Cloud Weavers (Part 4)
This post is part of an archive. To read the current version, we recommend “Cloud Weavers (*)”
The palace’s inner court shown with so much wealth Ephraim was sure the dust his sandals collected was made of gold. Incense burned from the mouths of solid silver lions. Life size calves of solid gold guarded the very steps to the emir’s throne.
The emir was dressed in Ezra’s heavenly garments with wide jewels adoring his brow and arms. Other attendants surrounded Ephriam all dressed in the clothes made from spun clouds. The emir looked on and said nothing as one of his officials bargained with Ezra over a beutiful cloak made with swirling patches of red smoke.
When the haggling was finished, Ezra bowed and stepped away from the throne. Then the vizier advanced to the bottom of the throne’s steps and called for attention.
“I have found a weaver of skill that matches Ezra’s! This man’s work is so exquisite that I have brought him to you my master, without delay!”
The emir straightened. “Bring him before the steps.”
Ephraim took three of his finest rugs and laid them before the emir and his servants. Those in the court crowed in and the a servant held them up for all to observe the amazing patterns. Ezra also looked on but did not seem to recognize his daughter or Ephraim.
Even the emir seemed impressed. “Yes these are outstanding. Ezra, come before me and tell me why your work is superior.”
Ezra stepped forward. “Master, I fear that your court has grown callous to my craft for if I had walked in today and offered you my magic robes for the first time you would not look twice at this man’s trash. As it is, I do have something special to show you.”
He snapped his fingers and a servant brought Ezra’s sack to him. He opened it and pulled out a sash that glistened then flashed. He offered it to the vizier who walked it to the open hands of the emir.
“I have found a way to not only force the clouds into my threads but now the lightning as well. This sash is the first of its kind and it can gird a man with the power of the gods.” Ezra smiled and bowed. “I give it as a gift to you, master, that I will again find the utmost of favor in your eyes. In fact, if you still find this man’s work superior to mine I will offer him three requests of his choice, if not he will give me all of the rugs he has that I may sell them.”
The emir ran his fingers over the slow flashing sash. “Merchant, do you accept?”
Ephraim deepened his voice and replied. “I do. Master, you will find my carpets far superior than captured lighting for my work is not strictly ornamental.” He stepped onto the nearest. “My craft is also woven with the power of the elements. I have used wool and spun it with the restless power of the wind as well.”
As Ephraim raised his hands the rug floated up. A cry of wonder escaped those gathered. He flew between the court’s pillars before coming to rest where he started. By simply adjusting his feet Ephraim controlled the path and speed of the rug.
“A flying carpet! How magnificent!” The emir was on his feet and coming toward Ephraim. When he was close enough he embraced the merchant, he shouted. “Leave them here with me and take whatever treasures you deem as yours!”
Ezra flew into a rage. “Foul! Merchant, how did you do that!? How is it possible? Only I have control of the magic loom!”
Ephraim wiped away the ash and spoke to Ezra normally. “You taught me.”
“Ephraim!” Ezra clenched his teeth. “I saved your life and taught you the art of the loom and this is how you repay me!? I will not accept this shame! You will never leave my service now! Never again will you set foot in my home. From here forward you can sleep in the garden with the animals.”
“You owe me three requests.” Ephraim calmly replied. “I want my freedom. I desire your daughter’s hand in marriage and you must cease stealing clouds from this realm. It must rain again. ”
The emir’s brows knitted. “The drought we have experienced since the beginning of my reign is caused by your actions! The desert grows and threatens to further isolate us because of the clouds you have taken?!”
Ezra looked about. He saw in the court’s eyes a reflection of the emir’s anger. There would be no way for him to leave without being caught. Quickly, he jumped onto the third flying carpet and lifted off the ground. With one final look toward Ephraim, he flew out one of the high windows and was gone.
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When Habib returned to the cave after sundown, the mouth had collapsed and only a rugged pile of rocks remained. He set the staffs he carried and the clouds that quickly swirled around them against one of the boulders.
“What happened?” He mumbled to the night air. “How will I return home?”
From above his head, Opal replied, “You could travel with us.”
Habib looked up and found Ephraim and Opal hovering on one of the merchant’s rugs.
“Brother, you may free the clouds you have captured. Rain must again return to the desert and allow portions of her to bloom.” She embraced Ephraim. “Father has left us to this world but I have no doubt we will find happiness.”
September 5th, 2008 at 11:29 am
umm…..ninjas? where were they? jk good story Matt.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
So I’m guessing “Cloud Weavers” is part of a fantasy story you got going on. Awesome. I’m also guessing that since you like to write fantasy you have probably read a great deal of it. What are some of your favorites? Make a blog about that, and I’ll fill up the comment page, and give you cookies or kudos or whatever it is.