“I love Cindy.”
“Who’s Cindy?”
“The girl wrapped in a rainbow.”
“She’s a whore. Them colors are but charms.”
“I promised to return some day and marry her.”
Little Brother kicked me in the seat of my pants.
“’Twas a joke,” I said.
He didn’t think it funny. No one of proper upbringing would consider the possibility. Though in secret, I had.
* * *
The glow in the desert emanated from an opening in a dome-shaped structure, about fifteen cubits across and barely the height of a man—nothing I’d ever seen before.
“Are we dreaming, Brother?”
“If we are, seems two can dream the same dream.”
We crossed the threshold and headed for where the light shone brightest—a stairway that spiraled down beneath the desert floor. Brother pointed to a flickering shadow at the landing and we descended. A woman stood dressed in a long gown and veil. She held a lantern and gestured to follow.
“The lady seems harmless and likely not ugly,” said Little Brother, smiling. “Cast away your fear. We’ve come aboard a ship of good fortune.”
“What good fortune moors in such strange harbors? And what of those knives hanging from her hips?”
“Them blades are prolly common trinkets on the vestments of desert dwellers.”
“What of the veil? It’s Augur’s domain, I tell you. Let’s turn back, now.”
“We’ll do no such thing.”
Little Brother tightened his grip on my arm, preventing any chance of resistance. In an underground chamber, a harem of similarly clad women greeted us. Our attendant led us to chairs; their soft cushions offered relief from the long days perched on our saddles. The women soon departed, except our attendant. She lifted her veil. In the lantern’s soft glow, we gazed upon her beauty. Her dark hair flowed down the contours of her body like a placid river, and her red lips were as newly painted roses upon cheeks of aged ivory. She studied us, then approached Little Brother and guided his lips to hers. His pleasure acknowledged, she departed, having left her mark on his heart. She returned with vittles of savory flatbread and dried fruits. Sated by our unusual but tasty meal, we followed her into a room where comfortable beds awaited.
Well written fable. Thoughtful ideas about man search for things of lesser value that hide more important issues. Do we suffer little deaths while searching for the unattainable? What should we be doing instead? What is living all about? Thoroughly enjoyable and thoughtful read.
Beautifully written