Maeve felt as if she was going to freeze. She was lying on her side; a sudden chill ran down her spine. She realized that she wasn't wearing anything. She opened her eyes. She saw that she had someone's arm around her. She turned to see who it was, and smiled when she saw Sinbad cuddling her like a child would cuddle his soft toy. She smoothened a stray lock of his hair. She shivered as a feeling of cold sank in. She turned completely to face Sinbad and curled into him.
She was wondering why it was so cold that morning. She suddenly jerked up, at the realization, almost knocking Sinbad off the narrow bed. Sinbad sleepily opened his eyes, and found Maeve sitting up and staring at the window; she scrambled out of the bed, wrapping one of the blankets around her. She went and looked out the window.
"Maeve…" Sinbad yawned, "What's wrong?"
"Sinbad, you want to come here for a second." She said.
"I do?" he mumbled, and reluctantly got out of the cozy bed, with the other blanket wrapped around his waist. He was surprised at the sudden chill he experienced when he got out of the bed. He walked up to the window where Maeve was. He was still half-asleep, he went up to her, and put one hand around her from behind. The other hand was holding the blanket around his waist to keep it from falling. He was in no mood of being awake. He buried his face in her shoulder and mumbled, "what is it?"
"Look out of the window."
He drowsily lifted his head and opened his eyes. He yawned, "it's just some snow…that's all." And he buried his face in her shoulder again. Maeve raised her eyebrow, at him. He could sense that she did. He was wondering why she was getting all worked up over a little snow…
His head jerked up and his eyes seemed pop out, "By Allah! It is snow!"
Maeve giggled at the way Sinbad realized it. Then she sobered up and said, "we have to find that pearl…and fast. If Taita takes that pearl to Baghdad or some other place, it will not be pretty."
Sinbad was still dazed at the snowing. "Maeve…" he managed to say, "I never heard of snow being an aspect of Egypt's seasons…not even in winter…"
"Sinbad, the nature pearl has the capability to control all aspects of weather…whether it is part of a season in Cairo or no. Heavy rains are sure as hell, NOT an aspect of the rains in Egypt. "
"We better get dressed."
Maeve nodded. She closed the window to avoid any more cold from getting in. Sinbad dropped the blanket and reached out for his pants. Maeve blushed at seeing him, naked. She was still not used to that. She let go of her blanket (by which she unknowingly caused Sinbad to blush) and slipped her chemise over her head. Before putting on her chiffon shirt she poured herself a glass of water. She was drinking it, when she felt something on her leg. She looked down and looked again. Sinbad was crawling under the table.
"What are you doing?" she frowned.
He crawled out, and looked at her with a grin, "admiring your sexy legs..." he teased.
Maeve raised an eyebrow and said in her deceptively sweet tone, "they give sexy kicks too, you know…"
"Yeah…" he said in his husky tone of voice, "that's the best part about them."
Maeve smiled seductively; he was looking at her face so he did not anticipate her next move… he was about to stand up when he felt a shooting pain in his shin. He realized she had kicked him. She said in the same tone, "since you like them so much…I thought I should give you my best one…"
"Sassy little witch!" he muttered, and stood up. He had his sash in his hand…which had somehow ended up under the table. That was why he had crawled under it in the first place. He suddenly flung his sash, winding it around her, and pulled her to him, she was surprised when she felt herself being forcefully drawn to him, but then she smiled when her body pressed against his. He cupped her face in his hands and descended his mouth on hers. Their lips were about to meet, when there was a pounding on the door.
"SINBAD! SINBAD!" they heard Firouz's excited voice, at the door. Maeve broke away from Sinbad. She quickly picked up everything that belonged to her that were lying around the room.
"Umm…umm just a minute Firouz…" Sinbad yelled. He thanked Allah that Maeve had locked the door…or Firouz would have barged in unannounced, and seen them in their compromising position. Maeve crawled under the bed. Sinbad wound his sash around his waist and opened the door. Firouz came in…his face red with excitement…but he was shivering with the cold. "Sinbad! Did you see it! It is absolutely amazing! I would really like to examine that pearl…"
"Umm…hi Firouz!" Sinbad said as he put on his vest. He suddenly noticed that Maeve's boots were lying near his bed. He walked up to the bed, in the most casual manner that he could master.
"Umm…yeah!" he said to Firouz…trying to distract the latter. "I saw it…it is unbelievable…the way Cairo gets snow out of the blue."
"I wonder what Maeve has to say about it…" Firouz pondered.
"Maeve?" the colour drained from Sinbad's face. "Umm…yeah! Maeve…I am sure she is the best person to talk to about this pearl thing…" he reached the bed and when Firouz was looking away, Sinbad pushed the boots under the bed with his legs.
"You know," said Firouz, "I think I better go talk to Maeve." Saying so he turned to leave.
