Authors note: I want to thank the readers and reviewers for reading my story. I'm very glad you enjoyed my prologue, and I hope you enjoy Chapter 1 just as well. Please leave reviews to tell me what you think. ENJOY!
P.S. I'm still new to this so I don't know what to do am I supposed to? Do I keep sawing I don't own the songs and the Adventures of Sinbad since I already said it? Please tell me.
Chapter 1 - Sinbad the lady killer...why me.
People disappear all the time. Young girls runaway from home. Children stray from their parents and are never seen again. House wives take the grocery money, and a taxi to the train station. Most are found eventually. Disappearances, after all, have explanation. Usually. Strange, the things you remember. Single images and feelings that stay with you down through the years. Like the moment I realized I've never had a boyfriend. That I've never had my first kiss. I had time for a social life, my job as a pharmacist wasn't ruling my life. I went everywhere, did everything, I didn't have a man or children to tie me down. But, at that moment, I wanted nothing so much in all the world as to have someone right behind me keeping me safe. Tell me that everything was going to be alright. It's was a Thursday morning, two months after our graduation from college, Aaron proposed to Katerina, and two months after that it was their wedding. Somehow in my mind, Katerina's wedding, one of the most happiest times of our lives, grows fainter with each passing moment. But I can still recall every detail of the days when I saw that life I wanted was what all my friends had. I wonder what would've happened if I had gotten married and settled down, and had a family to call my own. Would that have changed things? Would I have been happy? Who can say? I do know this: even now, with me is this unfamiliar land, I still would make the same choice.
"Me, in a boat, in the middle of the ocean, headed towards a unfamiliar land...WHAT THE HECKS GOING ON HERE!" I pulled my hair. "WHERE AM I?! WHAT'S GOING ON?! WHY AM I HERE?!"
A million questions were racing through my mind. One minute, I was at Katerina's wedding, and the next thing I know, I'm on a small sail boat in the middle of the ocean headed towards a unfamiliar land, and I'm wearing clothes that are half burnt.
Oy...why is his happening to me?
As the sail boat floated towards the unfamiliar land, fear and curiosity ferociously battle in my mind. Fear, for what unknown dangers lie ahead. And curiosity, for what new things to explore and see. But to be honest, I really don't know how to react all of this. As I looked closer at the land, I realized it was a port.
Hopefully I can find help there. Wait? Now that I think about it, that voice said something. It said, "Sapphire Vale welcome to the Par-Parthe-Parthe or whatever the heck it is Empire." Or something like that.
When the sail boat I was in came into port, I finally got off. When I got on the docks, I took a good look at the boat. The sides were burnt, the anchor looked like it became loose and broke off, and the mast was also burnt. It looked like this little sail boat just came right out of a fire. I'm actually surprised it's still sea-worthy.
Then I took a good look at myself. I was wearing a art tussar silk saree in grey and turquoise. This ensemble features abstract and floral motifs woven in zari all over. Except, sadly, it was also burnt, I also looked like I just came out of a fire. I was mesmerized by this once beautiful tussar sari. I was sad that such a beautiful tussar was burnt. I needed a new change of clothes and fast. I walked around the market place in this Par-Parthe-Parthen-oh I give up! I'm here in this market place in "wherever the heck I am" Empire. For what I saw this place appears to be based on Ancient Persia. But what was odd was that most of the citizens had black hair, but also, I saw people with purple hair and amber colored eyes. That's odd? I've never seen that before.
I continued to walked around the market place, wearing a burnt tussar. As I walked through the market place, I noticed many people were staring at me. They were all staring and gossiping about me. It was very uncomfortable. I could tell that they had never seen someone like me body. Some looked with disgust, others looked curious, but they all were the same to me. I was a stranger to them plain and simple. I found a stand selling mirrors, I decided to see my whole self, instead of just my clothes. When I found a full body mirror, I stared for awhile at my reflection. Some areas of my face were covered in soot, as were my arms and neck. And not only that, but I could tell I had shrunk? No, I think-I think I became a hold again. But my height, I was guessing I was either thirteen or fourteen. No wonder people were staring. A woman who had just graduated from college only four months earlier, was now a thirteen or fourteen girl again. How I don't know, but something told me, this was just the beginning.
