Chapter One

"Who are you who seeks shelter in my inn?" a large man inquired angrily. "It's the middle of the night!" "Please, kind sir," begged the young, handsome man with hair as black as night. "I mean you no harm. I just would like a room for the night...for my poor wife and myself...I must regretfully inform you though that I am without ample payment..." "What?!" the man boomed. "How dare you come here like this and expect free service! Allah have mercy..." "Please, sir. I beg you...my wife...she is pregnant...the child is due anytime now..." "Forget it!" The inhospitable man slammed the thick wooden door in the young man's face. With a frown across his face, the man turned away from the building and slowly approached his wife in a slumped over position. He lifted his eyes to hers and shook his head despairingly. "I am so sorry, Carina," he began. "I have failed you again as a husband." "No, Cassim," she softly said in a comforting voice. "You did all you could do. We will manage...we always have before." "Yes, I suppose you are right, my darling. I will always be here for you...that is certain. I will stay by your side forever. And to you, Carina, my heart belongs. I would do anything for you..." Carina smiled weakly and placed her arms around Cassim's body. He could feel how cold and hard her bony arms felt against his back. Feeling the discomfort, he gently moved away and looked at Carina in shame. "What is it, my dear?" the small, frail lady of only seventeen years asked. "It's just that...oh, it's nothing..." He couldn't tell her why he had pulled away...because of the feel of her malnurished body. This body, he knew, was that way because of him. He had no job, no money, no food, nothing to support this lady on. He was utterly and totally ashamed of himself. Why, oh why, did I accept an innocent child to be my wife when I can't even give her the basic needs of life? Why am I such a fool, such a failure? Just when Cassim thought nothing could be worse, Carina spoke: "Cassim, how can we bring a child into this world when...when we can barely provide for ourselves. Look at us..." "I understand your concern, my dear...but we have love, don't we? I promise this on my love for you, Carina...we will find a way." He felt terrible that he couldn't tell her what he was really thinking. He knew she felt the same way, and only their words lasted as a comfort for a moment or so. Carina smiled a small smile and leaned against her beloved's shoulder. The young lady sighed and closed her eyes. Cassim, after a few moments, heard the rhythmic breathing of his wife and knew she had fallen asleep. His deep brown eyes glanced up longingly at the clear, vast night sky. Stars passed slowly that desert night in the mysterious town they sat amongst. Time seemed unchanging, calm, quiet, still, and yet Cassim wondered more than he ever had as to the possibilties that lie ahead. He imagined a prosperous life for his family...one with servants, fine dining, a beautiful home, wealth, and happiness. That is what he so longed for for his wife and child...a flawless, untouched dream. "How wonderful indeed that would be," he said with a long, tiresome sigh. "How wonderful indeed." The young dreamer gazed upon Carina's delicate features and brought his hand to her cheek. He felt how dangerously far her bone stuck out and looked to see the rest of her body was just as malnurished. Her torn clothes hung loosely off her almost skeletal body. Unable to bear to look at such a sight any longer, Cassim brought his eyes down in complete shame. How can I possibly provide for her, let alone a child? As a husband and a father, those things of need should be the least I could give. Damn it all..Father, how did you manage? Where are you...Father...oh, damn you...damn this lousy world..damn...damn myself... With nothing left to think about, Cassim drifted away into the shadows in a heavy slumber. He was worn out from the treacherous day, for his wife and him had journeyed to Agrabah in search of a better life. It had only been one day, and their luck (what they had left) was already fading. This city was much larger than where they had lived, in a town called Hiyahmah, a few days away by foot. The majestic palace stood high and proud above the quiet, one-toned city in almost a kind of mockery. There were the merchants who tried to make an honest living with what they had, working long, hard hours in the blazing desert sun and arid atmosphere, calling out to passing people to try to sell their wares. At the end of the day, they returned home with no or little money with dry, hoarse voices to see their wives in tiresome tears from a difficult day with the children and housework. And then there was the sultan...he never had to lift a finger to get what he had. All he had to do was be born, and he would one day inherit the throne, the palace, and all the wealth and luxury that went with it. That harsh unfairness of life is what bothered Cassim so much, and despite his deep sleep, nightmares haunted his thoughts...horrible visions of losing his family...to poverty...somehow...if he could not manage to find a means to support them. The coolness of the night ended as a sun peeked around the eastern horizon, shining its bright rays in the city's many closed eyes, saying, "It's time to wake and begin another busy day!" It was that annoying kind of feel, like when someone's mother comes into the bedroom and says, "It's time to wake up, Honey!" in the most irritating voice, far too happy for this early in the morning. The hues of red, orange, and yellow faded tranquilly into the deep blue of the remaining night sky, and soon all disappeared, and the vast, blue sky arose in all its splender and might. Cassim opened his eyes to find it already midmorning. As he looked ahead and into the main road, he could see many people already strolling down the street, shopping for food and clothing. The crowd was fully awake by this time and was still lively before they would feel the sudden tireness of the day. Turning his head to Carina, he saw her still asleep. "Carina," he softly said, stroking her cheek. "Are you awake?" "Huh?" she asked in a daze, fluttering open her eyes. "Oh, Cassim...did I oversleep?" "No, it's OK," he continued. "I did. I should have gotten up a couple hours ago. It's not your fault." "Oh, but