargos; the captain and men are well paid as they are ready at short
notice for whatever I may need."

"It almost sounds as though I will be a merchant more than a Kahlif."

"Oh my brother; you will be so much more than a merchant and even more than
a Kahlif; I have heard that even now your name is being spoken in Damascus
and other cities."

"But how can that be; I have never been to the holy land and am unknown
even here except for the small amount of time I spent at the King's court."

"Ah little brother; it is said that large trees start from small seeds; it
is the same for you; great things start with the dreams and strength of a
small boy.  For this type of boy, his name does not take long to spread;
even to the furtherest of lands."

"I still don't see why they would think much of me; at heart I am still
just a pot boy from a country tavern who happened to have some luck."

"No you are not; you are the mighty and brave Shaitan Bin Izurak; Djin of
Shaitan himself; a leader of armies and speaker to spirits; your fame
spreads and all bow to your greatness oh mighty rider of the horse of
shadows and Kahlif of Wadhi Sufaria."

By the time Mahmud had finished his outrageous claims, both boys were
rolling on the floor laughing loudly; little did Eventide know how much of
it was to come true although the claims were totally outrageous they did
spread to the strangest of places and by the strangest of means.

"What is this Djin? I have not heard of it before."

"A Djin is much like a demon; he has power and magic and is known to work
for the great Shaitan himself; in English you would call him a servant of
the Devil; one who is almost as powerful as the devil himself and can turn
the hearts of men to his will."

"It does not sound much like me I don't think I want to make others do
whatever I want them to."

"That is just it; you can already make others follow you without need of
threats or violence; very few are born with the natural ability to lead
others; that is your greatest gift; the people trust you and follow you
because they feel you would not do them wrong; it is its own strongest
magic. You only have to look to the joust and how the commoners followed
you without question; they knew and felt that you were truly on their side
and so followed you in the melee; it was their heart and belief in you that
won the melee not just the tactics we used."

It left Eventide with much to think about as they went down to the evening
meal. Freeman made a fuss of both boys and the meal went on into the late
night hours. The next day was spent more peacefully; Eventide introduced
Mahmud to the young stable boy and the many sons of Bodan.

It was a good day and only the thought of Mahmud leaving the next day to
return to court dimmed Eventides excitement; the thought of another three
or four weeks without his special friend made him feel a little lost but he
had to keep up appearances for now.

After Mahmud left it was back to the many lessons for Eventide; while there
were still many bruises and other problems with learning all his new
skills; as time passed there were fewer of them until finally Eventide
could pass through a full day without a problem.

His worst memory was the day of tasting the poisons; Achmed had diluted
them until they were somewhat safe for Eventide to try but he was still
violently ill; much to the delight of all his six brothers; and did not
fully recover for two days. It was one lesson he still wished he did not
have to take.

Mahmud's next visit was not for four weeks; during the short time they
spent together; they made plans for the upcoming travel to the homeland;
there was a lot to organise and it surprised Eventide how much he would
have to think of each time he travelled in the future.

When the time finally arrived for their travel to the homeland of Mahmud;
the two boys spent a full week with Freeman organising everything. Eventide
took special care over plans for Gerard and his brother Marchant as well as
the smaller figure of Shaun. Mahmud had taken one look at the lame boy and
asked him how it had happened; finding out it was from a fall off a horse;
Mahmud turned to Eventide and said.

"When we get home to the Wadhi I can have a healer look at the boys leg;
there may be a way for him to be healed; it will be painful but he should
walk and run again like any boy his age should."

Eventide looked at Shaun and asked him.

"What do you say Shaun; would you like to try the healing of my brothers
friends?"

"If it would mean I could walk again as others do then a little pain would
be worth it My Lord."

"Then we shall do as Mahmud suggests when we arrive in his lands; with luck
we will have you riding again in no time."

The smile on Shaun's face said it all; even if it did not work it was well
worth the trying. The journey to the coast took longer than Eventide
thought it would; the number of servants and the long caravan of goods,
horses and people made for a slow progress.

It was fortunate that Freeman had made arrangements for their passage by
ship across the water to Normandy; from there they embarked on the long
overland journey to the Spanish lands. Finally they made it to the port
where they could hire or buy Dhows to take them across the great sea; first
to Assyria and then onto Homs and through to the Wadhi Sufaria; they would
not need to go through to Damascus but would send Gerard and his brother
Marchant on with an escort of Hashin to the Emir's palace once settled in
Sufaria.

Weeks would pass before they came to the Spanish port of Tarragona where
they would purchase their ships to travel on to the lands of the Assyrian
and then onto the homelands of Mahmud until finally reaching the Wadhi
Sufaria.

The purchase of Dhows was not as hard as Eventide thought it would
be. Trade was brisk between the countries and often times the sea going
Dhows could be seen in the Spanish and Latin ports; Many were owned by the
captains and others were free traders but all were for sale at the right
price and Eventide had plenty of the right price.

Eventide left most of the bargaining to Mahmud; his knowledge and
understanding of ships and trade gave him the best advantage; Eventide
ended up with three dhows; two almost new off the builders slip and the
other a little older but fully seaworthy. As Mahmud had said; it took most
of one single chest to buy the three Dhows but now Eventide had the start
of his own small navy.

The hiring of a crew took three days; each and every man or boy was
thoroughly questioned until both Eventide and Mahmud were fully satisfied
as to their honesty and loyalty. It then took three days to fully laden and
prepare the vessels for the long trip through the middle sea to the port in
Assyria where Mahmud promised they would find goods for the three Dhows to
continue further trading while they went to the Wadhi overland.

For Eventide and the other boys who had never left their own land before;
the first days on the wide expanse of the ocean left them feeling a little
nauseas; by the second day and with the fortunate good weather; their
stomachs had settled and they began to enjoy the sea voyage. By the sixth
day and, as the land of the Assyrians came into view; they were all ready
to disembark back onto dry land; and dry it was.

