"Where shall I go today?" I asked one of the Rukh that rested on my finger. It just sat there, while I just sat on my horse. "Really? Not going to give me anything?" It flew off my finger and disappeared. Great. The wind it is.
I licked a finger and held it up to see where the wind was coming from so it could guide me. Alright south it is. I guided my horse in that direction and urged him into a steady trot.
The Rukh had been acting strange lately. Then again, I consider some of them as, they probably were, temperamental old people. I'm glad my horse, Eli, was with me, I moved around so much, that anything but horseback would take so long.
Eli and I traveled for several hours before he started acting skittish.
"Whoa, whoa, easy boy." I leaned forward and rubbed the side of his neck. In hindsight, probably wasn't the best idea. Next thing I knew I was being tossed and Eli was already running. I tried to land with grace, but landing with grace isn't something I'm capable of. I landed like a sack of rocks, hard. I felt pain echo through my whole body as I could hear a resounding crack. My breath was sucked right out of me. As I groaned in pain, I heard a low growl.
"Shit." I rolled over and found myself nose to nose with a high-grass lion. "Fuck." I whispered as I moved slowly to pull out my sword. The creature sensed my movement and moved forward. I swung out my sword shot forward driving my blade into the beast's mouth as it tried to eat me. It died quickly, but landed on me. Pain blossomed in my chest and my breath came out in wheezes. Between the pounding in my ears, I could hear the galloping of a horse and indistinctive shouts. The sky rapidly turned dark, my vision blackening along the edges. The last thing I saw was the face of a man.
When I woke up I was on a small cot, a blanket was draped over me. To my surprise and horror, my tichel was missing, leaving my brilliant mane of wild, untamable blue curls to flow around me. I looked around in confusion until I spotted an elderly woman by a small pot over the fire. She looked up at me and smiled. Boy did she look creepy, but the Rukh seemed to like her, and that was good enough for me.
"Where am I?" I croak, my sore throat making my voice scratchy. She didn't respond, she just smiled and walked over carrying a bowl. I slowly sat up to confront her, feeling the pain echoing in my chest. I looked down and saw I had bindings wrapped around me indicating that most likely, the pain I felt was broken ribs.
"You're in our village, we are the Kouga clan. One of the boys heard you shou, but he wasn't expecting to find a dead lion on you." She handed me the bowl, I could faintly hear an admiration in her voice. "You get the honors of eating the first of your kill."
First of my what kill? It was confusing but, joy… and pride bloomed in my chest.
I forced a smile as I lifted the bowl to my lips. Surprisingly it wasn't terrible, though it wasn't great either. I'm not a particular fan of game meat, nor unseasoned soups.
"I am Baba, I am the elder of the village." She introduced herself.
"It is an honor to meet you, Baba of the Kouga clan. I am Esther."
"I sense you've come a long way Esther, what brings you this way?"
"The wind. I wait for my brother, for in time he will join me. I don't know where though, or when, he will appear; so I've been traveling trying to make things safer for when he does."
Baba took my hand and squeezed it. "That is very sweet of you. Stay here until you're healed. For if you are injured, you can't do good."
And I did, for a month I stayed with them. I was given my own small tent and a place to keep my horse, which the man who found me was able to catch up to. No one mentioned my abnormal hair, some even liked it, though my preference to keep it covered was respected for the most part. Life was simple in the village, but I enjoyed it all the same. The children had me tell them stories of my adventures and their favorite was the copy of the Adventures of Sinbad that I kept for nostalgia. However, one day the air felt different, it made my bones ache and my head spin, so I went to lay down instead of following my normal routine.
I was half-asleep when Toya burst in. I had nearly jumped out of my skin. The jolt I had when startled caused me to wince in pain as my ribs protested the movement. Toya's cheeks turned pink.
