Chapter 1 – A New Tale
Note: this story takes place after The Two Thrones.
"You may wonder who I am, and why I say this. Sit down. And I will tell you a tale like none you have ever heard."
Yes, the Prince had indeed spoken these very words before, in the hopes that Farah would remember; remember him, the tedious journey through Azad, and most importantly, the love they had shared with each other. Unfortunately, she remembered none of it, but their friendship had been rebuilt as they fought through the ruined towns, streets, and palaces of Babylon. Alas, a friendship. Although it was a start, it brought sorrow to the Prince's heart that the Indian princess had once been his to love, histo hold, his to protect, and that his mistakes, born of youth and pride, had changed everything. If the Gods could give him one wish, it would be that Farah would recall the adventure, and return to him at last……
"Prince? Prince? Are you alright?" Farah's voice brought him back to reality.
"Oh…..I'm sorry. I was…lost."
"I can see that." She chuckled lightly.
"Well now, where was I?"
"You said that you would tell me a story."
"Ah, I remember now."
The Prince seated himself on the edge of the nearest stone balcony, looking out onto the pale, pink sunrise. From the palace, he and Farah could see the entire city, from the dock market at the seashore, to the deep jungle ruins miles away. He sighed as he remembered how he and Farah had, just hours ago, raced through the streets below, all in an attempt to defeat the treacherous Vizier that had destroyed their homes and families. In the end, they succeeded, but the memories of the trials, battles, and betrayals had scarred the Prince, and he knew that those scars might never heal.
"Isn't that right?" Farah asked.
"Hmm?" He had drifted off again.
"You know, I'm really starting to doubt that you're okay," she declared with slight annoyance.
"My apologies Farah. This experience has been overwhelming to the highest degree. My home is in ruins, my father slain, and…and.." he stammered. He couldn't mention lost love, for she would think him a fool.
"I understand." The princess rose, setting one delicate hand on the Prince's shoulder. "I know what it is like to lose family." He nodded grimly. "You should rest, it's been a long day," she advised him.
"Too long," he agreed. "But my story" he remembered. Farah took her seat beside the Prince, and he began.
"Most people say time is like a river, flowing swiftly and surely in one direction. But I have seen the face of time, and I can tell you, they are wrong. Once, long ago, a young prince and his army set out across the hot, dry deserts of Persia. The prince planned to lay siege on the kingdom of a powerful Indian Maharajah.Why? The prince desired nothing but honor and glory for himself and his people. He led his troops to the Indian palace and attacked in the still of the night, killing the Maharajah and his armies. However, the prince wanted more; a trophy for his victory. He descended to the palace's treasure vaults, in search of a worthy souvenir. Indeed, he found it. Although it was a dagger meager in size, he knew that it contained powers beyond imagination. When he left the palace, he discovered that his army had taken the Maharajah's animals, servants, gold, and jewels. They planned to take them to the king of Azad as a token of friendship. He noticed that one servant was unlike the others. She was the most beau-"
The Prince's story was silenced by the abrupt toll of Babylon's alarm bell.