Even as they arrived in Tarragona, the four boys felt the heat that they
were unused to; in the port it was a draining and humid heat; when they
finally got on board and were at sea it was a hot, dry and salty heat and
finally, when they reached the lands of the Assyrian, it became not only
hot but searingly so; it was as though the four boys had stepped into the
very pits of a great roaring fire.

Although Eventide found the heat oppressive; he was far better off than the
other three boys as he was dressed in the light silk and cotton robes of
the desert people. The other three boys tried taking off their shirts but
soon found the sun would cook them as red as burnt meat and had to suffer
and drink copious amounts of water.

After a week in the port of Tell Qarnum to unload and check all their
chattels and goods; they were ready to leave on the long overland trip to
Wadhi Sufaria; there would be one special stop along the way at Al Qusary
for Eventide to select his first camel train.

His first sight of the camels in the port left him in no doubt that he was
glad of his lessons back at the manor. The only thing he was not prepared
for was that the camels he now saw were far larger than he had thought they
would be; they also seemed to be of a fouler nature than what he had been
told.

At Al Nabk they would turn their caravan eastward to the Wadhi Sufaria; it
was at Al Nabk that they would part with the two boys going on to
Damascus. From Al Nabk it was only a short haul of five days to make the
Wadhi Sufaria; all told it was a total trip of two months of constant
travel; of making and breaking camp each and every day and the almost
intolerable heat and drifting sand.

For the four boys from the wet and cold land of England; the hot dry desert
was a never ending revelation as well as a trial of their heart and
stamina. Deep inside Eventide he felt as though he belonged in the open
spaces and sandy wastes; it almost felt as though it had been calling him
from somewhere deep inside.

Eventide did notice that the caravan guards were more alert than they had
been earlier in the journey; now there was little else but barren land and
sandy wastes to watch them but the actions of the guards told Eventide
there were other dangers lurking not far away. Mahmud told him that it was
only the sight of such a well armed caravan that had deterred any bandits
from trying to attack them so far.

Once they turned off at Al Nabk, Eventide saw that the road had widened
noticeably; Al Nabk was where the great Silk Road met the coastal road to
Damascus. To Eventide's eyes the road looked very old; it was paved in
square stones and was wide enough for three wagons to pass; he did notice
that his small caravan of newly acquired camels that they were using to
carry many water skins; walked comfortably on the softer sand at the side
of the road.

When he had selected the camels; and under the sharp eye of Mahmud; he had
had to find four young boys to act as their herders; the young boys were
only too glad of having found a good position with good pay to tend the
Kahlif's camels. As parentless waifs they had little to look forward to as
they aged, now they had good employment and solid pay to keep their bellies
full; something they had found difficult to do before the new Kahlif had
selected them. They did not truly mind that he looked much like an Infidel;
his money was good and his caravan looked rich and the people with him were
definitely of the desert lands; it was enough for four orphans.

They made their final camp before Wadhi Sufaria, early in the afternoon;
Mahmud told Eventide they had only six hours to get to the Wadhi and that
would put them at the gates in darkness; it would be better if they camped
here and then went on in the morning, that way they would arrive just
before the midday heat and the city would be getting ready to rest during
the hottest part of the day.

They started out before the sun rose next morning; with the roads
practically empty of other caravans, they made good time and; as Mahmud had
promised; came over the last rise to see the city and palace of Wadhi
Sufaria in the distance.

It looked to be less than an hour's ride but Mahmud called a halt; they had
to change their cloths from the desert travelling into something more
befitting the two new Kahlif of Wadhi Sufaria.

All of the Hashin who had been travelling in ordinary dress, now changed
into the dark blue of the Bedou as did Eventide and Mahmud but the two boys
also added a very fancy white sleeveless jacket that was heavily
embroidered in gold thread; there was also a wide gold sash around their
waists and Mahmud told Eventide to wear his fanciest dagger and Scimitar;
their turbans were also of gold and while they changed, Shaun worked hard
and fast to add the red and black tassels to Shaitan's mane as well as
throw on the fanciest of his covers over the saddle. When all was ready,
Mahmud called for the banners to be unfurled and the caravan to proceed to
the waiting city and Palace.

Eventide was almost struck dumb by the sight before him. The walls of the
Wadhi Sufaria towered over the flat lands before the main gate. The high
ragged cliff fronts seemed unending except for the large ragged gash of the
huge ravine that appeared to split the mountain range down the centre.

Across the face of the huge ravine was built the stone walls that towered
higher than Eventide had ever seen any walls before; compared to the castle
walls of England; these were like cliff faces. The blocks of stone used to
form the wall were so large Eventide could not figure out how they could
have been moved by man.

The great walls looked as though they could never be breached by any normal
method of siege; even the guards patrolling along the top of the high wall
were no more than small dolls.  The gate was high and wide enough to allow
two wagons side by side to pass at the same time or for a camel rider to
enter without ducking his head.

The two large gates were thick wooden planks that looked as though they had
been hewed from a single trunk and then studded with large heavy iron
spikes; there was also what looked like a portcullis behind the gates.

Shaun had tried to ride but after only a short time his leg would unbalance
him and he would have to dismount and ride on one of the many wagons; both
Eventide and Mahmud could see the frustration in the young boys face as he
sat disconsolate on a wagon; the desire in the boys face to ride like the
wind in the wide expanse of desert sand was easily evident.

The whole Caravan stretched for more than a mile as they wound their way
down the stone roadway. At the front flew the banners; the green of
Tremaine; the blue of Eventide; a green and white banner with the symbol of
a quarter moon and a star and the furled and black covered banner of the
Hashin that was also used as the banner of the Jihad.

The banners were preceded by six mounted guards in their best armour;
behind the banners were another six guards and then Mahmud and Eventide
rode side by side; behind them came the twenty Hashin now wearing the
clothes of the Bedou and behind them came the long train of wagons.