"Why hello there young lady."
I turned around and saw a elderly woman with curly white hair who wore what looked like ancient Persia clothes.
"Oh you poor dear, you look terrible. Here, let Aunty Ophelia help you." She gently pushed me inside her house with was where she was selling the mirrors.
She cleaned me up, cooked some food, and brought me some new clothes. When all of that was done, we sat down and ate the food she had cooked. The clothes she gave was a heavy Zari, resham embroidery with stone work and lace border, 2 layer salwar kameez with matching chiffon dupatta. I guess this is was people around here where. It does look like ancient Persia, and this is kinda of a Persia outfit. I drank some of my tea.
"Mmmm. This is so good. Thank you for everything." I said.
"Your welcome. Tell me, what business do you have here in Contastia?" Ophelia asked.
Contastia. So that's where I am. I thought hard on the question. Then I remember what a friend of mine told me. "You stick to the truth as much as you knew possible, only alter those details that have to be kept secret."
"I arrived on a partly burnt ship from a far off land. I had no idea where I was headed, all I know is that I'm here now seeking refuge."
"Ah, I see. Well, you can stay here with me until you find yourself a place to call you own." Ophelia offered.
With me, a stranger from a different land here in a unfamiliar land with unfamiliar people with unknown dangers, I accepted Ophelia's offer to stay.
"Thank you very much. I promise I will be a great help to you."
We continued to talk and chat about things here. Apparently the economy here was bad because of a war that was going on. This Par-Parthe-Parthen-OH NEVERMIND! The Empire I was in was at war with another Empire called the Reim Empire. It reminded me of the wars between ancient Persia and Rome. In fact, this Empire I'm in now kinda sounds like a Persian name, and Reim, kinda of sounds like Rome. Maybe...just maybe...instead of this all being a dream, maybe I just time traveled. No, wait. I never heard of this Par Empire or Reim Empire. So I guess time traveling off the list. A dream, time traveling both were crossed of my list on how I got here. Ophelia poured me another cup of tea. It's taste was new to me, I just hope that it wasn't caffeinated. It didn't taste caffeinated, though, I never had caffeinated tea before. Or anything with caffeine in it for that matter.
"You know, this Honey Dew is best with reading. Oh I had a terrible time with that Raspberry Tea. The leaves fall apart so fast it's hard to tell anything at all."
"So you read tea leaves then?" I asked.
"Like my grandmother taught me. And her grandmother before that. Drink up your cup. Let's see what we've got there."
So I finished my tea, and gave my empty cup to Ophelia.
"Well? Am I going to meet a tall, dark stranger and take a trip across the sea?"
Ophelia chuckled. "Could be. Or could not."
Ophelia had a look that was mixed with confusion and fear. "Everything in it's contradictory. There's a curved leaf, which indicates a journey, but it's crossed by a broken one, which means staying put."
"Hmm." My curious was getting aroused.
"And there are strangers there, to be sure, several of them. And one of them's your husband, if I read the leaves alright."
I started to get very uncomfortable with this conversation.
"Show me your hand, dear."
I hesitated, but Ophelia insisted. So I put my hand on hers and she examined it.
"Odd? Most hands have a likeness to them. There are patterns, you know? But...this is a pattern I've not seen before."
Now I really started to worry. And so did Ophelia.
"Oh. The medium thumb, now means that you're an average achiever of success. And this is your mount of Venus. Well in a man, it means he like the ladies. But, it's a bit different for a woman. For yours it is normally elevated, so to be polite about it, it can indicate that you'll be attracted to a attractive and healthy individual who is passionate about the arts and the finer things in life. And for you, it represents someone who is well respected, influential and enjoys the benefits of true friendships."
I think she's got the first part of the mount of Venus thing wrong...
"The lifeline's interrupted. It's divided so it means two lives. But...most lifelines would be broken. You're is...forked."
We both exchanged worried and confused glances at each other. Worried and confused on how Ophelia describe my life...or lifeline as she called it.
"If you'll excuse me." I said as I stood up and left the house to go for a walk.
