Zahra scowled under the heavy sun, drinking some of her water. Her horse was getting more and more tired, and she did not seem to find any grass for it. She had plenty of water to spare thought. So, there wasn't any danger of them drying out.

But there was a reason her clan was not here at this time of the year. Nothing would grow.

Zahra looked at the sky. The air was dry and hot, but soon enough she would have to buddle up with her horse. It wasn't as bad as the desert, but the dry season tended to get colder at night.

As she advanced and looked in front of her, she started to see what she thought was a mirage. It looked like one. This kind of structure could not just hang around here… But the closer she got to it, the clearer the image would get. It only took her a few more minutes for the image to be seen in its grandeur.

Before her and her horse, huge ruins could be seen. Some kind of… building, two giant rock dragons seemed to be guarding it. Tall and spiky towers were spouting from it. It looked like a glorious palace in the middle of nowhere… How could something so big be left unknown? How could her clan never have passed across it? She did not understand what such a thing could be. Was she dreaming?

Zahra stopped her horse once close to the ruins, looking for a door. She could surely stop there for the night, or to let her horse rest a little. Such a huge place, it would be a waste not to stop. Maybe she could find something worth selling inside?

As she was roaming around the ruins, she saw some light from one of the sides. Softly glowing.

More and more intrigued, she came toward it. It was entry, but where there should be a door, light simply shined. What kind of magic was that...? Was it some of the dungeon from the stories she heard? She almost assumed those were legends.

Or at least not as impressive as the tales said, but could those Dungeons truly be found in the world?

The browned-haired girl passed her hand through the entry, curious. But once her hand went through the portal, she felt herself being pulled into the shining door. A scream left her throat as she lost consciousness.

.

.

.

It hurt… my head… Where am I...? It smells good… Smells like home.

Zahra woke up, frowning. Her head was painful and her mouth dry. She tried to sit down before swallowing softly, waking up totally.

'What happened… I was traveling and then...'

As she fully woke up, she started to take in her environment.

She was… back home? She got up and looked around, not understanding how she came back. Did she collapse and someone found her? That made no sense. And where was everyone? She was home but no one could be seen.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw her father walking toward her. Smiling softly

''Dad? Where is the village? Everyone.''

The man did not respond, only smiling. He then took her hand before dragging her toward the hut they all used to share. Silent but seemingly confident. Zahra only followed.

He sat down before her, still smiling.

''Zahra my daughter... are you not resentful against your mother? She sent you out to fend for yourself. Even if it was her wish to explore the world, she should not push her ideals onto you''

The woman quickly nodded, not sure of what kind of answer her father was waiting for. But today too, she would only tell the truth. He of all should know what to expect when she was asked such unpleasant questions.

''I agree with you. I do resent her. She is my mom, but right now, I would want to hit her. I am aware I would regret it afterward, but I still want to do it''

The father of the browned-haired girl seemed surprised. That was odd, would he not be used by her way of being by now?

''You... you resent her? Do… do you resent me?''

She nodded again, still not understanding his questions and his reactions.

"Yes, of course, you did not stop her. I am aware you rarely go against mom but- why are we talking about this? Could you just tell me what is going on dad? What am I doing here?''

The scene changed, her father disappeared, and in front of her was now standing Salim.

''Liar, you are a liar.''

The eyes of the man seemed empty. No light glowing into them. Nothing. It seemed she could fall into the depth of his look.

'' You claim that you only 'told me what you wanted', but you did not want me. You never envisaged me.''

What was going on? Why was- Oh lord, the dungeon. I was in the dungeon. I fell into it. Was that the trial? The dungeon? What was I supposed to say? To do?

She stood up quickly before rushing out of the tent. She had to leave. To go somewhere. Elsewhere. Leave this dungeon. She could not stay in such a dangerous place. She had read the adventures of Sinbad. She knew a monster could appear at any time.

''I must leave! I did not mean to come here!''

She screamed into the sky, waiting to be heard. A Djinn, the owner of the dungeon should always be watching her, no? How much could she believe the tales? Could the Djinn not let her leave?

As she tried to run further, Salim appeared in front of Zahra, blocking the way.

''Tell me the truth, you did not want me.''

Zahra scowled; did she only have to tell the truth to be let out of this place? Was that what this place wanted out of her? Then perfect. This was perfect for her.