Off to the side and level with the first of the wagons came the caravan of
camels and their herders; Eventide wished he could have given better
clothes to the four orphan boys; they were still wearing the long gown like
striped clothes they had been hired in; their head coverings were barely
enough to keep the sun from their faces.

The patches and ragged bottom of the gowns showed they had not had the best
of fortune; Eventide was going to change that as soon as he was able to.

They were still a little distant from the city but close enough for the
many guards at the gate to recognise the flying banners; suddenly from the
top of the long and thick crenulated wall came the sound of many trumpets;
the guards at the gate immediately increased in number as they all lined up
on each side of the road to welcome the new Kahlif's to the city.

The commander of the guard stood alone at the head of the guard of honour;
Eventide and Mahmud rode through the others with the banners to meet him
face to face. The commander bowed low and salaamed to the two boys; as he
straightened up he then went down to his knees and placed his head on the
ground before lifting his head with fear in his eyes.

"Rise commander; I see no need for this." Mahmud said to the man.

The commander rose to his feet and, with his head bowed, he said.

"My Lord Kahlif's; I must humbly apologise for the lack of reception; we
did not expect your arrival for three more days; it is all my fault for not
sending out riders to watch for you; My Lords, my head is yours to do with
as you want."

"Your head is safe commander; it is we who are at fault, we travelled far
faster than first thought; there is no more to be said, let us pass we are
in need of a good bathing and rest. If you would assign some of your men to
show our drivers and cameleers to the Palace gate so they can settle the
animals we would be grateful. I wish to take our friends through the city
before we go to the Palace."

Before more could be said, the commander had called out the names of six
men to lead the rest of the caravan around the walls to the Palace side
gate so they could more easily take the caravan and animals to the Palace
grounds; he himself took place at the front of the smaller group to lead
them through the city and up to the front gates of the Palace; it was to be
longer than any of them thought it would be.

Eventide marvelled at the size of the city; all around him the shops and
houses towered over the wide street. Multitudes of people; both traders,
local shopkeepers and tradesmen milled around doing their business for the
day.

Eventide also saw there were a larger number of street urchins than would
be found in most cities; he turned to Mahmud and asked why this was so.

"Most are the children of soldiers who have lost their lives in the service
of the city, others are just born of the brothels and their mothers no
longer want them around. In a city like this it is always happening; many
have to sell themselves just to eat each day; others are thieves or
pickpockets; if they are caught the penalty is severe; but what can anyone
do; if you try to save one then ten more will take advantage of you next
time."

"But brother, there must be a way to make use of so many empty lives?"

"I don't see how; the city is just a gateway for the traders; unless the
child has a trade there is little to do. There are no farms of estates that
they can be hired for; if they go out into the great deserts, most would
die within days; there is only the militia and army for them when they grow
older. I know my brother, you have a good heart but, sometimes there are
things that are even outside the abilities of good hearts."

They had been slowly making their way through the thickening throng of
people; even though the streets were wide and well maintained; there seemed
to be more and more people crushing in closer as they came to the edge of a
grand square that held a great bazaar filled with stalls and traders. At
the centre of the great square stood a large fountain; its crystal clear
water shimmering in the bright sunlight as it sprayed down into a large
round pond where people would fill a cup to drink.

Eventide could barely make out the fountain base for the number of people
gathered there and all calling to someone near the fountain; the high
pitched voices of the urchins also joined in; beside Eventide, Mahmud gave
a groan; Eventide turned to look at him.

"What is it Brother?" Eventide asked to the pained looking face of Mahmud.

"By the balls of a camel; how did he get here; now we will be stuck in this
crowd for at least an hour."

"Who is it?"

"He is the one I told you about some time ago; it is the story teller
Omar. He usually never leaves Bagdad and only then to visit the court in
Damascus; I really have no idea why he would come here. I am sorry my
brother, we are in for a long wait; the crowd will not let him go until he
has told them a story and unless we use force to get through we are stuck
here until he finishes."

"A story teller; is he good? I like a good story and would not mind if we
waited and listened to him if he is really good."

"Well brother, unfortunately he is very good; it is said there has never
been a story teller or poet the likes of Omar before. It is said you can
sit for a thousand and one nights and never hear the same story or poetry a
second time."

"Then we should give him the honour of doing what he does best; even tired
as I am I would wait and listen if he is that good."

"Then to please you we will all listen to the old one; shall we try to
clear a place at that tavern to sit out of the sun?"

"No, let's just sit here where the height of the horses gives us a better
view."

As the small group settled in to wait; from the crowd came a number of
urchins; all bowed low, some with their small hands out for alms and others
looking shyly at the rich riders; Salud was about to turn and yell for them
to clear off when Eventide took notice; lifting his hand to stop Salud; he
turned to the gathering boys.

For any boy that got too close; Shaitan would snort and stamp his hoof to
warn them off; Eventide looked at Mahmud and smiled as Mahmud said.

"You have no idea what you are about to start my brother."

Eventide smiled and said.

"Imshalah."  Eventide then smiled wider; his skill with Aramaic was now as
good as any Bedou. Eventide turned back to the growing crowd of urchins and
picked one he thought may be a leader as he looked to be older than the
rest.

"Friend, we wish to listen to the story teller; if a boy was wise enough to
find a merchant that had items to give us shade from the sun I would be
willing to part with some coin for such a service."

The older boy looked at the rich travellers; even to the inexperienced eye
of Eventide; he could see the boys mind working out the value of such a
minor service.

"I would ask the young Lord how much coin for such a service; it will not
be easy in this crowd and none wish to miss a story by Grandfather
Khayyam?"

"It would be enough for each boy to eat well for two days but they must
also work at holding the shade over us."

"Then I thank My Lord and will send boys to look for a merchant to fill
your needs."

The boy turned to a few younger ones and started giving out quick fire
orders; it seemed little time passed before a middle aged merchant appeared
in front of the group; with a low bow he asked.

"What would My Lords wish of this humble merchant?"