"Sorry, Miss Esther." She apologized, wincing slightly. Good, sympathy pain. I slowly sat up and motioned for her to come in, now that I was not going to die of a heart attack. "We found someone, we think you might want to meet him." She fumbled quickly, motioning for me to follow her.
I sighed calmly and rubbed my forehead. "Why would I want to meet someone you've found?" It's not like people have different languages here, though I did have an encounter a few years ago with a Torran tribe. It was a pleasant experience to be able to speak my native tongue.
No, wait, I sit up straighter. "It's not a Torran is it?" I'm sure my exasperated face spoke levels. One night I told a story of a run in with the Torran tribe had lead to a string of 'practical jokes' by some of the youngsters of the village, and I'm afraid the two will join together and cause chaos.
"No, no." She shook her hands frantically. Then sighed. "Please, Baba wanted me to bring you." She held out her hand to me with a pitiful, hopeful look on her face. I rolled my eyes and sighed. Holding my hands out, I silently grabbed her hand to to help me up. She rushed out, big grin on her face, and drags me with her.
"So kind to an old woman." I teased throwing an arm over her shoulder.
"You're not that old Miss."
"Oh, aren't you a sweet thing." I ruffled her hair and walked towards Baba's tent, pushing stray hairs under my hair wrap. I enjoyed the village, it was by far one of the nicest places I've been, but it was just a stop. The Rukh had been acting up, and I was taking that as a sign. I opened the flap to Baba's tent and froze. On the cot was a child, but I'd recognize him anywhere. He was blinking sleepily, and rubbing his eyes. I knew Baba was watching me, but I could care less. My heart was in my throat, and tears were in my eyes.
"Aladdin?" he looked towards me, brow furrowed.
"How do you know my name miss?" he asked. Oh his voice, it changed so much. It was still that of a child but it was less squeaky and more melodious. However, he didn't recognize me.
"Oh Aladdin, look how big you got. I promised we'd see each other again." I sunk down to my knees, I'd let him approach me. I spotted a gold flute next to him, with our Father's seal on it. "I see you have Ugo with you. I trust he hasn't been too strict with you."
"Of course not, he's my friend."
Oh, Aladdin. My heart broke. The way he said it I could tell. "Aladdin, is that what you used your wish for?" It probably wasn't the best thing to say. He was already on the defensive.
"How do you know all this?" he asked sitting up and clutching the flute.
"Don't you recognize me Aladdin?" I asked, leaning forward, slowly I pulled the wrap from my head allowing my hair to tumble over my shoulders. But there was no spark in his eyes. "Or perhaps I should call you Little Brother again?" It dawned on him as soon as I said those words. I could see the light in his eyes. He jumped out of the cot and threw himself into my arms, wrapping his still boney arms around my neck.
"I didn't want to hope!" He cried as he clung to me, even I couldn't hold back the sob of joy from escaping.
"I always keep my promises. We're together again that's what matters."
Aladdin leaned back and looked at me carefully. "Sister, you look so old." I couldn't help but laugh.
"I have performed no stasis here, nearly 20 years have passed for me waiting for you." I told him bopping his nose.
"20! That, that makes you-" I swatted at him
"Old enough, though now I can actually pass as your mother." He nestled into my lap as Baba brought him a bowl of soup.
"I see you're feeling better now, the Rukh are quite joyful." Baba smiled as Aladdin turned to face her with a confused expression.
"The Rukh?" He asked, head tipping to the side.
"The white birds Aladdin, they're called Rukh, they are souls of all living things once they die. The body returns to the earth, and the soul returns to the Rukh. Very few people are able to actually see the Rukh." I tried to explain. I could see him smile.
"They are always helping me. When I'm in trouble, all these drops of light come together and lend me a hand." I wish I could've taken back his words because once they were spoken they were already out in the open. Baba's one eye widened, and I instinctually pulled him tighter to me.
"What? That means!" The curtain opened interrupting Baba much to my relief. It was Toya, to inform Baba that the Patrol had returned. Baba followed Toya out and I turned Aladdin around.