"Yeah maybe you should…" said Sinbad, happy that Firouz was leaving…then his eyes widened when he realized where Firouz was headed…he called out, "FIROUZ!"
Firouz stopped in his tracks…surprised why Sinbad was shouting…Sinbad smiled sheepishly, "Maeve might be still asleep, so umm… don't wake her up…I mean she might have to do a lot of work today…it's best if she gets some rest."
All this while, Maeve who was under the bed was trying hard to control the tickling feeling in her nose. Some dust that was under the bed was irritating her. She tried her best not to sneeze.
"Yes… you are probably right…" she heard Firouz say, she couldn't control it any more.
"A-A-A-A-A-ACHCHOO!" she sneezed loudly.
Firouz was surprised at the noise…Sinbad quickly pretended to wipe his nose, saying, "this cold just gives me a cold."
"Yes! Yes! You must be careful, I know a woman who went walking in the snow and…" so saying Firouz started his story. Maeve was having no success with controlling another sneeze… she gave up and sneezed again, Sinbad as usual tried to patch it up. He had to get Firouz out of the room.
"Umm…ah…Firouz," said Sinbad, "why don't you go and check up on Doubar, he is prone to cold."
"Ah yes! I completely forgot…I'll go right away." He smiled and finally left the room while babbling about human tendencies to sickness.
Sinbad sighed when his friend left the room. He closed the door behind Firouz and locked it. Maeve crawled out. Her hair was full of dust. She got up and started sneezing violently. Sinbad laughed, he decided to help his cute little sorceress with her clothes…
"I…am… not … little…!" she said between sneezes when she heard his thoughts.
Sinbad giggled and helped her with her dressing. Poor Maeve's nose was red with all the sneezing.
"You know…" then she sneezed, "these people don't bother to clean under the bed!" she sneezed again.
Sinbad smiled, as he was fumbling with the laces of her vest.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Maeve sneezed again.
"Sinbad?" it was Firouz again, "you have a nasty cold…I could give you something."
"Umm...umm… no Firouz it is okay..." Sinbad stuttered.
"No really, this thing works."
"Firouz…I am fine…"
"But Sinbad, it could worsen…"
"Firouz, I'll take that medicine of yours when I come down…now do me a favour and see if you can get and warm clothes for all of us."
"Okay…but I am warning you…
"I said I'd take it, didn't I?"
"Okay! Okay! I'm going."
By this time Maeve was only sniffing, with a sneeze here and there. Her nose was red and her eyes were watering. Sinbad giggled at her pathetic appearance. She scowled at him. He giggled even more. When she was done dressing (which was took a longer time, than she usually took, since Sinbad was not so keen on seeing her with her clothes on!), Maeve said, "we better go before the whole crew comes out here." She sneezed.
Sinbad chuckled, "yeah…let's go."
He opened the door and peeped out, when he was sure no one was around he slipped out with Maeve following him. Maeve went to her room to get her cloak, a handkerchief, and a few other things.
When Sinbad came down he saw that, everyone was up. Firouz walked in from another room. He said surprised, "Sinbad! Your cold is gone?"
"Umm… yeah Firouz… it was just one of those accidentals…"
Firouz frowned but did not say anything. Maeve walked down. She still looked as if she had been sneezing. She told Firouz, "Firouz? I have this nasty cold…so you have anything that'll help me…"
Firouz threw a suspicious glance Sinbad who threw him his killer grin, then at Maeve who gave him the most pathetic smile. He shook his head and said, "ah yes! Come Maeve, I have this medicine made from mint leaves and…"
Babbling he led Maeve into the inn kitchen. Talia walked down and greeted everyone with a "good morning" and Sinbad with a kiss on the cheek. Maeve came out with Firouz following her. She had a disgusted look on her face. Firouz chattered, "…it may taste bad Maeve…but it will do good, your cold will be gone…"
Maeve smiled at the others, and then turned to Talia, "has Mikey sent any word whatsoever?"
Talia shook her head, "…but if I think what I am thinking, he should be here any minute."
Maeve nodded and sat next to Sinbad, who took her hand in his, under the table. Nimmur got them some drink that was nice and hot. They all took it readily. Maeve wrapped the cloak around herself.
"Firouz," said Sinbad, "did you find any place where we could find some warm clothes?"
"I have taken care of that." A voice came from behind them. They looked to see Duraid come in. He gave Maeve a brotherly kiss on the head; she smiled at Duraid. Nimmur hurried in the kitchen to get the big man a drink. Duraid said, "I have arranged for your ship to be equipped with whatever they need in a sudden change of weather.
A tall and lanky man came in, with an excited face. He had dark skin like Rongar's, he had a small beard with streaks of grey. Maeve looked at him and smiled. She got up and hugged him.