''When did I ever lie Salim?! Am I not the one scolded for my honesty?! Did I ever tell you I wanted you?! I did want a dragon's scale! I do not want someone reluctant to try and gain something for me. And you do not look pleasant to my eyes. Never did I ever seek your warmth or love.''

As I tried to get away again, my mom stopped me, appearing out of thin air.

''Do you love us? Do you want to hurt us? What are you looking for?''

I had to tell the truth, right? Those were not enjoyable truths; those were facts I avoided. I did not want to think of those unsightly parts of me. But I wasn't someone able to lie to herself, I could not bring myself to do it. So, I usually only kept silent. All lies were bad to me but not all truths were needed at all times either. I was at least aware of that.

''I do love you. And I do wish to hurt you because I am hurting… I am mad. Soon enough I will regret those thoughts, this is the reason why I did not try to hurt any of you. And mom, I am not looking for-''

My words stopped in my throat.

''I am not-"

My mother looked me in the eyes. She suddenly seemed so much bigger.

''You cannot lie here human. Start and finish with the truth.''

I swallowed. Was I lying? Was I looking for something?

''What I am looking for... I…''

I had to say the truth or something bad would happen... I had to. I could simply tell the truth, just once more, like I always did.

''Tell the truth, Say no lies.''

My father appeared behind me. Looking down on me with my mom.

I tried to get away from them, but Salim once again appeared, Followed by Yasmine, Lisha, and Rekhu. Soon enough the whole village was around me, demanding the truth. Looking to know what they always seemed scared to hear. Unlashed, unforgiving truth.

What did I want? What was I seeking? I did not know myself… I could not answer. I was always going along with was life was giving me. I never thought of what I wanted to gain.

I let myself collapse as my tears gathered in my eyes. I could not tell the truth, as the answer to this question was unknown to me. What did I strive toward? I was so stuck on telling the truth but the one time it was asked of me I could not do it…How hypocritical could I be?

''I am sorry…dungeon, Djinn. I would tell you, but I myself am not aware. I do not seek to lie. I only ever tried to tell the truth. I do not wish to manipulate or misunderstand others… I am aware of what I should and should not do. I never intended to stop here, I never…''

I felt a hand on my head as I raised my eyes. My mother was smiling at me.

And at once, in an eerie sound, the whole village spoke up.

''We recognize you as our King. Belial the Djinn of truth and conviction recognize your heart. Your desire to see and live as you are.''

Everyone disappeared. Leaving me alone in the field. In front of me, two huge doors appeared.

''Come forth King's vessel. Come forth and claim the power you never sought.''

The browned-haired girl rose, eyes still red. Advancing toward the door, she felt some kind of pressure around her skin. Something was telling her to go forward, that everything would work out.

Zahra pushed the two doors and was back out in the desert. The carriage was nowhere to be seen. The woman walked a few steps, curious. The scorching heat was not torturing her like it used to be.

While she looked around herself, the whole place instantly changed. A huge room full of grey stone, seemingly treasures, surrounded the girl. And before her, proudly stood a giant. A blue giant. Many eyes were adoring his face. Five eyes. He did not look human to the young girl.

''My name is Belial young King Vessel, I choose you, who did not try and gain power, who did not try to change the truth, as my King Vessel.''

A King...? Like in the stories?

''To be a King? I… I was just trying to travel and get to Algos!''

Belial shrank before her, now the same size as Zahra.

''You conquered my Dungeon; the power of the King is now yours. I do not seek to give it to someone else. My power is special. I did not expect anyone in this world to have the mean to wield it. Now take it. Whether you decide to build a country, destroy a nation, lead armies, or forget what you gained, this power is yours. And so are the riches of this dungeon."

'I could… I could have all this power...? All this gold? But what would I do with it? I did not want to rule or anything of the kind. I resented violence.'

''I am not the type of person that wants to see war or to fight!''

The djinn smiled.

''And that is the reason this power is yours, my King.''

The girl tried to say something, but the dungeon started trembling and collapsing around her. She tried to grab a pillar or anything of the kind, but she felt herself leave the ground, floating. The Djinn was smiling at her before disappearing in a flash of light. The same flash passed through her cloth before stopping in her pocked, flashing. She lost consciousness without understanding what was happening around her.

Sinbad

This time, Jaafar and Masrur were the only ones to come with Sinbad to this Dungeon. Some of the generals had to stay behind to take care of Sindria

.

