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Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Aug 5, 2008 13:18:49 GMT -7
Jamilia walked with her uncle along the palm lined path leading to the bazaar. "How sweet the birds sing, uncle!" Husar nodded, smiling down at his young niece. "Their voices are charming, child. But not all that sounds sweet is good for your to hear."
Old Husar stopped beneath the shade of a tall palm. "Let us rest here and I'll tell you of the binding of Saleh to his ring."
"There was once a silver-tongued efreet; darkly handsome and pleasing to the eyes of some, even more pleasing to the ears. Saleh served in the palace of a mighty efreeti lord as a trusted vizier and confidant.
"Now Saleh's flatteries were not reserved solely for his master. Saleh seduced several within his master's harem. One of these was a young princess, stolen from her father's palace with her virtue still yet in her possession.
"Saleh convinced her to part with that virtue in exchange for escape and marriage--neither of which the silver-tongued efreet gave in return. In shame, the princess took her own life, cursing Saleh and his lies.
"When the efreeti lord found his bride dead, he called all his viziers and wives to his side, hoping to discover the reason for her actions. No one knew until Saleh was asked. For once Saleh's silver-tongue failed him and to his horror, the truth came unbidden.
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