"You mustn't say things like that Aladdin, it's dangerous. When we are alone I promise to explain everything but for now please promise me you won't say anything like that." I held his shoulders looking at him in the eye. He was worried, but I was afraid. If the wrong person ever found out, they would take him away, or worse, kill him.
Slowly he nodded and I breathed a sigh of relief. A treaty for now. "Come on, I'm sure you want to see the village." I stood, and with ease lifted him up onto my hip. It was just like old times as he wrapped his arms around me and leaned his head against my own. He was much bigger than I remembered, but I could bear the weight.
The men had just dismounted when I walked out of the tent. Aladdin straightened up in my arms and I heard him sigh in wonder. Then as he used to, he started kicking his legs as a way to ask to be set down. I gently let him slide down as Toya motioned him over. She was introducing Dorji to Aladdin, apparently, he was the one who found him.
I followed Baba over to one of the other men. One of the nearby villages had also been invaded by the Kou Empire as well, and by my prediction, they would soon follow suit.
"Don't you worry Baba, as members of the Kouga Clan we've repelled the advances of other nations for centuries." Dorji encouraged. Other men agreed and when they all cheered to my utmost horror, Aladdin blew on the flute and Ugo's blue arm came out. At least he hadn't said anything. The men tried to grab on Aladdin, but I moved quickly swooping Aladdin into my arms before a single one could touch him.
"If you want my brother, you'll have to go through me first." I stared down the men, daring them to test me.
"And I killed a lion, by myself." It was a threat, and a reminder, most Kouga men or woman never killed a lion. It was seen as a legendary feat. I had the strength to take them on if needed. Baba stepped between me and the men and ushered us towards the meeting tent. The Kouga sat on one side of the table as Toya, Baba, Aladdin and I sat on the other. Aladdin was trembling, I could feel him shaking as he pressed up against me.
"Who the hell are you, kid? Are you a spy from the Kou Empire?" Dorji asked, slamming his fist on the table.
"Oh don't be an idiot. He's a little boy, a baby. The Kou have no interest in child spies." I snapped. Aladdin looked up at me curious.
"You, have a point." Dorji relented. "What's your name? Where did you come from?" He asked.
"Oh! Well, my name is Aladdin." Little Brother waved, sitting up away from me, but still holding on. "I was in a village called Qushan before. Do you happen to know it?"
"Aladdin, Qishan is very far from here. Walking would take 2 years." I told him leaning back and staring at him in amazement.
"Wait a minute it's that far away! Aww!" I frowned and patted his head gently before rubbing circles on his back.
"Don't worry, young one, a caravan is going to be here in two weeks and you can get yourself a ride on it." Baba said. Aladdin sat up immediately happily.
"Oh that's terrific!" He cheered.
"Are you in that much of a hurry to get home?" Toya asked disappointed. It seemed my sweet, little brother has a fan. He smiled at her and nodded.
"I made a promise to a friend of mine." He replied softly, looking on distantly.
Baba dismissed us all from the meeting tent and I took Aladdin's hand and guided him away from the village. He skipped along next to me in silence, his eyes finding mine every so often.
"Essie, why are we so far from the village." He asked me when we could barely see the village.
"Because we should talk, but it's best if no one else hears." We walk a little farther until we get to a large flat stone next to a creek. "This is my favorite place here, I figured it is a good place to talk." I sat down on the rock and he sat across from me, our knees touching. He kept my hand in his and became very interested in playing with it.
"I'm sorry if I acted so crazy, back in Baba's tent." I petted the side of his head.
"Why did you?" He questioned, looked up at me through long lashes.
"Because of what you are." I paused, and frowned slightly. "What we are." His head tipped to the side. "We're Magi, Aladdin, but we're the ones who shouldn't exist. In every turning point in the world a Magi comes into existence, but there has never been more than three at a time. With us, there are five. First, the Magi of the Reim Empire, Scheherazade, she's over 200 years old. Then Magi of the Kou Empire, Judar, he is not to be trifled with. Judar is a Magi who has lost his way. Then the wandering Magi Yunan. Yunan is a friend but is also a complete mystery."
