Belzarbi

He called me 'master'. I was sure I was not his master though. So, what was he? Obviously he wasn't a real wolf because no wolf could soar through the air like him. In addition, his size was pretty large. Maybe a little bigger than a regular camel.

The air around him was hot as if he had just come out of a kiln. Maybe my hand would burn if I tried to touch it. Although I wouldn't dare to do it. He was still looking me in the eye. Strange, I had a hard time taking my eyes off him. Other than that, I couldn't guess his expression. I mean, I couldn't imagine if a wolf could smile? If he shows teeth did that mean he was laughing? Or did that mean he was threatening?

I often play with dogs. When they show teeth, it was usually because they were happy. Or sometimes because they were furious. But He was not a real wolf. So, why was this magical wolf baring its teeth? Was he thinking of eating me?

Right now, I was in my crowded yard. There were small children playing catch and chase while their mother watched while grinding the olives to squeeze out the oil. There were also carpenters working noisily with axes and hammers. They didn't react at all. Couldn't they see this big white wolf?

"Master, what are your wishes?" He asked that again.

"Why do you call me Master?"

"Because you are now my master,"

"Wait, I don't even know what you are?"

My voice trembled. But someone seemed to have nailed the instep of my foot to the ground. I couldn't go anywhere. Even as a camel-drawn merchant caravan was about to pass past me— I couldn't move.

"Damn boy!" The Caravan owner was cursing at me because he almost hit me.

Maybe I was just too scared to move. This was weird, why couldn't everyone see this creature? I've heard of ghosts, demons or Jinn. But didn't they usually live in the forest or in a dark place? It was said that there was a water fairy who lives in the lake and would pull human feet until they drowned. Because of that story I never want to be alone when playing in the water of Euphrates.

"I have to get out of here before another caravan actually crashes into me," I said firmly with a mix of worry. I hate being the center of attention. It was a busy environment, any news spread quickly. I didn't want to hear rumors about Nin-shagari, the son of a court scribe talking to himself in the middle of the street.

"Is that an order? All right," the wolf said again.

Then, my stomach churned. I felt very nauseous because my vision was spinning. This happened quickly as if I had just been knocked off a cliff and then thrown back up. I hadn't even answered anything yet.

"Aaaaaaahhhh!"

I screamed as loud as I could. This was my desperate way to save myself. But I know I was helpless right now. Like a mouse being eaten by an eagle. Even if he squeaked and cried— none of his rat friends would help him.

After a few seconds that seemed like a long time, the scenery around me turned calmer. My nausea and fear disappeared, replaced with amazement. Because I was in the hills right now. How could that be? A strong wind mixed with sand suddenly hit my face. I reflexively rubbed my eyes and forced them open even though they hurt a little. Now I saw a barren sandy plain below me.

I wrapped a long cloth around my nose and neck, then I saw a dense city full of buildings there. It was Babylonia sheltered by the clear banks of the Euphrates. The city where my home was.

"Why did you bring me here?" I protested. He could have pounced on me but we were already here. I didn't care anymore. If he wanted I would have been dead long ago. I was miraculously away from my house and it seemed the tiger was still interested in me. He floated low on the ground again, looking at me. Maybe he was thinking about the best way to eat me.

"You said you wanted to leave before another caravan hit you," said the wolf, baring its fangs.

What? I did say so, but I mean I just wanted to move into the house or something. Not even here! But I'm afraid to protest. I felt my shoulders jerk when I saw he was now down and on the ground, then walked towards me.

I moved back. Now what? His body became solid. He was like a real wolf now. Because when he stepped I could hear the sound of dry twigs snapping under his feet.

"W— do you want to eat me?"

"Hmm? Eat you?" He tilted his head like I just said something crazy.

If he really was going to eat me — I'd die with regrets — knowing that rumors would spread around the place where I live. They will say that poor Nin-Shagari disappeared and was kidnapped by the demon. My father would be sad to find out that I wouldn't have time to grow up. My father always said I was smart. I learned cuneiform faster than anyone he knew.

Father even said several times that he wanted to introduce me to his friend from Egypt who was supposed to be stopping in Babylon next month to sell frankincense. He said I might come with him to Egypt and study hieroglyphics there.

Father was quite ambitious and had planned my life until I was an adult. He was no longer young. When I was side by side with him— we're more like grandfather and grandson. I was an only child and I doubt that father would have another child after me.

"Ah, so you don't know anything about us?" The wolf guessed.

I innocently shook my head.

"Amazing, I can't remember the last time I had a master with natural magic talent like you,"

"ma— magic??" Did I hear wrong?

"My name is Belzarbi, I'm a Demon and your servant," The wolf ignored my confusion and introduced himself.

Belzarbi? So, this creature has a name.