Chapter 2: The Astra Gemstone

King Sharaman was most attentive towards Princess Tamina that evening. Although this was flattering, Tamina suspected that the awkwardness of Dastan's absence was the reason behind this. If Dastan had been present, the banquet would have been more meaningful. Garsiv looked sullen. Tus was as engaging as usual. Soon boredom began to set in. That was when King Sharaman turned to her with a unique proposition. "You haven't seen the treasury, my daughter. Come with me."

Within the four walls of the heavily guarded Treasury, Princess Tamina found a sea of sparkling jewels, golden ornaments and vessels, priceless paintings, woven carpets, idols and ancient scrolls of history and science. Everywhere she turned, there was something captivating and exciting to behold. King Sharaman walked with pride and contentment.
They walked on.
At long last they reached a huge gallery filled with all sorts of weapons both gifted to and made for the King. King Sharaman's eyes gleamed as he gazed upon each article of war. "Clearly", thought Tamina."This is the part of the Treasury that captures the heart of the King"
"Do you love to hear stories, my dear?" asked Sharaman, facing Tamina with a twinkle in his eyes.
Tamina was taken aback for a moment by the simplicity of the question.
"Yes", she replied, with a sudden shy smile.
"I love to tell stories." said the King." Not ordinary ones. But stories of valor and strength, of good character and friendship! My sons sometimes complain that I repeat my stories far too often." A look of sadness crossed his face for just a fleeting moment."They are now old enough to know them by heart."
"No one is too old to hear stories, your Highness. You will always find an eager listener in me"

Princess Tamina concluded, by the end of the walk down the weapons gallery that war and conquest with countries was something that was ingrained into the lifestyle of Persian Kings. "It is a pity they do not follow the ways of peace like the Alamutians", she thought with an inward sigh. Suddenly she wondered how she was ever going to fit in the family of Persian warriors. A cloud of gloom dampened her spirit. But the King was quick to take notice of this.
"Do these weapons startle you, daughter?", he asked. "Surely our nation is very different from yours"
"Will all due respect, your Highness", said Tamina, with some emotion,. "I have seen more weapons here than I had ever wished to see in my lifetime. I believe in peace. Peace within the city, peace amongst neighboring countries. Conquest spells conceit to me. Battles fought for pleasure are unacceptable. Indeed it is unacceptable for any Alamutian!"
Tamina breathed hard, fearing she had spoken too much. But the King merely smiled.

The last few halls contained random collections of articles, some being tributes or quaint artifacts from the King's travels, tossed together in open iron caskets. Tamina gave them only a cursory glace for she was still brooding over her outburst at the weapons display. King Sharaman had remained as stoic as ever. She only hopes the King wouldn't mistake her passion for arrogance. Suddenly something gleaming on top of an overflowing casket caught her eye. "That glow!" she gasped in shock. "I've seen it before-"The King followed her gaze and spied the object as well. It was a red stone pendant, as large as a good-sized egg, set in a heavy gold frame whose brightness was marred by age. Tamina walked closer and picked up the red stone pendant with trembling hands, as if she were handling a flimsy piece of ice. "Could this be the Astra?", she said in a dazed whisper, tiny beads of sweat dotting her brow.
"Pretty jewel" ,commented the King. "The sole remnant of a tortured soul"
"Your highness, who did it belong to? How did it come to be here?"
"It belonged to a woman called Aliyeh, the only sister of a powerful man named Roshtam, the self appointed ruler of the mystical kingdom of -"
"Vishhuddi" ,completed Tamina, speaking more to herself than to the King. She smiled, her eyes shining with sudden tears. "Vishhuddi"
"They call themselves the pure race. A race of humans who claim to have guarded themselves from being soiled by the common failings or "sins" of man" The hint of mockery in the King's tone shook Tamina back to reality. She seemed startled by the King's sarcasm.
"Oh, but it is true, Sire!",she protested with passion.
"You have been there?"
"I made a pilgrimage every year since I was a child until the year I assumed the throne in Alamut. After that my visits became less frequent but I remember my moments there as being truly blessed. I have nothing but the deepest respect and greatest admiration for Vishuddi. It is Utopia. The place that every man dreams of"
"Or should dream of", said the King with a quiet chuckle. "I'm afraid your views are biased, my dear. True purity is something which is still elusive to man. It cannot be achieved through isolation. Aliyeh was a true-blooded citizen of Vishuddi yet when she came here. She regarded this Palace as her sanctuary"
"Sanctuary?", frowned Tamina, uncomprehending. There were many questions floating in her head at once. But while the King paused for a moment to recall the happenings of the past, Tamina hurriedly surveyed her current prospects. Clearly, this stone was the Astra. She couldn't mistake that reddish spark, the size and cut of the stone for anything! The King of Persia apparently was not aware of the remarkable secret of the gemstone! "That is good fortune indeed", mused Tamina. "It gives me a chance to-"
"It is ironic", began the King, interrupting her thoughts. "That Aliyeh should come here to Persia. She had her reasons although she was too upset to speak of them to anyone including myself. Now and then she hinted that she was being hunted. That all she wanted was peace and happiness." The King turned and looked steadily at Tamina. "It was as if she was longing for something she knew she couldn't have"
Something in the King's words made Tamina shudder.
"Her grave rests in the burial ground underneath the valley temple". The King shook his head. "A poor tortured soul. May she rest in peace"
"How did the Astra-"
"The Astra gemstone was entrusted in my care a few days before her death. Her maid was always with her. She knew Aliyeh more than anyone else."

