"All I'm saying in…" started Iago as the caravan headed for the Black Sand border. "It's pretty suspicious that somebody managed to defeat Mozenrath and we don't hear anything about it up till now." The scarlet parrot looked over at Aladdin and Jasmine, making sure they were listening.
"We've that in mind Iago." Aladdin said tiredly. The macaw had been resistant on coming ever since he saw the little air ifrit.
"Those suckers are daemons…lower class, but you still gotta be a pretty powerful sorcerer to summon one up." Iago had stated.
Aladdin had flipped it off at the time, but the more he thought on it, the less he liked the situation. He did not have a good track record when it came to wizards. The only time he had ever successfully made friends with one was once, and that guy was missing his head. Well…not missing, more like intentionally misplaced.
Might he be jumping from the frying pan and into the fire?
But then again, that didn't seem a wizards style. They tended to be very straight forward about things. If this new ruler meant them any harm he would have come to the front gates of Agrabah and done it, not given them two weeks notice. Besides, this was an excellent opportunity to prove himself to those nay-sayers back home. If a sorcerer more powerful than Mozenrath had risen, it might be better to make a treaty now than risk open confrontation later.
Aladdin sighed opening at the frustration of it as Jasmine smiled from atop her own horse. "Missing the old heroic days where you could ride atop carpet and face a possible enemy head on?" she observed kindly.
"Don't you?" he asked and Jasmine fanned herself thoughtfully.
She finally nodded and looked off into the dunes. "There is no doubt it was easier than politics." She admitted and gave Aladdin her hand. "But…"
"I know I know! Sultan…responsibility…duty to country…" Aladdin grinned shamelessly at his flagrant disregard for policy. Jasmine tried not to smile, but it was useless. "You encourage me too much." He warned playfully as Iago made a retching sound and flew off ahead.
"You're my husband. That's my privilege." She said and blink her eyes shyly.
Aladdin shook his head and kicked his horse into a canter ahead of the retinue. He was beginning to get used to this new life as a Sultan. He was slowly realizing that, as his own ruler in his own damn palace, he could do as he pleased. No more throat clutching silk collars (unless he was attending a banquet or court) he no longer allowed servants or even slaves to scrape the floor when they saw him but was satisfied with a simple bow and 'Good morning'.
And he had plans for the people of Agrabah. Big plans. But they would take time and trust to carry out. He had time…but trust was harder to come by. The people loved him and most of the nobles grudgingly accepted him. He could get support from outside his own kingdom, but that wouldn't look too good in the long run. What kind of a Sultan had no friends among his own?
That was half the reason he had finally sent a reply to this Lord Diriel, accepting his invitation. What better way to bring the nobilities approval than a mission of diplomacy and peace. It was a delicate tactic, especially if he was right and they were dealing with another sorcerer. It would prove him capable of handling the reigns.
Aladdin was determined to see this whole affair go successfully.
"Al!"
Aladdin looked up to see Iago flapping towards him top speed, mouth open. "Iago! What is it? A trap?"
"No…it's…it's the Black Sands…your….there's no way your gonna believe this!" The bird dove straight into Aladdin's chest just as Jasmine arrived to see what all the commotion was about.
"Trouble?" she asked as though expecting it. They had no just brought flattering retinue with them, but guards enough to make an escape if it came to that.
"You won't believe me…" Iago started to say but Aladdin was already over the dunes, his horse galloping to see what had the parrot as close to speechless as they had ever seen him.
He came within an inch of falling off his horse at the sheer awe of it.
"Aladdin what…" Jasmine felt her jaw drop in quite an undignified way as her eyes met with the sight of what had once been a dilapidated city.
Where had once stood the dark, fearsome towers of a citadel was now a vast and exquisite model of Persian architecture. Beautiful white walls topped with red banners and a golden eagle slaying a cobra…the symbol of the new ruler of the Black Sands. Though many of the buildings were still in poor condition, people…real people now walked the streets purposefully, carrying wood or nails, wares and produce.
"He managed all this in two weeks?" Jasmine said suspiciously.