I'd never put any stock in superstition. My parents taught me better. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ophelia's words had a ring of prophecy. Life has taught me to cherish the present because tomorrow might never come to pass. But what I was beginning to understand, was that tomorrow would prove less important then yesterday.
I roamed around the market place, looking at all jewelry and food that seem to catch my eyes at the stands. And yet again I found myself being the center of attention. People were staring, pointing, gossiping, for as life as I know it I can't remember ever being so popular, whether is was good or bad. My walk around the market place was somewhat entertaining. And then, it finally came back to me, that strange voice I heard. The voice that was calling out for help, the voice that I'm guessing brought me here. For what and why, I don't know. But I had a sickening feeling that is wasn't going to be fun.
It was late afternoon when I came back from my walk through the the market place. Ophelia was making dinner while I was setting the table. I hoped that whatever Ophelia was making, was something I could eat. I was somewhat of a vegetarian, but I did eat some chicken and fish from time to time, but Caesar salad was my favorite dish, besides macaroni and cheese. Though the smell of her cooking was delicious. When I was done setting the table, Ophelia brought out the food. What she served I had never seen before. It was a fish dish, but not like the ones my mother use to make. Not only was the dish different, but that fish was as well. It look like a salmon but yet it wasn't. It was larger, and it had different color scales and fins. I was a bit nervous to eat this, but it would be in polite if I didn't. Surprisingly, it was delicious. I did not ask what type of fish it was because I did not want to sound picky. My mother raised me better then that, to Ophelia I was a unknown stranger who could be a Reim spy. So I didn't want to upset her because she could send me to the authorities, and if that were to happen I would never be able to go home.
Ophelia was the one to start our dinner conversation. Once again she started talking about the war between this Empire and Reim. It was a brutal bloody war she was telling me. Boys at the age of fourteen were sent to the capital to train for someday they'll join the army. They had no choice but to go, if not, they were punished by death. But there was something that really caught my attention. Apparently, there was a massive battle not far from here. Over 10,000 men were sent there, but no one returned. Both Empires have being trying to capture this place which they had called a "dungeon" or "the hole of death." It is commonly known that, if one clears a dungeon, he or she will be bestowed with riches and power. This "dungeon" reminded me of the dungeons I use to conquer in Dragon Quest IX. Except in the game, we had maps, maps to lead us to where the dungeons were. If I remember correctly, there were about 778 maps. Took me absolutely FOR-EV-ER to beat all of them, and beating them was no easy task, even with cheat codes. And since this was real life, or so I'm guessing, failing the dungeon, was losing your life. Something I had no intention of doing. I took a mental note, "don't go near that dungeon."
When supper was over, I helped clean up and got ready for bed. Ophelia had an extra room right next to hers. The room wasn't lavished with electrical lamps or ceiling fans or even air conditioning. It was just a simple cushion with a pillow and a blanket. And for air, there was just one square whole in the wall. I don't even know if I should call it a window.
"Goodnight child." Ophelia said.
"Goodnight." I replied.
She started to close the door, but then she opened it again. "Oh! I don't even know your name child."
"Oh I'm sorry. Please forgive me. It's Sapphire. Sapphire Vale."
"Ah Sapphire. What a lovely name. Well then goodnight Sapphire. Oh and here is a night gown to sleep in."
"Thank you, and goodnight."
I tried to fall asleep, but I just couldn't. I didn't know why I couldn't fall asleep. Maybe it was because I wasn't use to sleeping on this type of bed, or maybe because this wasn't my room, or maybe because the things that Ophelia said were still weighing on my mind. I don't know why I didn't sleep that night, but I was wide awake staring at the stone ceiling all night. Waiting for the morning to come, waiting to see the sun light peeking threw that square hole in the wall. Or was I waiting to see what this new world had in store for me.
Well morning came, and with it another new day in this new world. I got up, and by habit I looked for a clock to see what time it was. But to my disappointment, there wasn't. Apparently they didn't have them here, so that means I won't know what the time is. Or for that matter, what day it is, or what month, or what year? I wonder if things back home applied to here as well. I had finally come to the conclusion that I was in a different world. It was the only logical explanation, if you call getting transported to a different world a logical explanation. But, that's all I got, well, for now anyway. I made up my bed and washed my face, then I got ready for breakfast. And by the smell of the food, I could tell Ophelia was already up and was almost done cooking. I walked into the kitchen and was welcomed with open arms.