"But why is it dangerous?" He said, still confused.
"Because there are those who would take advantage of a Magi without a country, especially one so young. They would try to take you, and if they failed, they would try to kill you." He winced and gripped my fingers tightly in fear.
"What about you Essie? Won't they try to take you?" his concern was touching.
"Ugo taught me for a while before I left the Sacred Palace on how to hide who I am. He believed there was more of a risk for me, but it allows me to protect you more. Besides, my loyalty is spoken for, though it hasn't been officially announced. If anyone were to take me, they'd be declaring war against a very powerful man."
"Does he know you're a Magi?" Shot back Little Brother.
"No, but it's only a matter of time. I was with him when he captured two dungeons, Both djinns are loud mouths, and openly called me their queen while in the process of choosing their king vessel."
Then I looked at him seriously. "Speaking of djinns," His head tipped sideways once more until I pointedly looked at the flute.
"Oh!" He exclaimed, realizing the point of my statement.
"Yes, oh," I replied sarcastically. "Aladdin you need to be more careful. It's good to keep Ugo with you, but calling him can cause suspicion, you need to be wary. Please promise me you'll only call him when you're in an emergency, or if you're alone and somewhere safe. Calling him in the middle of a village you've never been to before was not the wisest idea."
He bowed his head disappointed but accepted. I sighed in relief and kissed the top of his head. "So tell me, what adventure have you been on, it sounds like you made a new friend since you've arrived."
He smiled widely and started telling me the tale of how he met his friend Alibaba and conquered the dungeon of Amon with him.
It terrified me that he got into so much trouble already, but the fact he made such a good friend along the way was a comfort to me. It sounded like this Alibaba was an amazing person. I could see why my little brother was so determined to go back to him. At least this time they'd have a responsible adult to watch after the both of them.
The sun started sinking in the sky and I ruffled Aladdin's hair telling him it was time we headed back. As soon as we stood, his stomach gave a low growl to my amusement. I squatted, allowing him to hop up on my back. He was my little monkey all over again as I carried him back to the village.
The village was bustling with life when we got there. Fires were already burning brightly and food was being passed around. He slipped off my back quickly and went running ahead to Baba who was awaiting our return. In seconds, he had food in his hands and was eating next to Baba. I walked up to them calmly and sat down. I had grabbed a piece of fabric from Toya, which she so kindly made for me. I wrapped it around the majority of my hair, covering it from view but allowing my sun circle to remain visible.
"It's so lively here!" Aladdin commented as he ate, ever so often making a slurping sound.
"Yes, because we're one big family." Baba smiled as the teenagers nearby laughed at poor Dorji.
"Is everyone here part of your family?" Questioned Aladdin. He seemed amazed by this theory.
"That's right. All of us here, we've lived side by side for hundreds of years. We're a true family, the same blood runs through our veins." Announced Baba as the members of the tribe cheered.
Aladdin looked towards me and blushed happily before curling up to me. "Aladdin and I are the only ones left. The rest of our family is gone. You're very lucky to have such a family." I said, wrapped an arm around Aladdin.
"What are you talking about?" Baba asked, "The people of the plains become one when they live together like this. And because you're here, you're both a part of our family now." She patted our heads. "Your Baba's children now." She stated firmly, smiling creepily at us. Though, I could feel the warmth.
I smiled gently at her, it was kind of her to offer. Then, Aladdin threw himself into her. Hugging her hard enough I could hear her back crack under him. I shook my head and he threw a huge yawn. I laughed and scooped him up.
"Alright silly, time for bed." I stood slowly, ignoring the pain it brought because my brother would be worth it. "Goodnight Baba." I called over my shoulder as I carried my already sleeping brother to my tent.