The newly made King was currently on a quest to gain as much Djinn as he was able to. He, only a few weeks ago, conquered Vepar without any trouble. The more Djinn the man obtained, the easier it was for him to conquer the next Dungeon. But this one was going to be different, that was what Yunan warned Sinbad of. It was a very powerful dungeon, and while Yunan did not seem to want Sinbad to gain its power, he seemed to fear even more for someone else to gain it.

Jaafar interrupted the silence of the travel as he asked Sinbad about his plans.

''Sinbad, how many more of those dungeons will you conquer? You are already the master of 6 Djinns...''

Jaafar thought that his master had enough power and that he should now focus on making sure his country prospered. Sinbad did not share the opinion of his right-hand man.

''How many? Until there are none of them left in the world I guess!''

Sinbad loudly laughed as his carriage bumped into a rock, causing him to bite his tongue.

''Ouch- What kind of road is this?!''

The horses were walking on some sort of dirt road, not adapted to carriage or any kind of wheels.

''This Dungeon is far from any kind of civilization… Some nomads pass from time to time but that's all.''

Sinbad hummed in response to Jaafar, sometimes Dungeons were close to civilization, but anyone could enter and perish, maybe it was better for those structures to be in the middle of nowhere.

As the sun was slowly setting, Masrur talked, for the first time in the last hour possibly. He seemed to have been surprised by something, his eyes wide open.

''Something…Something is moving, I can feel it.''

Masrur got off the carriage, bare feet on the ground.

''Something is moving? Masrur? What do you mean by that?''

Sinbad stopped the carriage, his full attention on his vassal.

''Up north. You should go look first, something big might be happening. Jaafar and I will slow you down.''

The golden-eyed man nodded, trusting fully Masrur's instincts.

''Follow my lead, if something is wrong, I'll take care of it.''

Pulling out his sword, Sinbad was in full equip in an instant. The blue scales of Baal shone on his body. He did not spare a second look at the two men. He trusted them to follow his instructions.

The king gained altitude in one instant, looking to see the cause of the commotion Masrur sensed. But far ahead, he could see nothing. In fact, no Dungeon was even visible.

How could that be possible? Yunan did give him precise instructions. The information from the citizens was also following what he indicated.

As he observed the horizon, Sinbad finally noticed something. A cavity of some sort in the ground. Similar to... to when he conquered a dungeon.

'No… no not before me! Dammit!'

A powerful djinn! Taken under his nose! He came all the way out there for it!

Sinbad fled to the vestige of the dungeon in a few seconds. Blue lighting trailed behind him.

Once closer, he could clearly see bags of gold, and a small thing standing right next to it.

Someone had in fact cleared the dungeon before him. But at least, this person was still there, nothing was lost yet. If he could not gain the Djinn, he could simply gain the human that possessed it.

Sinbad got down on the edge of the crater, removing his djinn equip before sliding inside of it. Getting closer to the dungeon capturer. It was a girl. A young girl was looking at the bags with a conflicted look on her face. She did not seem to have any weapon. How could such a small thing have cleared the Dungeon? And seemingly alone. Was she a magician? She had no wands on her. She had nothing on her. Sinbad could not even see where Belial resided.

''You are looking troubled; may I be of assistance to you, my lady?''

Alerted by his reaction, the younger king vessel turned to face him.

''Oh! Hi!''

Zahra looked at the strange man before her, nervous. She had just woken up a few minutes earlier. The woman was now trying to figure out what to do with all those heavy treasures while she was still in the hole created by the dungeon. She was kind of stuck in there, her horse also ran away.

''I can see that you conquered a Dungeon... I am very surprised; this one was known to be especially tricky. I was on my way to conquering it to avoid anyone accidentally falling into it.''

Zahra felt herself brighten up. This man wanted to avoid people being hurt in this Dungeon, maybe he would help her understand everything!

''I fell into it yes! Could you help me?''

Sinbad smiled at the young girl before taking her hand in his, bringing it to his mouth to delicately kiss the back of it.

''Of course, I could not let such a beautiful lady alone when she seems so troubled…Now, what could I help you with?''

Zahra felt her whole face flush. The gorgeous man kissed her- kissed her hand! And called her beautiful! This must have been the first time anyone treated her that way. Even Salim never acted that way toward her! Maybe her mom was right to send her off? Were city men all like this?