"Well…obviously it had to take longer than that. The Lord Diriel probably just wanted to make sure his palace was finished before he invited over fellow blue bloods." Iago observed clandestinely and Aladdin smacked the bird lightly away.
"It's just so…surreal." Aladdin said as the rest of their entourage appeared at the edge of the city. "It's as though Mozenrath never existed." He whispered as they traveled through the main street, waving to the children playing with little wooden horses and hand sewn dolls. A small troop of entertainers were dancing for coins, the sounds of drums and flutes rhythmically filling the air.
"Isn't that for the better though?" Jasmine said as a little girl selling flowers walked over to her Jasmine kindly bought one and put it in her hair. "They say you can judge a man by the way he treats his inferiors." She mused and looked to Aladdin smilingly, despite the worry on his face. She finally caught his eyes and looked through them questioningly. "What is it?"
"Someone said something to me one: 'Appearances can be deceiving.'" Aladdin said passively and shook it off. He still could not get rid of little quirks he'd picked up as a street rat. It was the nature of the poor to mistrust and despise the rich. Hate them for being born into what they have. Aladdin knew he was being irrational. If Lord Diriel had defeated Mozenrath and turned this desolate land into such a thriving metropolis, then he certainly deserved the title of Sultan.
Aladdin just had a few hang-ups to get over…
That was all…
"I thought master preferred to stay…ready…" Mozenrath said questioningly as he handed Diriel clothing for the arrival of the royalty.
Diriel nodded as he fixed the half sleeves to his arms and cinched the tight to stay in place. "It's true I do prefer to remain in the nude. I've never liked fumbling with clothing when I'm ready. But these folk are not you my love…" He cupped Mozenrath's chin and kissed his lips fondly. "I'm afraid the sight of my real self may frighten them off…and then where would I be?"
Mozenrath said nothing but continued to help his master prepare. In the past two weeks Diriel had raised a hundred fold little daemons and spirits to help with everything, but no matter how many he brought forth, only Mozenrath was allowed as his personal servant. He wore nothing but the jewelry the daemon had given him the night he'd realized his true nature. Even when people arrived over night, he was forbidden to wear fabric over any part of himself when Diriel was with him. None of the other daemons glanced at him unless they had too no matter how little he was clad in.
They would not touch what was so obviously their masters.
"You look lovely Mozenrath." Diriel said and Mozenrath felt his body grow cold.
He knew something was up. A night or two ago, the Hades spawned beast had ordered a tailor made dancing outfit for Mozenrath, something that complimented his exotic and feminine features. It left almost less to the imagination then if he'd just gone naked. Diriel was showing off…but for what purpose? Surely he wouldn't parade Mozenrath in front of Agrabah's Sultan…the daemon jealously guarded his life line to this world.
"Ahem…?" Diriel arched an eyebrow when Mozenrath refused to respond.
"Oh…thank you…lord Diriel." He said and bit back a whine as Diriel stroked his buttocks. The harsh claws lipped past the fabric and between his cheeks, separating them so as to expose his back entry way. Mozenrath fell helplessly against the daemon for support as a hard, questing finger probed him demandingly.
"We have enough time little whore…" The daemon said as he rammed another finger in relentlessly. Mozenrath yelped in pain but did not resist. He balled his fists up tight and bit his own lip. Why did it always have to hurt? Hadn't he been taken enough by now to forever stretch his body? But no…his blood lines betrayed him yet again. Diriel's rod was too massive to enter without hurting him and his elemental heritage healed him quickly. Every night his tight little sphincter had to be re broken, though the roughness depended on what mood his master was in.
At least this time he was using fingers first.
A sudden blast of heralding trumpets pushed through the air and Diriel gave a half growl…half sigh. "Later then…" he assured Mozenrath, letting the relieved sorcerer fall to the divan. He looked to the mirror and let out a long, stressful groan. To Mozenrath's amazement the great black ram horns began to uncurl, slipping away into Diriel's head. The redness of his eyes dimmed and became a smoky, clever umber. The golden hue of his skin lightened, but only slightly enough to seem normal. The claws retracted into well groomed and manicured nails and Diriel hummed, satisfied with his appearance.