"Lynnia, I missed you." He said in a thick accent. Maeve smiled and said, "I missed you too, Little Master." She turned around and said to her surprised friends, "guys, I want you to meet Bacheet, he is the head spy of Mike's gang and also the best at deciphering clues and he is also one of my good friends. Bacheet I want you to meet my crew, and my friends…" she paused, then said, "…nay family." They all nodded affectionately at her; she went on to introduce each one, "that is Doubar, Rongar, Firouz, and Captain Sinbad."
Bacheet gave each one a warm smile, and then asked Maeve, "Where is that giant bird of yours?"
"Dermott? He doesn't like flying in the snow much. So he's aboard the ship."
Bacheet smiled and gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek. He then said, "Mike tells me that you know a lot about what happened."
Maeve nodded, as they sat down. She said, "if we don't hurry…it'll get worse."
"I know Lynnia, that is why I do my homework."
"Homework?" Maeve asked apparently amused.
"I get information on Taita."
"Well?"
"We first wait for the boss."
Maeve nodded. She was getting ticked off at Mike's delay. Two big men came in with five bundles. Duraid motioned for them to come to the table. The men dumped the bundles on the table and stepped back. Duraid said, "I had them bring you clothes for every weather switch, there are clothes for rains and snow." He opened the bundles and told Maeve, "Lynn, this is yours…I hope it still fits." Maeve smiled and accepted her bundle. She took out the warm cloak, which had a woolen trim, and put it on. The others put on their cloaks too.
Talia suddenly seemed to cower in her seat. Maeve turned to see what made her act like that. Mike came and kissed her head, causing Sinbad to scowl. Mike gave a disinterested smirk to Sinbad and smiled at the rest of the crew. Maeve threw a warning glance at both of them; Sinbad smirked at Mike. Mike then said, "Maeve, you remember Hales, the high priest." He pointed to an elderly looking man. Maeve respectfully got up. "Maevelyn!" the man smiled, he came and kissed Maeve's forehead, Maeve hugged him. "How I have missed you, child! These boys lost all their manners after you left!" he said affectionately. Maeve smiled and introduced her friends.
"Ah! The legendary captain Sinbad." said Hales, when introduced to Sinbad. Sinbad liked Hales in an instant…the old high priest reminded him of Dim Dim. Sinbad said, "My pleasure meeting you, your holiness. "
"Please, call me Hales…it makes me feel younger."
"Hales." Sinbad nodded.
Nimmur came in with a chair for Hales. He bowed to the high priest and left the room.
"Now that we all know each other," said Mike, "Bacheet and Hales will tell you all we know. Bacheet, you first. "
Bacheet nodded, the others got comfortable in their seats for a long story.
Section 2:
Bacheet cleared his throat, and said, "where do I start? Okay…now…let's see…The day the pearl was stolen. It was a pleasant day, suddenly it turned scorching hot. Then the drastic weather switches started. Hales, of course, knew the pearl was stolen, after all the high priestess, was his twin. Anyway, Hales, by duty told the Pharaoh of this problem. Then he approached us, like he did when the fiery eye was stolen. We did not know Taita was responsible…in fact, we didn't even know Ishmitar had a brother, until later.
"Now, high priestess, or the Woizero as we call her, saw a woman among the worshippers, who did not seem very interested in the ceremonies. She noticed that this woman seemed to look out in the direction where the priestesses were headed. Later, the pearl was stolen and this woman was not anywhere to be seen. Her description of this woman fit Talia's. We did our spying, and found out that Talia was the black rose of Oman, known for her piracy and her compatibility with cat-burglary. Our suspicions on Talia being the thief were confirmed when the Woizero herself identified Talia.
"We knew that Talia could not have played with the pearl unless someone told her to. After all, the pearl was said to have been a myth…and only practitioners of black magic would want to have something to do with it… and Talia was NO sorceress, she did not even come close to that category. We found out everything about Talia…"
"How long did it take?" interrupted Doubar.
"…Two days…we are the ultimate spies and informers, you know. Anyway, Mike, figured that the only way we could get hold of who stole the pearl, was by getting hold of Talia, and Mike knew that the best way of getting hold of any woman like Talia was blackmail, and fear. He decided that we ship-jack Talia's ship and her crew, and threaten her with their lives. We knew, that if Talia was around it would be tough to get her crew…so…Mike decided to give her a one-night-stand.
"Now, we all know that NO woman," he paused and looked at Maeve, then he corrected himself, "err…very few women…" earning chuckles from the men, (and a satisfied smile from Sinbad), "… have ever been able to refuse Mike, especially one like Talia…" at which Talia made a face. Bacheet went on, "Mike, of course, used that to his advantage and slept with her, in fact, he did it quite a few times, and Talia fell for it completely. We got hold of her crew, and had her by the neck."
