A Lead

" I know what you require." Those words made Zarqa's eyes focus on the green ones, searching them for any sign of deceit. " I can help with your quest, however, I can not guarantee your safety, for the deserts are treacherous."

Zarqa's eyes brightened at that and she found herself closing the distance between them. " You know a way Al-yamama could be saved?!"

" It is." Shahrazad's look went to her silver-rimmed mirror, and with a slight tap from her fingernail, a ripple ran across the surface of the glass as if it was made of water and Zarqa's reflection distorted and was no more. There was only a swirl of multicolored lights coming from within the mirror, albeit, they seemed otherworldly, as if it was a window into some other place beyond reality. They were utterly beautiful and alluring they tempted Zarqa to move close and look into them.

" It was once told of an abundant treasure, a gift from the Almighty. One of everlasting change that raises those at the bottom, and crushes the ones towering over others. For long adventurers and thieves alike sought that treasure, but none was ever close to finding it. They were all lost, gone mad, and killed in the process. And to this very day, its whereabouts remain a mystery even among us." As Shahrazad spoke, the colors on the mirror danced along with her voice, as if depicting her every word before they unraveled a scenery from behind them, a great valley with golden and silver wares littered all over the ground and pilling over each other.

" With the power of the treasure, Al-yamama could be restored to glory. However, I don't know where the treasure is, I do know for a fact that it certainly exists. And I know where you could start looking for it. If you desire, I will tell you where to go, but be forewarned, that this may be a journey you might not come back from."

Zarqa's hands balled on the strap of her satchel as she peered inside the mirror, at the extending valley as though it was right before her.

" Come along child, I'll give you a home…"

" Tell me, where do I go? How do I get to this treasure?"

With a wave of her hand, the mirror zoomed into the scenery of the valley, revealing a golden gate somewhere within it. " Head to the lost city of gold and venture beyond its golden gate of the sunset. There, you'll find your next lead."

" Is that all?"

" It sure isn't, listen carefully. The treasure is well hidden, for even the strongest of enchanters and seers could never unravel it. Only through following the leads, one after the other, you would be able to reach it. You would have earned it. But it won't be easy, the treasure is said to be well protected, so I must warn you, that what you might come against is deadlier than a gang of outlaws." 

Zarqa looked down as she pieced together the enchantress' words. " So, in order to get to the treasure, I must figure out the way by following hints and leads myself. It's not like there is a map to follow." Shahrazad shook her head.

" No, there never has been. And no one who went that far in their search for the treasure ever made it back. Or in some cases, their bodies did but their minds were left behind, so that domain remains unknown."

That didn't kill the flame of resolve that had been ignited in Zarqa. There was a way to save her town, and although she was foretold to fail, that didn't sway her the least. Now with a lead to follow, her flames were even fanned further. 

Shahrazad's face broke into a large smile at the sight of the girl, finding her most interesting. " I get it that your mind is set."

" It is."

" Then I shan't keep you, for you have a quest to fulfill."

" Thank you!" The last thing Shahrazad expected to receive was a tight hug before Zarqa turned around and was about to leave.

" Wait." The girl stopped right underneath the hawk's sculpture as Shahrazad called out to her. " A piece of advice for the wise, take it or lump it. By the time you reach the treasure, you won't know what it's, for we all have treasures we don't appreciate. But when you do, and you look back at yourself, you will figure it out. So keep your eyes open."

Zarqa raised an eyebrow at that. " You said you didn't know where the treasure is?"

" I said I didn't know where it's not what it's." Shahrazad's smirk was ever so confident as she held the pipe to her mouth. " Go now child, go and make a new future for yourself. And open your eyes wide, the answer might be closer to you than you think."

Readjusting her satchel, Zarqa gave her a nod and left. Shahrazad stood still for a couple of minutes before taking a seat. With her head casually leaning on one hand, she stared into the mirror that was now showing Zarqa running through the market. She sucked on her pipe and breathed out the misty smoke, filling the room with its unique smell. 

" Seems I found myself a new story…"...