"Well then…" Diriel looked at Mozenrath. "A kiss for luck my love." It was not a request. Mozenrath took Diriel's hand submissively and planted a kiss there, his eyes not lifting. As Diriel walked out, Mozenrath followed. Unbeknownst to Mozenrath, the daemon was smirking to himself inside. He had been quite frustrated when his usual methods of breaking had failed. Most men he took…human men anyhow…were bent to his will after their first sadistic session with him. Their bodies forever opened for his massive phallus. But for all the physical pain he could bring Mozenrath, the frail looking sorcerer bore it internally. He would scream just as loudly as any other, but when the night was done and his body began to heal, those infernal black eyes would rise up to challenge his authority.
The flesh was submissive, but the spirit burned like star fire.
Then he had found something. Diriel was quite fond of wandering his captives homes and had been doing just that when he had come across a small, shabby bedroom. Their were fleas crawling like an infection across a rough straw bed, a chamber pot, a small bed stand and chains against the wall. The window had long since been broken and the shards lay on the floor, one of them in particular caught his attention. A particularly crooked looking glass that had dusty red stains on the edge. He had bent down to take a closer look when something even more interesting had caught his attention.
A box under the bed containing colorful bits of string, shiny pebbles, and a leather bound journal with scrawling he could barely make out. Diriel had not taken long to realize who exactly owned this diary and grinned at the thought.
But what frustrated him was Destain. The old wizard had mentioned his pupil a few times, but only in passing as an obstinate and reckless child who needed a thorough whipping. Diriel had passed it over, he wasn't interested in children. But looking through the journal the daemon had realized something.
Mozenrath was dangerous to him.
The boy was powerful at an age where most still fumble with the basics. He had written of his former masters abuse and rape of his young body. Terror, which comes so easily to children had grown to anger…resentment…and hatred as the child Mozenrath grew to an adult. He let it burn and churn in the pit of his soul, seething while he played submissive to the lecher who taught him.
Most men carry a grudge.
Mozenrath nurtured it like a wounded pet.
That was when Diriel realized he must break Mozenrath entirely. If any degree of pride of strength remained in the young mans will, he would eventually find a way to destroy Diriel or send him back to his own world.
And the best way to break someone like Mozenrath was through pride.
He had managed it. Diriel had taken great pains to bring out Mozenrath's true nature as the little whore he was. He had been unsure at first and tested Mozenrath daily, seeking some spark of the pride he wished to extinguish. He saw nothing visibly, but his senses, and years of knowing the way of human beings told him it was still there, seeping under the surface like a parasite waiting to be let out. Perhaps Mozenrath didn't even know it was there. But that in and of itself was a danger. If the sorcerer rediscovered what he could do…
I must break him. I must find some way of giving him abject humiliation. Diriel thought as the continued out to the courtyard where Agrabah's retinue was.
Mozenrath had kept his head down, but now looked up out of curiosity, expecting to see an old man and his usual, burly chief guard. He squinted, not entirely sure who could be riding. With a sudden gasp Mozenrath recoiled, hiding his body behind his masters. No! No please not him…Please Ra if you have any love left for me don't let him see me like this!
Diriel did not have time to wonder about the sudden queer behavior of his slave as the Sultan of Agrabah walked up to him. The two men bowed to one another politely and shook hands, exchanging the usual amount of pleasantries.
"I have to hand it too you Lord Diriel. In such a short time you have managed so much!" Aladdin congratulated him warmly and Diriel nodded in thanks. The daemon turned his head slightly as he noted the beautiful young woman coming up the steps.
"My Queen." Aladdin said by way of introduction. "The Sultana Jasmine."
"Lady…" Diriel took her hand and made a slight bow, kissing the back of the palm charmingly.
Jasmine smiled, but a sudden cold had grasped her at the moment his lips had touched. "We…are pleased to see a suitable lord upon this lands throne." Jasmine said without skipping a beat. "You will have to regale us with you account of it."
"Undoubtedly." Replied Diriel with a sly, secretive smile. "But surely you are weary. Please allow my manservant to show you your rooms." He gestured towards Mozenrath and stepped out of the way to show him off.