"Ah good morning Sapphire. Tell me did you sleep well?" Ophelia asked.
"Yes very well thank you." I lied.
"Well come on, time to eat breakfast."
We sat down and ate breakfast. Ophelia had made some porridge, finally something I was familiar with. And it wasn't half bad to. After breakfast, we started cleaning up, changing our clothes and getting ready for our day.
"Sapphire dear?" Ophelia called.
"Yes Ophelia?" I replied.
"Can you please go into the market and get me some vegetables please. I'm all out."
"Sure, I would be happy to."
"Thank you Sapphire. I'll go get the money."
Ophelia gave me a bag of coins. I opened the bag to find that the coins were solid gold coins. I nearly choked. I counted twenty five gold coins. With the money, Ophelia also gave me a list of what I need to buy. I said goodbye and that I'll be back, and with that I was on my way to the marketplace.
I didn't arouse to many people this time, probably because I was wearing proper clothing now. But some people still gave me the "evil eye." I guessing they think I'm a spy or something. The faster I get the groceries, the faster I can leave. I came to a stand that was selling some onions, tomatoes, peppers, and some fruit as well.
"Wow this is perfect." I said. Then I pulled out the list to see what we Ophelia needed: three onions, four tomatoes, six peppers-two red, two green, two orange, five apples, three pears, and a packet of strawberries.
Wow that's a tall order. "Um sir can I please have-"
"ALRIGHTY YOU MERCHANTS! GIVE US ALL YOUR MONEY!"
I immediately turned around and saw five large men with scars and two with eyepatches, pointing swords at us. They were very scary looking, and they were people I did not want to get involved with. Then one of them wrapped his arm around my neck and put a knife to my throat. My body went cold, and I felt a cold shiver down my spine.
"ALRIGHT! EVERYONE HERE EMPTY OUT YOUR MONEY BAGS OR ELSE YOU ALL DIE!"
Everyone was frighten and no one knew what to do. So we had no choice, but to give these bandits our money.
"Al-Alright here-here you go. Just-Just please, leave us alone, and let the girl go." The owner of the stand held out a bag filled with gold coins.
"Stop!"
We heard someone yell stop, but none of us knew where it came from or who said it. Until we saw a kid with very long, purple hair tied in a ponytail, with large gold hoop earrings, wearing normal "this empire" clothing standing on top of a tower. (I'm not even going to try to pronounce this empire's name.)
"It's only a kid. Go home and take a leak or something."
"This is the guy who's gonna save us?" I mumbled.
"Humans and oceans, both are like waves. There's no wave that I can't overcome!"
He jumped down from that tall tower and as he did, he made eye contact with me. My blue eyes were widened in surprised, and my brown hair was blown back from the sudden gust of wind. The boy merely winked at me before landing on top of the nearest robber and knocking him hard over the head. The boy made short work of the rest of the robbers, except the one that still had his sword at my throat.
"Now, I think it would be most appropriate to let that beautiful young lady go now." The boy's eyes narrowed. His eyes were a golden color, they were beautiful but scary.
The robber still had his sword to my throat, but his hand was shaking. But the boy got impatient, so he threw a brick at the robber's face. Luckily the sword didn't cut my neck.
The owner of the stand thank him for finishing off those robbers. The boy smiled and said no problem, then the boy turned around, and smile at me as he walked over to me. "Are you alright miss?"
I look at him and send him a heartwarming smile, "I am, thank you." I said.
"Don't mention it." He said, then he took my hand. "My name is Sinbad. What is yours miss?" He bowed slightly and sent me a charming smile.
I smile back. "Sapphire. Sapphire Vale."
"Well, Sapphire, I must say you are quite beautiful." Sinbad said as I went over to get the groceries.