Mahmud shrugged his shoulders at Eventide as he smiled and waited for the
outcome.

"I would ask for you to provide us with shade while we listen to the story
teller; do you have enough covers for all of us?"

"I do indeed My Lord, however they are not of the cheaper variety and it
would take a great deal of coin to pay for enough for all of your
retainers."

Mahmud whispered to Eventide as the merchant tried to work out how much he
could get from the rich people without calling down the militia on his
head.

"Brother, I hope you know how to barter or this man will have your soul in
his pocket by nightfall." Mahmud laughed as Eventide looked at him and
smiled.

"Good merchant, I would ask you what you would charge for your services if
it was the Kahlif asking for your help?"

"My Lord, the Kahlif would not be asking a humble merchant such as I; also
he is three days away and would have little need for my humble goods but,
if you wish I can make a special price for you as it seems the sun is extra
hot today."

"And what price is the shade cover as the sun is so hot?"

"For your Lordships I would lower the price to three silver each and could
provide covers for all of your retinue. Shall we say twenty covers; that
would be sixty silver or perhaps six gold should your Lordships prefer."

"And would these shade covers be of the highest quality that we should part
with so much coin; or would a price of fifteen silver be closer to the true
price?"

"My Lord, fifteen silver would bankrupt me, my children would starve in
less than five days were I to sell at such a price; as you are visitors to
the city, perhaps I could lower the price to fifty silver; I would be
giving away my covers for nothing at that price but I would not see your
Lordships burn in the midday sun just for a paltry ten coins."

Eventide removed his right foot from the stirrup and twisted around so he
could look directly at the man's face as he hooked his right leg over the
upper thigh of his left and wriggled to get comfortable.

"I see you are truly making a great sacrifice but it is still too high for
such a paltry item as a shade cover; I am sure if I ask the boy he will
find me a merchant that will provide the same for only twenty silver; it is
a pity that your children will not eat tonight because we could not make
some small arrangement."

The merchant now saw that he could lose this sale if he did not relent and
let the rich boy have his way; he would still be making five silver on each
shade cover so it was not really the time to get greedy.

"My Lords, I cannot let my children starve for the sake of a few coins; I
will supply you with enough shade covers for twenty silver each; how would
I get them to you before the Grandfather starts his story?"

Eventide turned back to the first boy he had used as a messenger.

"What is your name?"

"Habib, my Lord."

"Habib, I will give you the silver coins for the merchant along with five
more for yourself if you can find enough boys to fetch the shade covers and
hold them for us during the telling of the old man's story; should those
boys work well I will have another offer for you after the story telling."

Habib thought of how much food five silver could buy; his little gang of
boys would eat well for days; he may even be able to buy a pair of sandals
for himself.

"It shall be as my Lord wishes."

Habib turned to his little gang and began giving out orders as Eventide
took out twenty five silver from the purse at his waist; leaning down he
placed the coins in the nervous hand of Habib; the boy was not happy about
being so close to the black stallion.

It seemed to take only minutes before a number of ragged boys were standing
alongside all the horses with large round shad covers held high over each
man in the retinue; Habib had disappeared and only minutes later returned
with large round flat breads for each boy that held the shade covers.

It did not go unnoticed by other merchants; soon the group were being
offered fruits and mint tea as they sat and watched the front of the
fountain. Shortly after the trading of the shade covers; the large crowd of
urchins and other people of the city square began to cry out loudly.

"GRANDFATHER, TELL US A STORY; PLEASE GRANDFATHER; A STORY."

From his position above the crowd, Eventide finally saw an elderly man
approaching the fountain; he was dressed in what appeared to be the long
striped robe of the ordinary man; a thick staff in one hand to help him
walk and a plain cloth turban to keep the midday sun off his head.

Eventide was not sure but he thought the old man had actually glanced his
way and smiled; it was only fleeting and Eventide thought it was more his
imagination than fact. He settled onto his saddle sideways and slowly
chewed on a small plate of dates that had been given to him by Mahmud.

When the old man looked as though he had well settled onto a small stool
that had appeared as if my magic and the crowd was quickly growing silent;
the old man looked around and held out his thin arms; it took little time
before a number of small children began to gather close by his knees and
hang on his slim shoulders. The old man began to speak; in the silence of
the square; his voice seemed to grow even stronger and it seemed that
everyone could hear him plainly as no one wanted to miss a word. The
silence was total and complete as he began the tale.

"I think now would be a good time to tell you all of the Djin that was even
more powerful than Shaitan himself. The great Shaitan would even cower and
bow his head when the Djin appeared before him, such was the magic of the
old ones that ran in the veins of the Djin. He started his life in a far
away land, in fact this Djin started life as an Infidel.  Yes I know it is
hard to believe that a Djin with such power and magic could be found in the
lands of the Infidels but that is the way of the ancients."

There was a long pause as Omar looked at the disbelieving looks on the
listeners faces but not a sound was heard as he gathered his thoughts.

"It all started like many others; the Infidel was born of a lowly station;
much like a goat herd or one who runs on the streets with no home. The boy
did not even know his power as he had never been tested and few looked upon
him as anything other than the poor boy he was. There came a time when
things changed, for some reason far beyond the understanding of normal men;
a great Lord saw the boy and took him in to his home; from that day the
boy's future changed."

Another pause ensued as Omar let the details enter into the minds of his
listeners.

"As we all know; the lands of the Infidels are always in a state of war; it
was in one of these many wars that the boy became a great Djin and his
power brought fear into the eyes of mortal men. It all started when a
powerful Knight saw the boy and, as all Infidels do; threw upon his head
many insults because he was not born of high blood. Little did the Knight
know who he was dealing with. It was at that moment that the great Shaitan
opened the boy's eyes. First he sent a number of the people from the great
desert lands that are called `The Devils Cauldron' to aid the boy in his
quest. Now the desert dwellers were not ordinary folk, they were in truth
demons of the land of purgatory. Their clothes were the colour of the dark
blue of dusk so they would not be seen for the type of demon they were;
with their faces covered and only their black eyes showing through for any
man to see; no one gave them a second look. The Knight had belittled the
boy until the Baron who had taken in the boy used his high position to
challenge the Knight to battle."