''Hum- I am- well.''

The browned-haired girl walked back a few steps, the actions of Sinbad keeping her from thinking straight. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest. She had to compose herself.

The king simply smiled, pleased by the events. She did not seem like any kind of warrior, and she responded well to his advance. He should be able to get his hands on Belial after all.

''Sir... I.. well, I was on my way to Algos and I was pulled into the dungeon, and then after a few odd events I was out. But I do not want to rule or to go to war so… could you take the djinn from me? You came here for it right?''

Sinbad was almost annoyed. This little girl simply conquered the dungeon and then told him to take the Djinn. If he could, he would have done that already.

''What do you mean by strange events?''

Zahra looked away, not sure how to explain it. It was deeply related to her life at home after all.

''People I knew, my parents, for example, appeared to ask me questions. But it wasn't them, it was the Djinn. I think. I just had to answer truthfully and then I was out... But no monsters like in the stories. I mean, I would not have survived. I do not even have a weapon.''

As Sinbad started to respond, the noise of his carriage alerted him. Jafar and Masrur had arrived.

''Sinbad! Did you already conquer the dungeon?''

Zahra stopped moving, taken by surprise by the words of the two other men. Did she hear that right? Sinbad of the seven seas?

''Sinbad?! The Sinbad! Of the stories?!''

A real dungeon capturer was in front of her. A man with many Djinns- a living legend!

The legend in question simply smiled at the girl, used to those reactions.

''I am honored to see that you have heard of me. You are right, I am Sinbad, conqueror of six Dungeons.''

Zahra kept her wide eyes on the man, not knowing what to say. What was she supposed to do now? - Right! He wanted to conquer this Dungeon!

Zahra quickly put her hand in her pocket, if she remembered well, the djinn had fled into it-

She took out the only metal item she had on her at the time she cleared the Dungeon. An item the djinn had no choice but to reside in as she did not own any weapon. The fork she used to eat her dinner.

''Hum''

She looked at the item, an eight-pointed start was now engraved on it.

Sinbad looked at the girl, not quite believing what he saw. Was that… a fork? Did her djinn reside in her fork?

''That's...''

The woman nodded, her face red. Her djinn was not inside a cool weapon like in his stories.

Sinbad turned around in an instant, his hand on his mouth, keeping himself from laughing too loudly.

''You conquered a dungeon and then- it went into your fork?''

Jaafar and Masrur jumped into the pit as Sinbad was starting to have trouble not laughing.

''Not even a household vessel- a whole Djinn!''

Zahra dropped her head as she was being mocked by the most handsome man she had ever seen.

''I didn't choose...You can just take it! I only need the gold!''

She went to the man to put the fork in his hand, closing it around the utensil. She did not enjoy being mocked by the man. She didn't even fully grasp the situation. But that Sinbad himself came here to clear the Dungeon? It was almost unbelievable. Was the man not busy making a country?

''Sinbad, what is happening here, did you not clear- was that what Masrur sensed? Someone cleared the Dungeon before you?!''

The white-haired man dropped to the floor, desperate.

''Yunan did tell you that it was a dangerous power… And who even cleared it?"

Zahra left the fork in Sinbad's hand before approaching Jaafar.

''Hum… I am the one that cleared the Dungeon. But I do not want the Djinn. I'm sure his majesty Sinbad will make better use of it. So do not worry.''

That much power must come with responsibility, with all the gold I gained, I did not need anything of the kind.

As she was trying to reassure Jaafar, Sinbad came to her side before redressing her.

''I am afraid that a Djinn's power cannot be transferred from one owner to another… But I can offer you to help you gain control over it. Such a power must be scary to own if you did not seek to own it. I can offer you a place in Sindria. What would you say?''

Sinbad was smiling kindly at the young girl, already knowing what to say to make her wager.

''I am sorry but… I have things I need to do… I was travelling to Agolas to…''

Zahra found herself embarrassed to explain herself. It was embarrassing to be a woman actively looking for a husband. Usually, it was the other way around.

''There aren't any marriable men left in my tribe… so they sent me out to find myself one.''

Sinbad smiled at the girl, after all, this was going to be easy.

''I see the problem, but do not worry.''

Sinbad got even closer to the girl, his hand now on her back. Shiver traveled the girl's body; she was not used to being touched that way by a man.