Aladdin tilted his head slightly as he saw the wild, erotic outfit Diriel had placed his servant in. Unusual attire for just a palace slave. But what confused him most was the face covering. He had seen the young man walking down the steps before and, though the sun blocked his vision, had been sure the young man wore nothing over his face.
The man did not speak, but his eyes seemed to dart quickly from Aladdin to Jasmine as if searching for something. After a moment he quickly bowed and turned away, gesturing that he was to be followed. Aladdin looked at his beloved but she simply took his arm and led them up, not seeming to notice anything out of place.
But Diriel's eyes were glued to Mozenrath. He kept glancing hesitantly back at them, then ducking if it seemed that the Sultan or his Sultan would look at him. He walked more hurriedly than usual, the slow, easy gait becoming franticly fast paced. The daemon arched an eyebrow, when the realization hit him.
He knows them!
"Truly Lord Diriel…" said Aladdin as they sat down at the dinning table later that evening. "I am impressed." He gestured to the food, piles and piles of exotic delicacies to please even the most delicate palate. "All of this just for our little kingdom?"
"Hardly little Sultan Aladdin. Even in your short time as ruler you have begun to expand your city's walls. I understand your starting new trades across the deserts to provide more work for people." Diriel complimented him. "An auspicious endeavor for one so young. Do you intend to make your regime one of speculation?"
"Do you?" Aladdin jibbed lightly and the two men shared a laugh. Royal humor…sheesh.
Jasmine caught the slight eye roll and giggled into her drink. She was actually quite pleased. Aladdin had covered ground in his study and was working his famous charm with this Diriel. It would have been better to have a full court present though…it earned better support if everyone knew where you stood. She looked down at the table, empty save for herself, Aladdin and Diriel.
"My nobles…" Lord Diriel said softly as Jasmine blushed red. "Have not yet found a safe route to this city." He explained and Jasmine set down her glass.
"I meant no disrespect Lord…" she said shyly and Diriel waved it away.
"Think nothing of it my lady. I would have postponed this until we had a full retinue, but I truly did wish to meet the famous Aladdin of Agrabah and his equally famous love Jasmine. It truly is an honor." Diriel was laying it on like molasses in February, but Jasmine was used to that by now. You couldn't get by without a little flattery.
"But all this food just for the three of us?" Aladdin pointed out. "You must be truly a wealthy country if you can afford such a spread."
"None of it goes to waste my Sultan." Diriel said casually. "What we don't eat goes to the kitchen staff. What they can't preserve they give out too the rest of the palace staff." He leaned forward and winked knowingly at Aladdin. "I always bare in mind there are those who do without so that I have all. I waste nothing."
Jasmine smiled in secret. She could feel Aladdin's smile turned more friendly as the conversation continued. That little remark had won points with her righteous husband, her man of the people.
"Please…on behalf of my kingdom…" Diriel snapped his fingers and a servant came forth holding a golden tray. "I would like to offer gifts to yours." The servant removed a red cloth and underneath were two black velvet boxes. "For the lovely Jasmine." He said and the box was ceremoniously delivered to her.
Jasmine opened the box and gasped. "A painite necklace!" she whispered as she lifted the beautiful piece of jewelry from the box. Set in the middle was an exquisitely cut gem that a person might mistake for a shock of amber. But when you got up close, one could see the tell tale signs of a true gemstone rare and enigmatic. The colors were similar, but in full candlelight one could see an almost flame like quality to the gem. "These are so rare…however did you procure one?"
"My homeland is home to some of the rarest and most beautiful gems in all the world." Diriel said casually. "I can not think of a citizen who does not own at least one good piece of jewelry." He gestured again and the servant directed himself to Aladdin. "And for the hero Sultan of Agrabah." He said.
Aladdin's eyes went wide. "Armor…" he picked it up, the chain linked metal shimmering beautifully.
"Mithril to be exact. Gained from a cousin of mine who lived in some mines for a while."
"It is a kingly gift." Aladdin said graciously and touched it. Mithril was supposed to be impenetrable.