The whole crew, excepting, Maeve, was surprised at how Talia of all the people could fall for such a trap. He must be good, Sinbad thought.
Oh he's good! Said Maeve to him in her mind; he's very good, especially at something like this!
Bacheet took a deep breath, and continued, "Talia did not see the guy who approached her, but, what he did do was pay her 8000 dinars. He had touched the bag and the coins, so we took this bag and a few coins to Hales…"
"I'll continue from here…" interrupted Hales, "you see, as temple high priest I have a few powers, one of the powers I had, was the ability to sense people merely from anything that they had touched… like animals can do merely by smell, I could do by magic. So, I had asked Mike to bring anything that the person might've touched. After long hours I traced the touch to be from Ishmitar's blood. I had killed Ishmitar myself, so there was no way it could be Ishmitar.
I did a little research and found out that Ishmitar had a brother…Taita. Taita, had been considered the black sheep of Ishmitar's family, because unlike others, Taita believed that by mere control of nature one could control the world…he had an obsession with controlling Mother Nature…so it was but obvious that the one who had it and still does, is Taita. "
There was a long silence and Sinbad spoke up, "is there anything else you know about Taita's whereabouts?"
"Taita never works in the open." Said Bacheet. "Hales, had seen Taita before so he showed us what he looked like, what we didn't know is that Taita considers himself to be a master of disguise, and an excellent riddler. He is that…I guess."
"Mike," said Maeve, "why didn't you let Talia's crew go after you finished with her?"
"Well, the wench makes a good lower level member…besides, she did the damage, she had to amend it, by restoring the pearl."
Maeve never approved of this attitude of Mike, but she kept her mouth shut.
"So, Bacheet," said Sinbad, "what leads have you got on Taita?"
"That is the weirdest thing, captain, Taita is playing games with us."
"Games?"
"You know… 'Catch me if you can'…he keeps leaving these riddles or clues, when we decipher it we reach another one."
"It could be that he doesn't want to kill you directly, but instead tire you…" observed Sinbad.
Bacheet gave him an unreadable look, then he said, "you are good at detective work."
Sinbad grinned, Talia beamed, "that's why he is the master of the seven seas." and Mike growled under his breath.
Maeve hastily said, "what were his clues?"
"His latest one?"
"All of his clues. He could have misguided you."
"See," said Mike, "I told you she wants to know everything…"
It was his way of complimenting, at which Maeve blushed, causing Sinbad to scowl.
"Well," said Bacheet, "the first clue we found was at the place Taita worked. Taita was one of the priests at the cave of Seth…"
"The god of war and discord?" Firouz asked.
"Correct; since Seth was not a good god, he does not have any temples in the open. But there are a bunch of whackos, which pay tribute to him. So he has a cave where there is a shrine built in a cave on the bank of the Nile. Taita had his quarters there. Through Hales we got the Pharaoh to have the cave raided. We found a riddle. It was written all over his walls…"
"Well, what did it say?"
"It read:
"'She flows in beauty,
In all her glory;
She can be peaceful,
Or else you'll be sorry.
She will not spare,
Those who anger her,
She does not care,
She will sweep you away,
If you badger her.'
"After a little brain cracking, we figured he must've been talking about the Nile. After all, it is said that if you anger the river, you will be swept away."
"But that is ridiculous! How can you anger a river!" Firouz exclaimed.
"That is just what they say Firouz…" Maeve said, "so you must have gone to the temple of Hapi the goddess of the Nile, right?"
"Right as always, Lynn! Anyway, the high priestess there was aware of the theft of the pearl. She told us that she had found an inscription engraved on the wall of the temple, the day before we came. It read:
"'I will not see my fire die,
I will not see my love burn,
But they will not stop me from being the light,
They will not stop me from showing my fire,
They will not stop me from earning my desire.
I shall shine upon the earth,
Warm them if I have to,
Burn them if I want to.'"
After some silence, Bacheet said, "We assumed he was talking about the fiery eye…the one that Ishmitar tried to steal, and it dip represent fire. We went to the chamber of the stone…"
"I was surprised, " said Hales, "to find that someone broke into the chamber, when I went in I was even more surprised to see that the fiery eye was safe and sound. And it was the original. We saw that the walls of the chamber had been covered in writing. It was written in blood. It read:
"'You are fools,
To be on this quest,
You might know one,
But Taita knows the rest.
I am the greatest riddler,
You will never learn,
Anyway, for your efforts,
A riddle you must earn.
The jackal rises to greet,
The crow and he must meet,
His vixen, could never yearn,
What would his son learn?'"
After a moment of silence, Bacheet said, "We have been stuck at this for about three days. I could not decipher it."
When We Were Thieves - Part 10
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