"So this guy is a flirt huh?" I muttered to my self. "Why thank you Sinbad. That is very kind of you to say. Now if you excuse me, I have to go." I flashed him a smirk and walked away from the stand with the groceries, leaving a shocked Sinbad.
"Playing hard to get huh? None the less, my charms will work on you, Sapphire Vale. You can bet on it." I heard him say.
When I was out of sight I looked up at the sky. "Whatever I've done I'm sorry."
First I got transported to this world, then I nearly get killed, NOW I got this lady-killer flirt called Sinbad on my hands. Sin and bad are two names I do not want in the same sentence, and what's worse, Sinbad is this guy's name. Something tells me, this won't be that last time I see "Sinbad the lady killer"...why me.
It has be two months since I've saw Sinbad. From what I heard he was quite popular with the ladies as I suspected, not to mention he was well loved in his village just West of Contastia. He works here at the port transporting cargo in the morning. Last I heard of Sinbad, he was attacked by one of the Commanders of this Empire, then he went to go challenge the dungeon. Huh, idiot. Not only is Sinbad a lady killing flirt, but also an idiot. *sigh* I expected better from him.
It was late that evening when I decided to go for a walk through the market place. I was wearing a blue and white tussar. As I walked around the market place and I saw and hear many people laughing and having fun. I smiled at this, even in times of war these people have not lost hope. Soon, I heard footsteps behind me, I immediately turned around and saw a boy right behind me.
"Hello Sapphire."
It was Sinbad, but something was different about him this time. His face was serious and his eyes looked like they could just pierce right threw my soul, looking beyond me, beyond Contastia, beyond this Empire. To something much more grand and ambitious.
"Sapphire, there's something I want to ask you."
I looked into those golden eyes of his. "What is it Sinbad?"
"I want you to come with me. And help me change and unite the world." Sinbad's tone sounded like he was dead serious.
"Huh? Unite and change the world?" That's a strange dream, I know some people wanted to change the world but everyone knew it was impossible.
"Yes. I want your help, to become king of a country I am going to create!"
He wants to unite and change the world AND he wants to become king of a country he is going to create? I gave Sinbad a questionable look, but then, at that moment, I saw those yellow glowing butterflies coming from Sinbad. It was like he was glowing and the butterflies were coming from that glow. It was at that moment I knew what my answer was.
"Alright Sinbad. I will help you unite and change the world." I said with a smile. "And, I will help you become King, of the country you create."
Sinbad expression softened, into a warm smile and soothing eyes. "Thank you Sapphire, I will make sure you won't regret your decision. I will protect you no matter what."
After he said that, I saw more yellow glowing butterflies emanating out of him. I nodded at the boy who would someday become king.
"Alright, we'll leave tonight."
"Ok."
And with that, I followed that lady killer flirt to the docks. Ophelia was there tender her ship, I asked her if we could use it. She happily said yes, and hugged me goodbye and wished me safe travels. I promised her that I would one day return to her, and that I would tell her all that had happened on my travels. The ship had two cabins and a medium size mast and sail.
With the anchor up and the sail down, Sinbad and I were off. To where, I haven't the foggiest idea, all I know is, that my adventures with Sinbad, had just begun. Until it hit me...how am I supposed to get home now?!
I almost stayed in my cabin that night. I had no desire to see that open unfamiliar ocean. It only heightened the feeling of hopelessness about my situation that had come crash down on me. Sinbad had asked me to join with him on his journey. To help him full fill his dream of building-correction, founding a country or kingdom, whatever you want to call it. Instead of binding my release, it had tighten my bondage to this world. And even if I did get away, I had no guarantee that I would find away back home. What finally got me out of my cabin was the sent of the salt sea air. As I looked across the blue sea, that seemed to shimmer with the star light reflecting, my heart suddenly lightened and I knew in that moment I could no longer wait for permission or assistance. I much find away back home, back to my family my friends. Or die trying.
Alright, thank you for reading this and I hope you all enjoyed this. Please leave reviews and tell me what you think. Thank you and Goodbye and goodnight!
P.S. Readers, please bare with me, I know my grammar isn't exactly the greatest...I am sorry for that, but I am working on it. I still hope you all still enjoy my stories. Thank you for your time.