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The Souks once the sun began to set down were less lively than when it was at its peak. Zarqa had no difficulty making her way back to Sindbad's caravan.

By the time she came around the corner, the boys were gathering up their stand and getting their things loaded on their wagons. Sindbad had just sealed a deal with a buyer, a hooded man, who turned around after his men hauled the wares on their backs. Zarqa ran past him and to Sindbad who waved at her the moment he spotted her.

Suddenly, she felt a cold chill running down her spine and the hair on the back of her neck bristled up. It felt like a sticky stare following her. She turned sharply back, but there was no one there.

" Someone seems very energetic for the end of the day. I take it you enjoyed your little expedition." Sindbad laughed as he walked up to her, and he caught her worried look darting around as though trying to find something. " Are you alright?"

Slowly she looked back and shook her head. " Nothing. How did your business go?"

" Pretty good," he announced proudly. " Those Eastern clothes were a hit among the women. Might as well come back with more."

At that, a question popped in Zarqa's mind. " Sindbad, you've been traveling for a long time, right?"

" Yes." His tone implied that he was waiting skeptically for the continuation of that question.

" Do you know of the lost city of gold?"

Sindbad's brow furrowed. " How do you-"

" Sindbad! You might want to take a look at this!" Jaber's voice got their attention and they looked back at the wagons. Jaber walked up to them, hair all messed up and with a few small wounds bleeding on his face. He was tugging along an uncooperative boy and a flurry of black feathers, which then was revealed to be a crow.

" We found him hiding away in one of the wagons." He pulled the boy's collar, making him stand before Sindbad. The kid grumbled at the way he was manhandled. " Probably has been there since we left Al-yamama."

Zarqa's eyes widened as she recognized the trespasser. " You…"

Sindbad's sole reaction was running a hand over his face. " Ali Baba. I'm not surprised. You've built quite the reputation as a little thief back at Al-yamama."

Ali Baba managed to wrench his collar from Jaber's grasp and huffed indignantly. " I've done nothing of the sort. Just borrowed some fruit to eat that's all."

" What about this heavy satchel of yours?" Before Ali Baba could stop him, Jaber managed to snatch the bag from him. " I doubt it's fruit in there." There was a silver necklace dangling from the side of it.

Ali Baba was cornered. And although he would have liked to make a run for it, both Jaber's dagger and Sindbad's sword, which they liked to keep on themselves all the time, made him reconsider. Plus, Morjana was being held hostage.

" You've been hiding in our caravan, eating our rations, and stealing from us for the past few days. You ought to be punished for such acts of violation. Maybe losing a hand would put you back on the right path, boy." With the bag placed on his shoulder, Jaber's hand fell on the hilt of his knife.

Ali Baba was considering whether or not a crow would hold a grudge against him if he were to abandon her.

" Now, calm down Jaber. Your temper isn't improving at all." Sindbad half laughed as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. Jaber scowled at the man this time, almost making him take a step back.

" It's because you're taking everything lightly that I have to get this angry."

" Don't say it like that." Sindbad's hands now fell on Ali Baba's shoulders. They were heavy and restraining, as though he sensed his intention of fleeing. " He's just a kid. Are you really going to cut his hand?"

Jaber chewed on the inside of his mouth at that, as if debating if he could carry his threat any way. Finally, his hand fell from the hilt of his sword and the tension in the air faded away, if only a little. Sindbad seemed satisfied, nevertheless, he kept a firm grasp on Ali Baba's shoulders.

" You don't expect me to keep quiet and watch him walk away from here without some kind of punishment, do you?" Jaber's voice was cold.

" Well, it certainly won't do." Sindbad rubbed his chin in thought. " We can think it over a hot meal first. What about that?" He looked from Jaber to Ali Baba.

" And you're treating him as well!" Jaber's face went red with anger, however, Sindbad didn't hear him, or perhaps pretended not to, as he walked away with Ali Baba and Zarqa in tow, the latter befuddled about why she was dragged.

" I'm craving a stew now. Let's have that for dinner."

A fuming Jaber who was left behind with a thrashing bird in his hand seemed to consider stabbing someone. " Can't you act like a leader for once!"