Three Wishes: Cairo, page 11
“Darius and I have a few prior engagements, but I think we can squeeze you in.”
“Tomorrow it is,” she turned and walked toward the palace after giving both of Darius’s ears a good rub.
As she walked away, he couldn't help but stare.
She felt his eyes on her and turned to quickly smile back at him.
She didn't feel alone anymore. She had someone she could talk to and laugh with. Aladdin had a reason to wake up each morning and a reason to be a better man.
Neither even noticed a third set of eyes monitoring the scene.
Katar
Katar didn't start off with bad intentions, yet here he was. He progressed through the ranks of servitude much like all others in the King’s employ. As a lowly gardener, he was brought in at a young age to tend to the gardens on the grounds of the palace. During this time, he first met the Sultan's wife, Dina. He was impressed with her style and the effusive manner with which she reacted to his work. He secretly fell in love with the young queen though he never would have even considered being disloyal to the Sultan.
As he grew older, he was promoted to the inside hothouses and conservatory that housed the massive decorative plants and vegetables for the palace. In this position, Katar began to study the wide variety of plant-based medicines that were beginning to replace the ritual-centric treatments of the past. The Sultan had a common interest in plants and struck up an amiable friendship with Katar over a fascination for all things green. The Sultan's interest in plant-based medicine turned overnight into an obsession when Dina became ill.
Though Dina knew that there was something wrong, she never felt the need to bother those closest to her. She had noticed a decline in energy over a period of time that began to exhaust her after even the simplest of tasks. She tried adding some additional rest to her very full schedule but eventually, the tide of the illness knocked her off her feet. From there, it seemed as if what started off as a simple fever had ravaged her to nothing in mere days. For those closest to her, it soon morphed from fighting to keep her alive to trying to keep her comfortable.
The King was angered by this powerless feeling. He had threatened his private physicians and admonished them for their incompetence, only to later find himself begging as he watched them failing to even slow his wife's declining condition. Finally, in an act of utter desperation, he turned to his gardener for advice. The two had occasionally discussed herb remedies and the power of healing through plants. Katar was aware of Dina’s condition and now the conversations became much more official and frantic. Paden knew that he really had nothing to lose with trying something new. After a steady regimen of common sense herbs and remedies, Katar was able to slow her rate of descent and buy her precious time to get her affairs in order. During this time and with a brief respite from her pain, Dina began to prepare her loved ones for her imminent exit from their lives. One evening, as she lay sleeping peacefully, Dina's heart simply stopped beating. There was a quiet honor about her death, as if the Gods had seen fit to bring her gently into the heavens.
Even though they had been given weeks to prepare and say their goodbyes, Enna, the Sultan and even Katar were devastated by the loss. To his credit, even at his lowest point, the Sultan never forgot the gift of time, however brief, that Katar had bought for the family. With that trust and a feeling that Katar was the only person he could count on following Dina’s death, the gardener was installed as the Sultan's chief right hand and instantly thrust into position as the second most powerful member of the Royal Cabinet.
Katar had always had an innate common sense and within weeks, he had mastered most of the intricacies of government. He threw himself into his work with great enthusiasm as much to dispel his own secret grief as to please the Sultan. In reality, the two had been in love with the same woman and they channeled that into a successful friendship and partnership.
The Sultan loved his daughter with all of his heart, yet he couldn't help but be reminded of Dina when he looked Enna’s blue eyes. It was probably for this reason that he began to unconsciously avoid Enna. Her stark resemblance to his wife was driving an unintended wedge between father and daughter. The Sultan didn’t even realize that his search for self healing was making his young daughter feel even more alone and isolated. She had lost her best and only friend and now was feeling the loss of her father as well. It was a very dark time in the palace. The staff of the palace, also mourning the loss of their queen, was being whipped to the brink by Katar with some overzealous need to prove himself worthy of his new position.
There was a brief moment of levity for Enna when her father purchased the dog for her. He was not yet ready to deal with his daughter and hoped to placate her with the fuzzy little pup.
Somehow, this poor little puppy became the flashpoint for everything that would transpire.
The Sultan had asked Katar to arrange to have the dog brought in for Enna. Katar secretly resented that he was forced to handle this trivial matter. Not only were Katar and Enna already started down a road of distain and distrust, but Katar hated dogs. He couldn't even pretend that he understood how Enna needed this animal in her life. He gritted his teeth while forced to smile as this rodent disgustingly licked his fingers. Being licked by a dog was not a gift of love… rather it was a search for food. There was no affection involved, yet so many were enamored by this little beast.
For Enna, Hanif was like a long lost friend suddenly thrust into her life. She was so thankful to have someone to talk to, even though Hanif never spoke back with more than a firm tail-wagging. Enna was intuitive enough to immediately see through Katar's false affection for the dog. She already had started to distrust the man with whom her father placed so much confidence. Their relationship had collapsed from terse one word answers to outright animosity for one another. Though their mutual loathing bubbled just beneath the surface, they didn’t discuss it aloud or with the Sultan for fear that it might even worsen. Though the Sultan was withdrawn and depressed, he was aware that his two closest allies were constantly at odds, yet in his current state, he didn’t feel compelled to act on it.