Another pause ensued as Omar looked around at the rapt faces waiting for
the tale to continue.

"Now we have all known of great battles, some where the Infidel won by
false means and others where the believers have won great victories but; I
must tell you all; the battle that was to ensue was like no other ever
fought. The new Djin had little in the way of an army; his patron was
however even more unlucky. Not three weeks before the battle, his patron
was kidnapped and taken to the castle of the Knight. A message was sent to
the lonely boy which said; if the boy did not run from the battle, his
patron would never see the light of day.  Unfortunately for the Knight, he
had not met a boy who had been awakened by Shaitan himself."

There was not a sound in the great square as everyone sat and listened.

"To aid the boy, Shaitan as I said; had sent others from the great desert
to help him; these others also took with them a great gift for the boy. The
gift also had the power of magic.  Shaitan had used the magic of the
strongest of all Magi and endowed the gift with their power and the raw
power of the fires of purgatory. The gift was in the body of a great black
horse; its heart was made from the hot embers of purgatory and its coat
from the blackness of the night. For those few who had seen the black
horse, all said when it galloped you could see the sparks and flames of
magic fly from its black hooves; its mane and tail were long and as black
as night and flowed with the grace of water on the surface of a lake.  Now
as you know, any horse can be ridden by any man if he is brave enough but,
this black Djin could only be ridden by one man and one man alone and that
man was the boy who carried the blood of old ones and the magic of the
Djin."

Another long pause for the people to again digest the details.

"It has been told that when the boy first met the black horse, it was the
horse that bowed to the boy. Now everyone knows that there has never been a
horse that would bow its head to any man yet, here was the most magical and
powerful horse in this or any other land; bowing low to a mere boy; not
only a mere boy, but an Infidel boy at that. As a way to repay such
respect; the young Djin named the black horse `Shaitan the Black'; yes I
can here you say what a strange name for any horse but, my friends; again
this was no ordinary horse nor ordinary boy. Now it was at this time that
the boy was told his name by the black eyed demons of the Devils Cauldron;
the great Shaitan himself had decreed that the boy would also carry the
name that he himself went by and so, the boy was named Shaitan Bin Izurak;
the Devil With Blue Eyes."

Omar stopped once again as a young boy came up to him with a small plate of
fresh dates and another boy came with honey cakes; as he took a bight of
honey cake; an old vender came to him with a hot urn of mint tea to refresh
his dry throat. While this was going on; Eventide looked around the large
square; it seemed that in every window, doorway and along every wall and
empty space, stood or sat people; to Eventide it appeared that every man,
woman and child of the huge city was there to listen to Omar Khayyam and
his story. Eventide was glad that he and his friends were well back behind
all the masses and as yet unseen; he was quite happy to remain there and
listen like everyone else; the old man was a very talented story teller as
he had been told.

"Now where was I; oh yes. So the blue eyed devil whose single glance could
freeze a man's blood and tear his very soul from his body; was now well
protected by the children of the Devils Cauldron; all that remained now was
for him to find an army to take back his patron the Baron; not an easy
thing to do in those lands. As many of you may not know; in the lands of
the Infidel, most ordinary men are no more than serfs and almost slaves to
the rich and powerful; but for Shaitan Bin Izurak, there was no one else to
call on; he would have to try and raise an army with the common
folk. Things did not go well for the young boy; after all; who in their
right mind would follow a snip of a boy into a major battle with the most
powerful men in the land. Try as he might, Shaitan Bin Izurak could not get
the common folk to rise up against the Knights; the boy was left with only
one option; he would fight alone along with his protectors of the Devils
Cauldron; if it was written that they must die on that day then so be it;
Shaitan Bin Izurak would not shirk his duty to his patron."

Omar stopped to take a bite of another honey cake and a sip of mint tea
before continuing.

"That night, as Shaitan Bin Izurak stood alone on the battlements of the
empty castle of his patron; even the Baron's guards had deserted the castle
at the threat of the Knights challenge; and with the twenty one demons of
the Cauldron guarding him; Shaitan Bin Izurak looked up to the dark heavens
for an answer; it was to come in the strangest and most magical way. As he
watched the heavens; a great star began to fall towards the hidden sun; its
long tail of fire stretched from one dark horizon to the other. As it
passed overhead, a thousand or more small stars fell from its tail and
landed at Shaitan Bin Izurak's feet; as it passed further away; the wind of
its passing spoke to the boy in the language of magic; it said `Go to the
north, to the land of perpetual night; there you will find the Fae Folk of
the Ice; they will be your army if you offer them the sun for part of the
year.'  Now Shaitan Bin Izurak knew better than to ignore such a message;
telling his twenty one demons to stay behind; he called for Shaitan the
Black. Leaping on the great horses back they took to the night sky and
travelled faster than the wind during the great storms; the black hooves of
the horse lit up the night sky with its fire and sparks as it chased the
night northward. It seemed no time at all before they came to the land of
perpetual night; the land was nothing but a great sheet of ice as it never
had the sun come this way to warm it. Shaitan Bin Izurak saw below them a
great fire burning brightly in the darkness; with a touch of his toes; for
the horse did not need or use a bridle; the two galloped down to land in
the ring of light. Shaitan Bin Izurak was surprised to see many gathered by
the firelight; they were the size of children and many looked to be no
older than mid teens but, even he knew that magic was in the air. Shaitan
Bin Izurak dismounted and walked before the fire and the eyes of the Fae
Folk; one of them stepped forward and looked at the boy from the night.

`It was foretold that you would come this night; what do you ask of the Fae
Folk of the Ice?'

Shaitan Bin Izurak looked at the small people of the Fae; but he answered
with honesty. `I would ask for an army to do justice for those who cannot'

`And what would you give for this army?'