''I am sure you will find what you are looking for if you accept to follow me to Sindria. I will personally make sure of it…''

Zahra frowned, taken by surprise. The man was very bold. Was he proposing to her?

''What do you mean? I am not sure what you are implying. You will marry me?''

Masrur tried to restrain a giggle as Jaafar had a satisfying smile on his face.

Sinbad himself froze. He was implying that the girl could find some... comfort with him, but to marry her? That was absolutely not what he had in mind.

''No- I- I didn't- ''

Sinbad removed his hands before stepping back a little. It was the first time he had to deny his own advances.

''What did you mean then?''

Zahra looked at the man, her eyes focused on him.

''I meant- there are lots of men in Sindria, I'm sure you'll find one to your taste.''

The king coughed before turning on himself. She did react well to his advances, but she was way too frank. He was used to letting women have misconceptions on their own, but if she was directly asking him, he could not hold his ground and accept to marry her.

''Yeah, but I'm sure I'll find some men in Agolas too…also I might go back home one day…To leave for another country with someone I just met- I could get raped you know!''

Sinbad looked at the girl with wide eyes. How frank could she be? She seemed to simply say everything that crossed her mind. What kind of women would directly tell a man that she suspected she would get raped?

''There is no way I or any of my men would get as low as that. A woman is not something to be forced on, that is common sense. At least in Sindria''

Jaafar advanced toward the girl, addressing her directly.

''We are aware that leaving your county might be distressing, but the power you gained is not something that can be given up. You will need to learn how to use it, otherwise, it could end up being dangerous. Sin might be the best man to help you.''

The king came back toward the girl to hand her metal vessel. She looked down at it, conflicted. She did leave her tribe, but to leave her country as a whole was way different.

''I have no choice then…''

She sighed. If someone could help her with that, it was the high king of the seven seas.

Sinbad smiled, rejoicing. He would gain Belial, by all means needed, the power of the king should only be his after all.

''Could you try using your power young girl? I would like to know what I am dealing with. If you concentrate it should come naturally to you. Try and feel the flow of your weapon''

''Sinbad isn't that a bit quick?''

''Nonsense Jaafar, it's better to try it right now while no one is around.''

The concerned girl nodded, accepting the request of the king.

''My name is Zahra… I'll be in your care"

The girl looked at the fork in her hand before moving, getting further from the three. She did not know what to expect and did not wish to arm anyone.

She closed her eyes, concentrating on the item in her hand.

''Belior..Zakera''

Words flowed into her mind. Her power was to be used on someone. She was now aware of that. She could feel something cold rushing through her veins.

She decided to direct her power to the king. It all felt so natural to her. She could show him what she desired.

Into his mind, she directed a sentence. Not meaning any harm, she chooses something inoffensive.

'You want to pat your vassal's head.'

As she concentrated on the feeling, she opened her eyes, waiting to see if her power worked.

Sinbad was looking at her, eyes wide. He was slowly walking toward her. Zahra wondered if her power was not working. She was not his vassal…why was he walking toward her..?

As she kept trying harder, she felt the hand of the King on her head, patting her. She stopped to use the power of the Djinn to stare at him, confused.

''I'm... I am not your vassal though?''

''Sinbad, what was that? What did her power do to you?''

Jaafar questioned his master, the whole scene probably a bit strange to outsiders.

Sinbad seemed to gain his autonomy back, surprised.

''This power…it is certainly impressive- could you try again. Make me do something else.''

The first time the king simply let the power of the girl possess him to understand it. But he needed to know if he was able to resist it. If he could not, everything might become delicate and he might have to take drastic measures.

The look on Sinbad's face was almost scary to the browned-haired. But she would obey him again.

''Ehm..okay.. wait a second..''

She bowed down to grasp her metal vessel in her hands again.

'You want to remove your top'

Zahra sent her power to the king, the sentence she wanted him to believe, this time hoping he would obey. If he was making her play along she could have a little fun could she not?

The king simply smiled. This time, he managed to resist the demand, to differentiate it from what he did want to do. Her magic was strong, but not enough to control him. This would be perfect. He simply wondered who would win control if he used Zepar.

''Well, that was one bold demand- you can stop now.''

The owner of Belial nodded, gladly stopping. She was starting to get very tired. She tried to walk toward the group of men but felt herself collapse. Before her body touched the ground, Sinbad grabbed her.