‘QISAS*

by James C. Clar

A king to the north built a splendid palace according to an arcane and complex plan based upon the alignment of the heavens postulated by his sages and astrologers. So abstruse was the design that the structure itself constituted a labyrinth into which many guests and visitors ventured but who, sometimes days later, were found wandering aimlessly through windowless rooms and endless corridors. Their relief at being thusly rescued from the diabolical maze was often great. If such rumors were to be believed, many hapless victims emerged from the infernal confines of the palace with their reason forever enfeebled. The king's pride at his contrivance was great. Many sumptuous banquets were given in the great hall to celebrate the defeat of yet another guest – often a potentate from a foreign land – who had come to test his mettle against the king's architects and wise men.

One such traveler was a powerful emir from a city-state located in the trackless desert of the far south. He came bearing tribute of rare spices, costly gems, intricate optical instruments and exquisite objects made of glass as well as camels and other exotic animals. After three days wandering in the labyrinthine palace he was led out by one of the king's retainers. That evening at a feast given in his honor – or, really, to honor yet another triumph of the king – the emir bore his defeat with graciousness and humor. Far from being unsettled or overcome by his disconcerting experience, the emir's resolve was strengthened and, secretly, he began planning.

“Having done me the honor of allowing me to visit you in your home,” the emir said to his host as he and his entourage set out on their long journey south, “I expect that in one year's time, you will travel to my land where I may extend to you the same hospitality. In my culture not to repay such a debt would be to incur great shame.”

One year later to that date, the king and his party arrived at the gates of the emir's city-state bearing gifts. As soon as they entered, the king's soldiers, servants and advisors, in fact, all who were travelling with him, were set upon and killed. The king was bound, blindfolded and, without explanation, carried on a three day's journey into the desert.

“Welcome, oh great one,” the emir said as the king was helped from the camel that had been bearing him. “Welcome to my humble labyrinth.”

The king's hands were then untied and his blindfold was removed. Around him the featureless and undulating sand stretched to infinity. Before departing the emir ordered his men to provide their honored guest with a three day's supply of food and water. With that they rode off. Their tracks were quickly erased by the scouring wind and shifting sands.

When, after three days, the king had still not returned to the emir's city-state, the emir rode forth with his army to plunder a great land to the north.

*Arabic for “retaliation.”