`I would offer the dark lands the sun for part of each and every year so
that you can have light to plant crops and harvest them with ease.'

`And how would you do this for one so young?'

`I have been given the power to order the sun to show itself for three
months of every year; there would be three months of the sun rising; three
months of full sun with no night and three months of the sun setting; this
would be followed by three months of night so you can rest from your
labours.'

`This sounds fair; you will have your army of five hundred of the Fae of
the Ice; if you so wish we can call on our allies, the giants of the tree
lands and the Fae of Dawns Light who are excellent archers.'

Omar paused again to take a bite of a date and sip some more tea; the
square stayed in complete silence as he refreshed himself.

"And so Shaitan Bin Izurak had the beginnings of his army. The Fae of the
Ice asked him to sit and eat with them while they sent a Night Hawk to
summon a representative of their allies. Shaitan Bin Izurak sat with the
Fae Folk and it did not take long before the ground began to shake and the
rumble of great movement could be felt; moments later and a giant appeared
in the fire light.

`Why would my allies ask for my presence?'

"The elder of the Fae answered that they must go to war and would receive a
reward of sunlight for their duty; to this the giant looked at the small
boy sitting with his allies."

`How does this one make such a promise; it would take great magic for such
a reward; if he can do this then we; the Giants of the Forrest would ask
for it also as we too live in darkness and would see the green of our trees
in the light of the sun.'

`Then so it shall be' promised Shaitan Bin Izurak. `I shall give you this
purse; it contains the stars of the night and it will give you the magic to
move as fast as I so you can meet with me at the time of the
battle. Tomorrow you will have the first sun rise and see for yourself that
my words are true. I will send a sign on the day before the battle so you
will know when to assemble with me.'

"At this the meeting broke up and Shaitan Bin Izurak leapt back on his dark
horse and lifted high into the night sky; he was gone as fast as he had
appeared. The next morning the Fae Folk and the Giants saw their first sun
rise; the bargain had been struck and paid for."

Even Eventide was now held by the power of the old man's voice and story
although he well knew that he was not really any part of it or that there
was any truth in it; he waited for Omar to continue as did all his friends
around him.

"The time passed until it was the day before the great battle; for some
that saw the event, it was said it was a bad omen; for those who knew what
it really meant, it was the sign that the day of battle had come. The sign
was the partial blacking out of the sun during the middle of the day when
night has no sway over the daylight. For the Fae Folk and their two allies
it was the signal they had been waiting for. Without losing any time; they
dusted their boots with the magical stars and took to the road faster than
man could move; before the daylight had lost its brightness; twenty Giants
and six hundred Fae Folk arrived at the gates of the castle where Shaitan
Bin Izurak and his twenty one demons waited."

Eventide could almost feel the tension in the air as the old man paused for
more mint tea; his own stomach was now taut with anticipation.

"Each carried the banner of their people; the Ice Fae had one of deep blue
for the colour of pure Ice; the Giants had one of green for the colour of
the trees and the Dawns Fae had one of red for the suns first rays. Shaitan
Bin Izurak welcomed them all to his castle saying a feast had been prepared
for their arrival; he was fortunate the castle was large and well built as
the Giants stood as tall as three men and were in need of a great space to
sit or stand. The Ice Fae carried swords and shields made of the finest
ice; the Giants had great wooden shields made from the trunks of trees and
carried great battle axes that ten men could not lift. For the Fae of Dawns
Light there were golden bows but Shaitan Bin Izurak could see no quivers of
arrows and so asked."

`Where are your shafts for your golden bows?'

`We use the shafts of the sunlight for our arrows; tomorrow you will see
our own magic and all shall be well as we have given our word to stand by
you.'

"As the feast went on into the late night; Shaitan Bin Izurak left his
guests for there was another task to be done; once outside and his twenty
one demons were around him; Shaitan Bin Izurak reached up into the dark
night sky and pulled down the blackness; with this he fashioned new clothes
for his demons and himself; all that could be seen were the dark eyes of
the demons and the bright blue daggers of his own eyes; their bodies were
now enclosed in the darkest of blacks; they were now just shadows among
other shadows. Shaitan Bin Izurak returned to his waiting allies after
giving instructions to his demons. Tomorrow they would have a different
task before the battle began and then would join him as the battle
started."

By this time Eventide could feel the tension in the air as the enraptured
listeners dared hardly to take a breath while they waited for Omar to
continue.

"The dawn found Shaitan Bin Izurak preparing to leave for the field of
battle; as he called to his allies, a small, lame boy limped through the
gates of the castle and looked around for Shaitan Bin Izurak; he carried
only a small wooden flute."

`What do you seek lame one?' asked one of the Fae.

`I have come to fight with Shaitan Bin Izurak.'

`You are lame, what could you do in such a battle as we have to fight?'

`I don't know but I have little else. I am disliked because of my lameness
and often go hungry because no one would offer alms; I have little to lose
but my life and I see no other towns folk would come and stand with his
Lordship so it must be my duty.'

`You know you could die today little lame one?'

`Then so be it; there is little left for me but an honourable death.'

"Shaitan Bin Izurak looked at the lame boy and called him to his side; he
could appreciate the feelings of the lame boy; had he not himself been left
for nothing; he spoke to the boy."

`We are in need of a good trumpeter; are your lungs strong enough to carry
over the sound of battle?'

`Give me a trumpet loud enough and my lungs will not let you down.'

"Shaitan Bin Izurak used a little magic and reached up into the morning
sky; taking a hand full of the morning light; he pulled down a trumpet made
of silver; this was lighter; he gave it to the lame boy and said."

`This is the trumpet of the heavens; all will hear your message when you
blow it loud and clear.'

