Ever since I first saw the Aladdin Broadway musical, I thought about writing a story like this. The King of Thieves, while already a great film, would be so much better with Babkak, Omar, and Kassim thrown in the mix! Enjoy!
Wisps of sand danced on the wind.
They were getting close now.
The sun had poked its blinding head over the horizon hours ago, eating through the dark blue fabric that concealed most of his body and nipping at his skin.
Comfort be damned. This was too important to turn back now.
At least he wasn't baking alive inside a basket like his men.
Sorry, boys. Shading his eyes with his palm, Cassim fixed his gaze on the palace. But it will be worth it. This time, I promise you.
It will be worth it.
As they neared their target, the crowd of guests thickened. That was just as well.
All the better to hide in plain sight.
The unsuspecting fools leading the caravan hadn't the slightest clue what sort of villainy sat right beneath their noses.
If only their luck would continue to hold…
Of all the places, the Sultan's Palace was the last location he would've searched.
Cassim cracked a grin, watching the travelers parade their gifts through the royal gates.
Perhaps the young princess should have wed long ago.
Maybe then, he wouldn't have had to scour the lands, searching until he collapsed from exhaustion at the end of the day.
A harsh tear beside him set Cassim's already heightened nerves on edge. For a moment, he feared they'd been discovered.
Not now! Not—
Sa'luk's eternal scowl peered back at him. "Why do you walk in the open while I suffocate like an animal?"
Beyond relieved, Cassim adjusted his mask. "Someone has to keep a cool head."
His joke died on the wind as the familiar feel of Sa'luk's golden claws clamped his shoulder. "Someone will have no head if this is another wild goose chase."
The pale man's threats had long ago ceased to affect Cassim. Still, there was that nagging feeling of imminent failure. He had dragged his men all the way out here. And for what?
Cassim tightened a fist, brushing the three-pronged weapon away. "The Oracle is real." Under his breath, he added, "This time, I'm sure of it."
"You were sure about it last time."
"I can assure you, this will be nothing like last time."
"It better not." Then, flashing a glare that dripped with scrutiny, Sa'luk finally backed off.
"Now," Cassim went on, "you distract the guards."
Arms crossed, Sa'luk sighed. "Let me guess, part of your master plan?"
"A large part, yes."
Slipping alongside the nearest camel, Cassim gave several light taps to the hanging basket. "It's time."
He didn't wait to watch his men emerge from their prisons. Timing was everything.
Waste enough of it and you'll miss the ceremony.
And in doing so, he'd be throwing away what was perhaps his last chance.
Expert footing took him to the roof, where he could watch the ceremony unfold in full view. Sword at the ready, Cassim eyed the searing sun one last time. On hot mornings and afternoons, it was a curse, lining his back with thick sheets of sweat.
Today, it would work in his favor.
Lifting the thick blade, Cassim held his breath.
Just a few moments more…
The perfect angle would send Sa'luk the signal, no doubt. After all, he could always rely on the sun.
Sa'luk, however, was another matter. The wildcard of a man had proven his unpredictability more than once.
This time…
Cassim gripped the hilt.
Yes, he had a good feeling about this time.
This time, I promise you…
Sucking in a breath, he tilted his wrist and watched the sun dance off the blade.
… it'll be worth it.