The dog became Enna's constant companion. Hanif was always game for anything, so she loved the time that they spent together. Because Katar had feigned real affection for the dog, the Sultan assigned more and more interaction with Hanif as a favor to his number one. Under the misguided notion that Katar actually liked the dog, the Sultan had hoped that a common interest might bring together his most trusted friend and his daughter.
The breaking point came during a three-day trip that the Sultan and Enna took to visit the Sultan's brother, Gerode. It was determined that Hanif would remain at the palace because, had he been really honest, the Sultan was not really a big fan of the mutt, either. Enna was not pleased. But even with Enna's heated protest, her father had the last word and she was forced to say goodbye to her best friend as they prepared for their trip. Before leaving the palace to a smarmy Katar and an always cheery Hanif, Enna stared directly into Katar's eyes and said, “I hold you directly responsible.”
Katar smiled humbly. “I will give this proud animal all of the care and love that it deserves.”
Before the royal horses were even fully out of sight, Katar was walking deeper into the forest than he had ever ventured with the damned animal in tow. With the words “I will hold you directly responsible” still ringing in his ears; he tied the leash to tree, turned and endured one last tail wagging before heading back to the palace. Who was this young woman to tell him what to do? He was quite pleased as he moved further and further away and the constant barking of the animal was absorbed by the dense forest.
When the Sultan and Enna returned from the trip, Katar told them the sad news about Hanif’s escape, an unfortunate encounter with the hunters that led to the demise of the poor dear dog. The reaction he received from Enna was predictably angry and emotional. What he didn't expect was the cold reception he got from his friend, the Sultan. “My daughter trusted you with her most prized possession and you have let the family down. I am very disappointed my friend.”
Katar looked away with the proper amount of contrition, while thinking to himself, “It was only a dog… a dog you didn't even like!”
But that stupid dog had cost him. The loss had brought the Sultan back to Enna. He began to seek her out and consult with Katar about her eventual rise to the throne. He was soon requesting her attendance at dinner each evening and she was now his date to formal functions. Though he should have known that eventually, the family would find their way back to one another, Katar just blamed that dog!
His thoughts returned to the present. That same dog was barking happily along the side of the palace!
How could that be? He had hiked deep into the woods and tied that clueless creature to a tree over a year ago. There was no possibility it could still be alive, yet that screeching yip could only come from one source. He grabbed the closest stick and was making his way alongside the palace to investigate, when he saw the wall of the castle push forward slightly and move to the side. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? He stepped back, protected by shadows to witness the surprising site playing out before him.
Perhaps just this once, that pitiful canine had done something right. For if it hadn’t been for his annoying yips, Katar never would have discovered the scene playing out before him. He wasn't even trying to eavesdrop on Enna (not that he hadn't many times previously). He had watched her sleep countless times, peering at her through a secret panel behind her bed and wondering what she would do if she woke up and felt his hands on her throat. He had watched her grow in to the beautiful young woman she had become. The thought of killing her now came a close second to marrying her and stealing the kingdom.
Tonight's bounty had arrived entirely by accident. He now stood in the shadows transfixed by the secret rendezvous between the young man, the princess and that dog. What he saw sent chills to his very core. But that was the funny thing about information. He might not like what he was seeing and what it meant, but if he used it correctly, it could prove to be quite fortuitous.
His timetable would have to be adjusted. He would have to act now. There could be no more hand-wringing or guilt because any delay, and he might just find himself in the dungeon. Enna now went from a necessary nuisance to a direct threat to him. In a very short time, his numerous lies would be exposed. All this time, he had been protecting his secrets and here she was, with quite a few of her own.
His heart slowed as he took in both this new visual information and the barely audible conversation that followed. He was well-hidden, but was still cautious and careful. He could not afford to be discovered and thus ratchet up an already shrinking timetable for action. Enna was obviously familiar with this young man and also was well aware that her stupid dog was still alive, yet she had said nothing. He still had some time, but certainly not much of it. He recognized this boy from somewhere. Was it possible he was the young thief who had been teasing his guards?
Like all good sociopaths, he didn't dwell too long on the negative. He didn't recriminate himself for letting this whole scene play out. Now he had the facts; he simply had to adapt. Perhaps he could now even accomplish his goals more easily?
He hung back in the shadows; barely breathing, like a snake ready to strike. He took shallow quiet breaths while he bore witness to the day's events. They never suspected he was there. He not only focused on their entire conversation, but also formulated a plan that would provide him with everything he wanted.
For now it was best to let her go on thinking that her secrets were safe.
Whoever this young man was, he would have to learn more about him before removing him from the equation.
