Rule Of Three Blogfest ~ Part II

  Welcome Back!  It's Time For The Second Scene In Our Ongoing Challenge. 

My entry today is 592 words, including the title, and is based on the prompt - One of the characters is revealed to be not who he/she is. 

To read my first scene, Atiya ~ The Gift, click the link.  Today we continue with part two.

 

Abd-Al-Aziz ~ Servant Of The Powerful

“A rider approaches on the Villein Road,” the skinny boy announced, breathless from running.

“Very well, nephew,” Baqir acknowledged, returning his attention to the man seated across from him. “I cannot explain what delays Asim and Atiya's return.”

Abd-Al-Aziz raised his hand.

“Three years we have waited. What, then, is another day?”

“Commendable,” Baqir flattered. “Atiya is young and well-raised. She is worth every Dolmya you offer, even more. You will be pleased.”

“Ah, but remember, Baqir. It is not I who must be pleased.”

Abd-Al-Aziz had searched a lifetime, a drop in the ocean of time his lord had waited, yearned. The man before him must remain ignorant awhile longer.

“This Emir you serve, will I meet him? My brothers want assurance of Atiya's being well provided for.”

“Does the steep price we offer not speak for itself?”

Abd-Al-Aziz knew the real motivation behind the question. Greed. The pungent stench of evil surrounded Baqir, and Aziz, for the first time, battled to conceal his disdain and maintain the illusion of a son of Adam.

Confusion erupted outside and a moment later Fareed parted the tent's curtain.

“Come quickly! A stranger brings our sister home.”

Abd-Al-Aziz followed, considering the ramifications of Fareed's statement, praying the girl was unharmed. If any other of the Six Tribes – especially the Ghul, Nekretaal, or Efreet had unlocked the significance of The Gift, they would stop at nothing to prevent his lord from laying rightful claim. Grave danger remained until the Oath of Binding was spoken.

“What have you done?” Baqir roared his displeasure, raising his hand against his sister at the sight before him. “Only a whore spends the night alone with a man not her husband or relative! The Emir will never have you now; no one will...”

The stranger stopped further sound from escaping his lips, his powerful hand gripped tightly around Baqir's throat. Atiya stared, mute in disbelief, the sting of Baqir's words obvious.

“I am he of whom you speak. Do you claim the ability to divine my thoughts, son of Adam?”

Baqir dropped, newly released, gulping the heated desert air greedily.

“No,” he coughed. “A thousand apologies! I did not realize...”

Abd-Al-Aziz fell prostrate on the rocky ground, recognizing the one he faithfully served.

“Welcome, Honored One,” Aziz greeted, eyes respectfully downcast.

“Servant of the Powerful,” the stranger spoke, “give this man his due.”

Aziz arose, tossing two bags of coins before Baqir, knowing that lust for wealth would silence any questioning of the odd events.

“Renounce your authority over the girl and receive your heart's desire.”

“Yes, Yes! She is yours!” Baqir shrilled, eyes coveting the heavy sacks of coin he clutched.

Abd-Al-Aziz rejoiced as the wedding feast continued into the night. When the bridegroom at last led Atiya into the wedding tent, Aziz stood guard, ensuring the undisturbed consummation of two worlds. Gazing northward in the lavender dawn, Aziz saw the distant Roundeli Mountains, now vibrant against the heavens. The sons of Adam doubted their existence, the days of renown forgotten in the generations since the casting out of the Djinn. Today, they would remember.

Pride swelled in Abd-Al-Aziz, glimpsing the couple's re-emergence. Collective gasps, both in terror and awe swept the clan, the absence of veil revealing what had previously been concealed. Beside her groom, Atiya's eyes glowed otherworldly gold.

“It is done,” Lord Sayid proclaimed, hand protectively over his bride.

Abd-Al-Aziz ~ Servant Of The Powerful © Nadja Notariani 2011