Golden Bird

"Once the golden bird was stronger, Ahmal placed her in the cage he had fashioned with love and was rewarded with the most beautiful song he had ever heard. And when the song was finished, the bird spoke to Ahmal.

"Oh, do not look so surprised, for you see this was a magical bird, and she told Ahmal she would grant him three wishes. There was only one condition: that once the third wish was granted, he would have to let her go.

"His first wish was to unite all the Bedouin tribes of the desert, and soon he was made King and called his new kingdom Faradahd. He built this palace and ruled well for many years. Meanwhile, the straw cage was replaced with one of gold, and all the people were welcome to hear the wondrous songs of their King's golden bird.

"After a few years, King Ahmal decided he needed a wife, so for his second wish, he asked that he find a suitable young woman who would bear him many sons. He met such a woman and the palace was soon filled with the sounds of laughing children, and Ahmal was a very happy man indeed. But after a few more years passed by, his golden bird stopped singing. When asked why, she explained she was too sad to sing. She longed to fly freely through the sky again and begged Ahmal to ask for his final wish to be granted. But Ahmal was content with things as they were and could not bear to lose his precious golden bird, so he refused until finally she stopped eating and fell ill. Ahmal was desolate.

"'Please, little bird, do not die. You have not yet granted me the third wish. You must grant me a third wish, and I wish that you recover and sing for me once again.'

"Suddenly the bird opened her eyes. She stood up on her weak little legs and sang once more for Ahmal. 'Thank you, Ahmal for you have given me life again, and now you must allow me to leave your care so that I may live it.' So with regret, Ahmal allowed his golden bird to fly away.

"This room was built for her, here by the garden, in hopes that one day his beautiful golden bird might return."

As Rashid finished his story, he turned to Sara, who laughed.

"That's quite a story, but I'm afraid I can't sing for you or grant you any wishes."

Rashid cocked one eyebrow and grinned lasciviously. "Perhaps there is one wish you could grant."