"Thank you. And now, please…though my court entertainers are not yet in the city, my musicians are. And my manservant, I have discovered, is an accomplished dancer." He snapped his fingers and the group appeared along with that fellow who kept his head covered. As the band began to strike up, the pale young man began to move, his body curving and dipping in a most women can not even master.
"Beautiful isn't he?" Diriel said with a look at Aladdin.
The hero realized he had been staring. "Forgive me. I can't help but feel I know him from somewhere."
"Really now? Well…he has only been in my possession a short while." Diriel admitted.
Mozenrath moved as he had been ordered, providing entertainment for the three gathered. But no matter how his dipped and spun, he kept his eyes on the table, watching for any sign. He had been smart enough to grab the black wrap of fabric around his waist and compose a quick veil to hide his features. He would not be able to stand it if Aladdin and that damn princess of his recognized him. When did the street rat rise as Sultan? Why hadn't he heard about it?
Because you are not ruler here any longer whore.
Mozenrath closed his eyes and shuddered. He was butting into things no longer his concern. Diriel was master here now. Let him worry about the Sultan.
"So…if I may ask." Said Aladdin politely just as the music was dying down. "How on earth did you defeat Mozenrath?"
"It took time. I admit the battle was long drawn out. I took several wounds in the process, but in the end I had beaten him down. He was…difficult to manage from there." Diriel said with a smirk.
But as the two men began to discuss the sorcerer, Jasmine's eyes were locked on the shy dancing man Diriel had claimed as a manservant. He was as graceful as anything she'd ever seen, his moves like ripples of the ocean against the shore. As his long legs and lithe limbs rotated, Jasmine caught a split second of eye connection and gasped silently. "Aladdin…" she whispered and touched his leg under the table.
He patted her absently and Jasmine kicked his shin. "What is it." He said under his breath as Diriel looked back at the dancing man.
Jasmine mouthed. Mozenrath.
Aladdin tilted his head in an adorably clueless fashion. "What?"
The Sultana grit her teeth and roller her eyes, jerking towards the gracefully twirling figure. Mo-zen-rath! She said again and Aladdin blinked. "Mozenrath!" she finally whispered just as Diriel's attention turned back to them.
"Is there a problem?" he asked, taking in the look on the stunned Aladdin's face as his eyes darted from Jasmine to the veiled dancer.
"No. Not at all." Aladdin hesitated. "If I may be so bold…what exactly did you do with the sorcerer?"
Diriel smiled just as the music began to die down and his manservant began a final spin. He reached forward and plucked the face cover off, leaving his slave unmasked before his enemies.
Mozenrath hit the ground, covering his face. But he had forgotten the other give away of his person. The bone hand was now fully uncovered from among the fabric and Aladdin gasped in shock. Don't look at me!
A moment of stunned silence hung in the air.
Don't look at me!
He leapt up and ran for the door, clutching his shoulder like a frightened child.
"Mozenrath!"
His hand stopped on the frame and he shuddered, tears burning behind his iris. "Yes master." He whispered obediently and came forward, his cheeks turned ruby as Aladdin and Jasmine started in confusion. He knelt at the base of the throne, the sensation of Diriel's hand stroking his luxurious black hair making him twitch. He endeavored himself not to look at the heroes.
"Does his presence disturb you?" Diriel said to his two guests. "I will have him removed if it does…"
It was Jasmine who found her voice first. "You are of course entitled to you prize of war Lord Diriel." She said in a flat, even tone. Her eyes however did not leave the frame of Mozenrath. At any other time she would have found this situation funny, but…something was off. She could sense it in a way only a woman can. Aladdin might not have caught on to the finer things she detected. The erotic outfit, submissive posture, the way Mozenrath seemed to shake at his Lords touch.
She could say nothing now, too risky, but Aladdin caught her meaning and shrugged it off. "Looks to me like Moze is finally getting what he deserves." Aladdin smiled in a cavalier fashion and Diriel laughed.
Don't look at me!
Mozenrath felt a tear, singular and crystal like, fall from his eye and prayed that nobody could see.