That night, a slight figure, dressed completely in black, threw a long cloth rope, down the side of the Western tower and climbed down with fierce speed. Tamina, pulled the black hood closer over her head and ran softly down the corridors of the Palace. "Tonight, the Astra gemstone will be mine!"

Dastan nodded carelessly to the guards on their nightly patrol and tottered on unsteady feet down the moon-lit garden paths leading to the Royal Palace. What good fortune that Bis's new neighbor, the generous wine merchant from Shanizim had joined their celebration!. Never had he sampled such an exquisite variety of drink! Feeling happy, without a worry in the world, Dastan hummed an incoherent tune as he slowly ambled along the Palace corridors. Twice he bumped right into the guards on their nightly patrol. "Hmmm.. more crowded than usual", mused Dastan. "I'm taking the short cut". The "short cut" was a jog across the sloping lawns and past rows of bushes and a large lake. But it was the quickest way to reach the Royal family's suite. As he neared the end of his walk, Dastan stopped once and looked around. He felt sure that he heard footsteps somewhere close to him. As if someone was running quickly through the grass but didn't want to be heard. The moon slipped into a thick cloud cover. Dastan waited; His senses were on the alert. There it was again! This time he couldn't mistake it. The footsteps were softer than before, but they could be traced. Dastan immediately withdrew behind the nearest tree and waited in bated breath. Sure enough, somebody crossed his path and swiftly leapt over the white stone parapet of the building. Dastan followed noiselessly in the shadows, calculating the right moment to seize the unsuspecting intruder. Meanwhile, the intruder unsure of his path began to retrace his steps. The moon reappeared and Dastan, still in the shadows, caught the face of the one he was chasing.

"Princess! Princess Tamina!" called Dastan, in a boisterous familiarity which was heightened by his drunken state. "How pleasant it is to see you by the moonlight!"
Tamina half-shrieked in fright. Who was this who so boldly claimed familiarity with her? She fled into the dark and remained out of sight as the guards came rushing down from their posts. When they saw Dastan, they acknowledged him with a respectful bow and returned back. Tamina panted short of breath, relief washing over her that she had not been found out. To be caught as a thief! That was unthinkable! Before she could deliberate her next move, Dastan strolled by, wondering loudly to himself where the princess had gotten to. "Princess Tamina? I know you are here somewhere-"
Tamina drew a sharp breath in desperation. She had to reply before Prince Dastan brought the guards back down again! This time they might not be in a tolerant mood.
"Prince Dastan!", she greeted, stepping out from her hiding place. The words came out in a nervous gasp. "What an unexpected surprise!"
"Aaahh..I was.. just returning from the most wonderful celebration with my friends. I must introduce them to you at the earliest moment for I trust you will never find a more loyal, trustworthy-"
"Please your Highness-", interrupted Tamina in genuine anxiety."-do lower your voice. The hour is late and indeed the royal family – even the servants and slaves are all sound asleep"
" course. Of course. But might I ask what you are doing along the passage to the King's private suite?"
Tamina stared wide-eyed at Dastan, unsure of what to say. Then, she decided to take the bull by the horns. "Oh! Is that where I am?", she echoed feigning complete astonishment. "I had no idea-"
"Didn't you?", asked Dastan in a sudden giggle. He covered his mouth with one hand and closed his eyes in muffled laughter which seemed to bewilder the Princess.
"No I didn't", humored Tamina, beginning to wonder if it really were this easy to fool her future husband, the Lion of Persia. She began to smile as well. "Imagine that! The King's private suite!",she added.
They laughed softly for a few moments together until Dastan grabbed heavily onto a nearby pillar and sighed aloud. "You re drunk!", realized Tamina at last in a mixture of relief and since her actions won't be critically observed and disgusted since she had the first hand opportunity of seeing her future husband completely intoxicated.
"I woke up from a troubled sleep and came out here for some fresh air", offered Tamina, by way of excuse. "Did you watch me for very long?"
"Nah. Just when you came running behind- Why are you dressed in black?"
"I didn't' want to be see. What would people think if they saw a Princess walking about in the dark?"
"Ohhh. I see", said Dastan, nodding but not seeing. "Well, shall we go?" He gallantly gestured to the lawns outside.
"Where?",asked Tamina,alarmed.
"On our walk. I'm coming with you"
Tamina's patience was wearing thin. She decided it was about time she took matters into her own hand.
Assuming a voice of authority, she chided,
"Your highness, you are drunk"
"Yes. I am."
"I wish you weren't. You can hardly stand on your feet!"
"You are severe upon me.", laughed Dastan."Surely this is common amongst your-"
"We Alamutians never indulge in wine. It is against our laws. We observe pure abstinence"
"Ahh.. And we Persians do not!"
"Do not mistake my tone for being haughty-"
"It was the last thing on my mind"
"We had a celebration banquet at the Palace, Prince. The King announced our wedding date."
"Aahhh.."
"Perhaps that skipped your mind when you were so engrossed in cheering the night away with your friends"
"Guilty as charged."
"Now, I suggest you leave to your chamber…where ever it is.. and sleep away your drowsiness. In the morning, you can meet with the King and apologize for your absence. He was most upset last night"
"Right!"
"Goodnight!", said Tamina, walking away as fast as she could.
"Good night!" said Dastan, turning back as well. Then he wondered and looked back in confusion. "But where are you going?".