"Shaitan Bin Izurak gave the trumpet to the boy and then told him to stay
by his side, even in the heat of battle the boy must stand with him; to aid
the boy in movement, he called for one of his demons to find the boy a
special horse; the demon returned with one that was as white as the driven
snow; a gift he said; from the Fae Folk of the Ice. The horse was given to
the lame boy and he was assisted in mounting so he could ride to the battle
ground."

After another short pause; Omar continued.

"The morning found the small army now standing at the narrowest end of a
long valley; around Shaitan Bin Izurak were the six hundred Fae Folk; five
hundred were out in front with small pots of water; one hundred sat on the
grass as though resting in the heat of the early morning sun; of the Giants
there was no sign, the only indication of anything unusual was that Shaitan
Bin Izurak was standing on a solid stone plinth freshly cut by some great
force; beside him stood the lame figure of the small boy with the silver
trumpet in his hands and around him were the three banners of the Fae and
Giants; to them he added one other; a banner of black with a magical sliver
of moon and a single large star; they shone like they were alive. As he
stood and surveyed the far end of the valley; he saw the massed Knights and
soldiers of the enemy. One Knight was riding toward where he stood beside
the lame boy on the freshly cut rock. As the Knight with a white banner
rode through the lines; he could not resist the urge to belittle what he
saw as small children standing around on a battle field; he thought to
himself that, if this was the boys army then blood would flow quickly this
day and they would all be home in time for a good midday feast.  His ribald
comments did not stop when he came up to where Shaitan Bin Izurak stood
with a lame boy by his side."

`Is this what you bring to fight with us; mere children and lame urchins? I
have ten thousand swordsmen and ten thousand spearmen as well as a thousand
heavy Knights; it is assured your head will decorate my walls before
midday.'

`Where is the Baron my patron?'

`There on the hill side; when I have your head I will then take his and all
his lands will be mine.'

"Shaitan Bin Izurak looked up on the hillside; his patron was standing amid
four heavily armed Knights on horseback. As the Knight before him turned
his horse and laughed out so all could hear him; he galloped off towards
where his army stood waiting; Shaitan Bin Izurak gave a small nod to the
boy beside him. The boy lifted heavens trumpet and blew a long high
note. As the Knight rode back to his army, he glanced at the imprisoned
Baron; much to his dismay, the Baron was surrounded by dark shadows; of the
four heavy Knights there was no sign; only the four rider-less horses gave
any indication there had been any there. The Baron now stood with a black
bladed sword in his hand; for the first time in his life; the Knight felt
the pang of fear, the Baron was holding a sword that was called a soul
eater; it was feared by every man and beast of the land; the Knight
quickened his pace."

By this time there was not a space large enough for a mouse in the square;
everyone, including all of Eventide companions; stood transfixed as the
long tale unfolded. Eventide's musings were interrupted by a nudge from
Mahmud; the look in his brother's eye told of some plan or amusing scheme
had been dreamt up. Eventide looked away as Mahmud leant over and whispered
into the ear of Salud; the Hashin slid from his horse and disappeared into
the crowd just as Omar restarted his tale.

Omar continued.

"As soon as the Knight returned to his massed men; he called for them to
charge the lines of the waiting army; he was sure it would be a short and
bloody battle with none of his enemies standing after the first charge. The
great horde thundered down towards the far off lines of seemingly children;
suddenly the one hundred at the rear stood up with golden bows in their
hands; as one they reached up into the sunlight and took down shafts of the
sun and fired; in the blink of an eye they had a second, then a third and a
fourth shaft flying accurately towards the charging mass. The results were
to be talked about by those few who survived the great battle and that was
very few. For one hundred shafts of sunlight there were one hundred fallen
soldiers and Knights. The numbers of dead and wounded grew rapidly as the
sun shafts flew faster; already the army had lost a thousand men and were
still far from the first line of waiting footmen."

Eventide could now feel the undercurrent of awe in the bodies of those
listening, Omar continued.

"Now the five hundred of the Ice Fae had not been idle; as the charge
started, they all as one poured water from the small urns they had carried;
as the water fell, the Fae used their own magic and turned the water into
shields and swords of pure ice. With their magic finished, the five hundred
took a stand in three lines and waited on those who survived the flight of
the sun shafts. The great charge had been slowed; it was then that Shaitan
Bin Izurak told the lame boy to blow his trumpet one more time. The boy
blew with all his power and; from the forest on each side of the valley,
strode twenty giants and the Baron who now rode one of the fallen Knights
horses and carried the great black bladed sword.  The giants carried on
their left arm their great tree shields and in their right hand a mighty
double bladed war axe. Now that the giants stood ten on each flank with the
baron and a mass of shadows; the boy blew a long high note on his
trumpet. The Baron, shadows and giants charged into both flanks of the
charging army; to say there was slaughter on a great scale would be to say
a camel never drinks. The giants cut mighty swathes through the foot
soldiers as they fought like wild men; the Baron and his shadows also took
a mighty toll on those that crossed their paths. The great charge had now
been blunted; it was the turn of the Ice Fae to carry the fight; this they
did with the magic and alacrity that only the Fae have. The lines held even
though they did bow in the centre but this only made the attackers sink
deeper into the pocket and become more likely to slaughter."

Eventide heard someone move close on a horse but did not turn around; he
did notice that Salud had returned and was smiling at Mahmud; Eventide
turned back to the story teller.

"The Ice Fae now took a heavy toll; the soldiers spears broke against the
pure ice shields; the ice swords hued thick steel shields as though they
were no more than parchment; Knights armour was shredded as though they
were nothing more than cotton cloth and the attackers fell in a rain of
blood. It had been a battle that was fought over the day until late into
the afternoon and yet not one of Shaitan Bin Izurak's men had fallen; he
had used his magic to protect his friends. When there were less than one
thousand of the enemy left; Shaitan Bin Izurak called for the trumpet to be
blown again; instantly there was a silence over the bloody battle
field. The only Knight still mounted was the one that had caused the fight
in the beginning; Shaitan Bin Izurak called to the Knight as he strode down
to the front line.

