William the Conquerer and the Sands of Persia: Chapter 10 - Ray of Light, Carpet for Flight

William felt a great sense of relief as they entered the gate for the city of Ray. They thanked the merchant for letting them strengthen his camels, and he was very appreciative. Then they went to get a bite to eat, for they had traveled non-stop for two days. 

They found a woman serving eggs, yogurt, and sangak, a simple flatbread baked on hot stones made from whole wheat flour. They ate the food quickly because all were famished.

“And now,” Ali-Baba said, “We will go find a seller of magic flying carpets. Look, there’s one now!” 

Pointing across the square, Ali-Baba set off and the others followed.

They arrived at a large stall of the souk -- or market -- that had a large sign that read, “Achmed’s Magical Flying Carpets.” There were many dozens of carpets lying on the ground and hanging on racks, and standing there was a man wearing a tall turban who had a brown Errol-Flynn-like mustache. 

“Uh, oh,” said William, “My dad said dealers are the devil.”

“It is true,” Scheherazade said, “that one must be careful around merchants. Some will try to fleece you for every dinar in your purse.”

Sinbad approached Achmed. 

“Hello good sir, we cannot help but be impressed by your glorious selection of fine carpets. Is it true that some of these beautiful works of art might actually be flying carpets? If so, our admiration would know no bounds!”

“You are correct, sir! Your perceptions and faculties do not deceive you! Many of these before you are magical flying carpets. Now, here’s one that hasn’t gone a mile yet. Practically brand new! Not a thread out of place. Look at the piling on this Karastan-ic example of carpet. Seats nine!”

****

“That is impressive,” said Sinbad. “Everyone, get a look at this carpet.”

They all gathered and gazed upon the fine carpet. It did look very nice up close. 

“Mmmmmm,” said Sinbad, “What would it take to get you to part with this carpet?”

“I’ll give you a great deal. A deal I wouldn’t even give my own mother. How about… 5,000 dinars.”

“Surely, surely, it is worth every dinar. No doubt. That amount, I regret to say, is beyond the bounds of our collective purses. What about… 100 dinars?”

“Bah! An insult! Keep that up and I’ll stop talking to you! 100 dinars? What, did you vagabonds just roll in from the provinces? You do have the stink of Chasul on you.”

“What about this one here?” asked Scherezade, pointing to a carpet that was smaller and bit worn around the edges.

“Oh, well, that’s one of my favorite carpets. I rode it to Persepolis just last week. I made excellent time. I’ll give it to you for three thousand dinars.”

“Too rich,” said Scherezade. To the group, she added, for the merchant’s benefit, “It seems those bandits who attacked our caravan are not the only robbers about.”

They all chuckled at the merchant.

“This! This one!” the merchant said, pointing to a rug about three feet by four feet that had a hole in it and was stained, “I’ll give you this one for a hundred dinars! Best offer! Last! Final! Best!”

“We’ll take it!” said William.

It was a bit crowded with five people on the carpet, and you did have to be careful that your foot didn’t go through the hole, but it did fly. They set off through the air for Persepolis!”