Responsibility
“My dear Sultan, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you about Enna before she arrives.”
Both Katar and the Sultan were seated and eating before the always late princess made her usual hasty entrance.
“One of my favorite topics,” said the Sultan as he made his way through the evening meal.
“Well, we've been discussing an increased role for her in events of state. Perhaps the upcoming meetings will be a good way to get her involved with some additional responsibilities. The treaty with Nubias would go a long way toward securing our border to the north. The Prince of Nubias will be in attendance. He is young and unattached. Perhaps when the two young people meet, sparks will fly?” Katar smiled sincerely. “Her charms could net us the treaty we seek and his charms may secure us our Sultan in waiting?”
The Sultan nodded thoughtfully. He was obviously thinking about the various implications of a deal with Nubias and liked this idea. He dropped his fork when he’d finally reached the same conclusion. “Excellent Katar, it is a wonderful idea. Enna gets to see how the government works, and hopefully, a little fire ignites and love blossoms in Nubias! Well done, my friend. We can add her to our itinerary and inform her when she arrives.”
I really don't think I should attend,” said Katar. “I think that this time together would be an excellent chance for you two to get to know each other all over again. Enna will be delighted and should make excellent company. I will simply be in the way.”
“You seem to have thought of everything, my dear friend. We will tell her when she arrives.”
“Tell her what?” said Enna as she entered the room quietly. “What new secret morsels of information have you two cooked up in my absence?”
The Sultan was exuberant to share the plan. ‘We have decided that instead of Katar accompanying me to Nubias, the Royal Princess will make her first appearance at a state function.”
Enna was taken aback. “But father, you've never wanted me to attend such functions in an official capacity. What made you change your mind?”
“Call me an old fool, but I never really thought that a woman had a place at the table when business was being discussed. But you have changed my mind, Enna.” The Sultan wiped a tear from his eyes. “Your mother had plans for you that were more than just marriage and children. She always thought that you had intellect and a level-headedness that could be a bigger asset to our future than just making royal stock. But credit Katar for the idea, he opened my eyes just before you arrived.”
“Did he?” she looked suspiciously at her old foe.
She pondered the situation and her mind raced for a solution. She certainly was happy to accompany her father on this trip, but just as certainly, she didn't trust a single move made by Katar. She knew Aladdin would be disappointed when she didn't show tomorrow, and she would feel a little sad as well. But she would leave him a note at their meeting place and pray to the Gods that he could read.
“I think it's a wonderful idea. I'd love to attend.”
That night, while everyone in the palace slept, Enna snuck out through her secret passage with a note she had drafted. The moon was bright and she had no trouble navigating the secret path she’d traveled many times before to her secret garden.
Hanif,
I am unable to attend our rendezvous today as I have accompanied my father to a meeting in Nubias. It was a last minute meeting that will take me away from the kingdom for two weeks. I fear that your father will be thrown into a great depression, but don’t worry; before his heart breaks entirely, I will have returned to you both.
I am excited to plan our next adventure.
Your Mother
She placed the note under a small stone where she was sure that Aladdin would find it. Her hand rested just a beat longer as she smiled at the imagined reaction he would have to her correspondence.
Quietly, she made her way back to her chambers for a good night's sleep.
Katar smiled as he watched her silently from the cover of the trees. With Enna out of the way and two weeks to himself with the run of the palace, Katar would have a chance to right the ship and steer things back in his favor.
“Pleasant dreams,” he thought calmly to himself.
An Unpleasant Surprise
“Well Darius, it seems as if today is going to be perhaps the best day in the history of days.” Aladdin had an extra spring in his step as he rambled through the woods on his way to their meeting with Enna.
Even Darius seemed livelier, though he had absolutely no idea what was happening or why he was so happy. His master was energetic and he just fed off of all the positive energy.
As they reached the clearing, Aladdin noted that Enna had yet to arrive, so he sat on the bench to wait. Darius ran to the palace wall and sat. He was waiting for his mother. Once seated, Aladdin glanced down and immediately found the note. He felt a tinge of disappointment that he would not be seeing Enna for awhile, but the tenor of her communication made him chuckle. He could handle two weeks. It was time for him to start imagining a life that lasted longer than one day. He would have two weeks to start moving in that direction. If he was to court a princess, he couldn't do it without a job and without a direction. For the first time since he’d lost his parents, Aladdin was thinking about a more meaningful future.
Now he had a whole day in front of him. He decided to do some major repairs to his home. You could never be too careful when dating a princess and it seemed in all likelihood that she would someday soon, be visiting him there. Having her royal backside seated on a stolen chair made Aladdin feel uncomfortable. He had learned a great deal when building his home and perhaps it was time to turn his blossoming talent for wood-working into furniture building.
When a voice broke the silence, it both startled and scared Aladdin.
“Pity,” said Katar. “Previously impervious to capture, yet now, add one woman to the equation and this supernatural escape artist becomes nothing but a mere mortal.”