Tamina was nowhere to be seen.

Sunlight streamed in through the ornate windows and flooded Dastan's bed chamber with its warm rays. The Prince tossed aside the covers and wiped some sweat off the side of his face. He opened his eyes in thin slits and peered around the room. "Is it late?" he asked to the manservant who busied about, arranging and cleaning things.
"It is late, Sire", confirmed the servant, with a kindly smile."It is noon"
"Aaaaarghhh!" Dastan fell back onto the pillows with a groan. "I hate waking up late!" He propelled himself back up on one arm. "Did anyone ask for me?"
"No,Sire. Prince Tus has gone on a visit to the summer palace. He left this morning and will be back only after a fortnight's stay"
"Hmm.."
The servant seemed to hesitate.
"What is it, Hami?"
"There has been a robbery,Sire"
Dastan perked up with interest. "A robbery? What, here in the Palace?"
"The King's Treasury to be exact , Sire"
"Oh? And what was stolen?"
"No one knows it still. Nothing had been disturbed"
"That is odd"
"It was as if the thief knew exactly what to take"
Dastan bit his lower lip thoughtfully.
"The bath water is warm, Sire and your clothes are pressed and arrayed-"
"Thank you, Hami. You may leave"
The servant bowed and left.
Dastan began to rush about, getting ready for the rest of the day. Then just as he stepped out from the bath, the strange events of last night dawned on him. He creased his forehead, wondering if it had all been a dream. "Princess Tamina , wandering near the King's suite" Dastan smirked at his own imagination. Then a troubled look came over his face. "Surely the Treasury was close to the suite… What if?" Dastan instantly threw his clothes on and rushed out to the scene of the heist.