"Lay down your arms; you cannot win this battle and should save those who
are left; leave the field and all will be forgotten."

"Now the Knight was not known for his intelligent, as we all know what
Infidels are like; instead the Knight called back and said he would never
bow his head to a boy with no title. The knight turned to the few men left
and called for a final charge that he hoped would end the life of the boy
if nothing else. Shaitan Bin Izurak lifted his eyes and; with ease let the
daggers of his blue eyes pull the very soul from the Knight as he sat on
his great horse. The archers of the Fae of Dawns Light along with the Ice
Fae, the giants and the black blade of the soul eater soon had decimated
the rest of the soldiers. It has been said that less than two hundred
walked away from the battle field and not one of them was
uninjured. Shaitan Bin Izurak, in all his benevolence; allowed them to
leave in peace. It is said that today if you were to walk over the battle
field you would see nothing growing; there had been so much blood spilt
that no plant would lay roots there. The Fae and the Giants bowed to
Shaitan Bin Izurak's great victory and promised to come if he called them;
his gift of sunlight was still not paid in full, they told him. So all my
friends; should you ever see a boy with blue eyes riding in the company of
shadow warriors and mounted on a black horse and who was accompanied by a
lame boy with no home; I would suggest you bow low and show him respect
even if he is an Infidel; you just may never know, it may be Shaitan Bin
Izurak in disguise."

There was still total silence in the large square as they all digested the
story; it was at this point that Eventide saw the Hashin cover their faces
so only their eyes showed; the wide smile on Mahmud's face told of
something afoot. Eventide saw Salud move his horse forward as he began to
call loudly.

"Make way; make way for the Kahlif Sal-A-Hadin."

As the crowd began to part and then turn to see the new Kahlif who was not
expected for a few days more; there began a whispering and suddenly there
was the rustle of clothes all around the square as Eventide came into full
view; Eventide glanced over his shoulder and almost fell from his
horse. Riding just behind him was Shaun mounted on a small white horse; his
lame leg tide with a strap to the stirrup so he wouldn't fall. The most
unexpected sight was the long silver trumpet slung over his shoulder; now
Eventide caught on to Mahmud's little jest. As he glanced back to where the
old man was still sitting; Eventide saw a smile on the old man's lips and a
bright twinkle in his eyes.

The square became silent once again as everyone caught sight of the
procession entering the area of the fountain; not a face could be seen and
only the backs of every man, woman and child was on view; their heads
firmly planted on the stone cobbles of the street. When they reached where
the old man was seated, Mahmud was the first to speak.

"Grandfather Omar, I see you have woven your tales to suit the occasion. I
cannot understand why you would be so far from the court; Damascus is far
from here?"

"Kahlif Sal-A-Hadin; I was actually on my way to Bagdad but got delayed
somewhat when I found out you were coming earlier than at first
thought. Who may we have at your side; he looks familiar to my old eyes?"

"Grandfather Omar; I would introduce you to Baronet Eventide of Lancaster
and also Kahlif of Wadhi Sufaria as dictated by the Emir, my Uncle."

Omar Khayyam looked up at Eventide with a wide smile.

"Welcome to the land of great deserts Kahlif Eventide; you remind me
greatly of the boy in my story, Shaitan Bin Izurak; you are not a Djin by
any chance?"

"No Sire, I am just a humble pot boy that had some luck."

Not being one to miss a chance to embellish his stories; Omar looked at the
boy on the white horse with the silver trumpet; for Eventide it almost
seemed like a set up between Omar and Mahmud.

"Please Kahlif call me Omar or Grandfather as many do these days. I notice
you also have a trumpeter, a most unusual travelling companion don't you
think; are you sure you are not magical or perhaps the Djin Shaitan Bin
Izurak in disguise?"

"I am just as I said...Grandfather, a poor boy who got lucky and has a good
patron who is now my father."

"Your father; a very fortunate event; what is your father's name?"

Eventide looked at the old man and then got a sense the old man knew only
too well who his father was; he was now sure this discussion was only for
the ears of all those people gathered nearby; it would soon be the talk of
the city and; as everyone well knew; any tale will grow with the retelling
of it. Eventide now felt as though Mahmud had set this up just to let the
people know they would be safer to not ask questions of why an Infidel was
now Kahlif along with a son of the desert.

"My father is the Baron Tremaine of Lancaster and Flanders Grandfather."

"Ah yes, I have had the pleasure of meeting him a time or two; you are
indeed fortunate to have such a great man on your side. Now Kahlif one
final question if I may?"

Eventide bowed his head in acceptance of the old man's request.

"Tell me Kahlif Eventide; does your horse have a name and what would it
be?"

Eventide could see the glint of mischief in the old man's eyes; he also
noticed that Habib was still by his side with the shade cover still
protecting him from the sun.

"His name is Shaitan Grandfather and perhaps you would join us for the
evening meal if you are not too busy?"

"I would be honoured to do so Kahlif; shall we say one hour after sundown?"

"A good time to eat Grandfather; I look forward to hearing more of your
tales."

Eventide turned to Habib by his side.

"Habib, you and your friends have done well; here is the promised coins; I
would also ask if you would visit with me tomorrow morning; there is
something I would like to discuss with you; just tell the gate guards I
have asked for you to come and they will let you enter."

Habib bowed low after taking the offered purse; the look of total adoration
on the young face almost unnerved Eventide but he knew it was more the tale
than any right he had to such a look. As the party moved off towards the
main gates of the palace; Eventide took one last look at the crowded
square; every man, woman and child still knelt with their heads on the
stone street; they would not stand until he was out of sight. For Eventide
it had been a wondrous day but he was not sure he could live up to the
legend the old man Omar had started; he well knew what could happen when
legends did not live up to expectations.

It seemed no time at all before they were all entering under the massive
gates of the Palace; Eventide would have to wait for a while longer before
he could get the full story from Mahmud; his brother had refused to say a
word while outside the walls.

TBC.

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