The chief of the guard was under heavy criticism for his laxity during the theft of the previous night. "If word gets out that the King's Treasury could be infiltrated as easy as this,we would be the laughing stock of the Eastern lands.",bellowed a minister, angrily.
"How is it that we still do not know what was taken?", cried the secretary."Send for the keeper of records!"
Dastan stepped into the hall in time to witness the strange sight of a few sentries being "dragged away" on their feet. Their heads lolled heavily from side to side. "What happened to those men? Why are they being hauled away?"
"They.. they are asleep, your highness", came the embarrassed answer. "We can't wake them up"
Dastan caught one of the unconscious sentries by the shoulder and ran his hand around the man's neck. White dust came off on his palm."Strange!". The sound of heels ,clicking smartly on the polished tile floor came to his ears. "Prince Dastan,Lion of Persia",saluted a voice from behind. He turned around and found himself face to face with the new Grand Vizier,Farooq. "My Prince", said Farooq, bowing low with ceremony. Dastan clasped his hand in the hand of the older man, who for many years had been his most admired and revered teacher. A keen weapons master and excellent trainer in swordsmanship, Farooq taught the three sons of King Sharaman , every form of attack and defense techniques, blended with values of honor,bravery and loyalty. Farooq was dressed in a silk suit and carried a tall sceptre which indicated his powerful post as Grand Vizier. His beard, more gray than before had been trimmed evenly along his firm jawline. His oiled hair was in tight curls and reached evenly to the base of his neck. He wore several gold chains and a large ring on his finger which bore the seal.
"How have you been,Farooq?"
"I am not the warrior I once was. Time has not been good to me,your Highness. Yet his Majesty, has bestowed a rare honor upon me by naming me as his new Grand Vizier"
"Father has always trusted you.",said Dastan with a grim smile. He remembered his broken promise to his brothers."You are the oldest of his friends"
Farooq drew closer and spoke in a confiding tone,
"I do know the true reason behind the King's decision to appoint me as his Vizier" He hesitated before offering,"Nizam's death was most grievous"
"It has upset my father although he does not show may be a few traitors amongst our ministers and army chiefs as well. The King needs someone he can trust and lean upon for good judgement and wisdom. I hope that your actions will be transparent, your purposes aligned with what is best for the King, never faltering, never yielding to temptations which may seem enticing-"
Farooq's eyes widened faintly as he detected the hidden warning in Dastan's tactful choice of words. He managed a tight smile of acknowledgement and continued in a more energetic tone,
"Shall we get to the subject of interest? The mysterious thief and the stolen item. What does Prince Dastan make of this curious situation?"
Both men walked down the Treasury halls. "I think the men were drugged",said Dastan. "Their faces and necks are coated with a mysterious powder. The thief must not have wished for a confrontation" Dastan's thoughts ran over Tamina once again. He could imagine her now, tip-toeing across the marble, lingering behind each pillar just long enough to fling the drug at each unsuspecting guard and finally fleeing with whatever she had come take.
"The thief was not a coward from his ambitious choice of location and yet he was also not a fighter",said Farooq. "Your highness, perhaps... Wait!" Farooq stood stock still. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. They were now in the innermost halls. Farooq tightened his vice-like grip on the staff, turning his knuckles to white."I smell the blood of an Alamutian in these halls...",he said in a slow trance-like voice.
Farooq's eerie sepulchral tone threw Dastan completely off-guard.
"What?"
"An Alamutian is the thief!",exclaimed Farooq in frenzied excitement. He looked like a man possessed. "I know it! I feel it!" Farooq beckoned a nearby sentry. "Send a message to the Alamutian counselor. He is to appear for an audience with the King's Vizier"
"Not so fast!",cried Dastan."Ignore that order. We have no proof"
"But you yourself said, your highness-"
"I said that intruder did not wish for a confrontation. You assumed the rest-"
"My instinct is sharper than the fiercest tiger!"
"Yet your accusation is foolish,Farooq" This time Garsiv spoke and not Dastan. He walked steadily towards the two men, his face stretched in apparent hostility, "The Alamutians, as you are well aware, are our most revered guests."
"Prince Garsiv", bowed Farooq with less enthusiasm than before. He looked at both the Princes. Prince Garsiv met his glance with a challenging scowl and Prince Dastan looked pensive, as if in quiet deliberation. "I fear I have other duties to attend to, your highness. If I may be excused?" Farooq walked quickly away.
"I smell the blood of an Alamutian" Dastan shook his head in unbelief. He smiled at Garsiv who returned a scowl. "If you had showed up at last night's feast-"
"I did warn him,Garsiv"
"Warnings are useless. You and I both know what he is!"
"Yet our Father has chosen him to be the Vizier. Shouldn't we at least give Farooq a fair chance? We will keep a close watch on him. If we find anything remotely suspicious-"
"All right!",snapped Garsiv, still annoyed. He looked as moody as ever. "The guards here were drugged",he said after a pause.
"A mysterious white powder. Have you seen it before?"
"The apothecary should know it. He will arrive shortly."
"Hmm.."
"Farooq's allegations aren't completely baseless. Father did bring the Alamutian Princess into these halls last night"
Dastan looked stunned. "Princess Tamina? Here? Why?"
"He took her on a tour of the Treasury",said Garsiv,with proud grin. "Persian wealth is legendary. She must have been impressed. What's the matter? You look a little off-color"
"I..I'm allright. I'll be right back"
"Where are you going?"
"On a matter of utmost urgency",said Dastan,half-running down the hallway. His suspicions about Tamina had just been confirmed. The Princess must have seen something of importance during her private little tour and taken the earliest possible opportunity to procure it. Now, he must get whatever she stole ,back into the Treasury before Farooq decided to use his tiger instinct again. "I won't be gone long!",he called over his shoulder, disappearing past the outer doors.

Chapter Summary: The Astra Gemstone
King Sharaman takes Tamina on a tour of his private Treasury. Tamina spots the Astra gemstone, a large ruby which holds a coveted secret of the ages! She plans to "borrow" it for Vishhuddi (land of purity). Her plans are nearly thwarted by Dastan who arrives at the Palace in a drunken state. Tamina manages to steal the gemstone but Dastan is onto her. Also Farooq.