where...oh, that's right. I forgot we came here." "Yes, we are here now, in a new home...I hope. This is Agrabah, one of the largest cities in the seven deserts." "Oh, yes. I have heard that the sultan was without a wife for a long time. He married just a year ago, right?" "Yes, I have also heard that he is a kind man, just, and patient...although, his head is usually adrift." "What do you mean, Cassim?" "He is not always what most people would consider diplomatic. He has a playful, light attitude toward life." "I guess that is a good thing to have...with all that resposibility and hard work, one needs to still be able to have fun in life. He must feel so imprisoned sometimes." "What do you mean?" "I mean, he can't just leave the palace and walk about the streets like the commonfolk. He has royal duties...who would watch the kingdom if he left?" "True, true...but he must feel so fortunate to have power and wealth. He can have anything he wants." "Money and power will only get someone so much, Cassim. You know that. Without love and a sense of responsibility toward others, what is the purpose of living?" "I suppose you are right, Carina. It's just that...oh, nevermind." "What? Please, Cassim, don't hide anything from me." "I just don't understand why so many people work so hard their whole lives and never get what they want, yet the sultan is given everything for free just because of his heritage. Is that fair?" "No, but life is not fair. If everyone had everything they always wanted, no one would know how to appreciate the value of what they do have." "You speak wisdom beyond your years, Carina. I love that about you. Whenever I don't know the answer to something, you always know just what to tell me. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that those people we love the most are usually taken from us too soon." "Yes, I just hope that never happens to us." That thought sent a chill down Cassim's spine. With all the pondering he had been doing lately about how he would support his family, he couldn't help but to wonder about the consequences if he failed. In the midst of his thoughts, they came across a fruit stand in the marketplace and stopped. "Are you hungry?" he asked Carina. "Yes, but don't spend your money if you don't have enough. I can wait till tomorrow or the next day..." "No, Carina," he said rather sternly. "Don't ever say that. I will give you what you need when you need it." "What is that supposed to mean?" she questioned in astonishment. "Why do you speak in such a serious tone?" "Look at yourself, my dear. You are so thin." "Cassim!" Carina felt hurt by her husband's words. She didn't understand how serious the issue of caring for her and his soon to be born child was to him. Cassim's eyes softened, and he gently took her hands in his. "I am sorry if I upset you...I didn't mean to hurt you. I just want to make sure you are provided for." She nodded and turned back to staring at the fruit stand. Cassim stepped forward towards the merchant and examined the array of melons, oranges, apples, and other various fruits. "May I help you, sir?" asked the merchant. "Yes, I'll take two apples, please." "Is that all?" "Yes, that's all I can afford right now." "Oh, sir...surely you must take more than that. Your wife is bearing a child. She will need more than that!" "Please, I can't afford it...really." "Oh, but sir! I won't have anyone who buys from me starve. Here...take a dozen apples...it's my treat." "Oh, kind sir...that is very generous of you, but I can't." "No, I insist. Please, take them," the gentle man said reassuringly with a smile, handing the apples to Cassim in a sack. "Are you sure?" "Oh, yes...yes!" "Thank you so much...that was very kind of you!" The merchant smiled again and wished them on their way. They continued to walk down the street, looking around at their new surroundings. If this city is where they were going to live and raise a family, then they both figured that they might as well become somewhat familiar with things. What was most important to Cassim though was to find a job. Once they left the main part of town, they came across a much quieter section. A door with two large holes near the top and an even bigger hole at the bottom attracted Cassim's attention. It looked like a skull face...something unique to this town. With his curiousity rising, he began walking toward it. "Cassim," began Carina, "what are you doing?" "Look at that door. It's neat, isn't it?" "I does look different than any other door I've ever seen, but you don't know what is in there." "Oh, it won't hurt to just take a peek, will it?" "I guess not. Besides, it doesn't look like anyone lives there." "You have a point. If no one lives there, perhaps we can." Carina shrugged her shoulders and followed her husband. Once they were right next to the door, Cassim could see a dozen men or so inside, all sitting around some random wooden tables. They were laughing, eating, and talking. It seemed perfectly safe to him. As Cassim and Carina entered the building, a man near the entrance looked up at them. "Can I help you?" he asked rudely. "Um, we're new in town," began Cassim, "and we were just looking around." "Oh, so you're strangers." "Yes, uh...is this a private club?" "In a way, yes. Everyone who comes in here is supposed to have identification, but since you are now around here, I guess I'll let you slide by." There was something about the tone in this man's voice that made Cassim feel uncomfortable. All the men were dressed in worn, dirty clothing and had unshaven faces. He didn't want to inquire too much about them or this place, so he stood there silent. "So, stranger," began the gruff man again. "What's your name?" "Cassim...and this is my wife, Carina." "Oh," he said, eyeing Carina, "you're a lucky bum...you've got a pretty prize there." "Yeah, I guess so." "The name's Rehmauhja. So, you gonna sit yourself down, or do I gotta force you?" "Oh," Cassim replied quickly and took a seat. "What you doin' in Agrabah?" "Looking for work...I need to find money to raise a family." "You don't steal?" "No, of course not. Whatever happens to myself, I would never take someone else's money or food...they worked for what they have. Why should anyone take that from them?" "Oh, just wonderin', that's all..." "Oh..." "You know, they need a worker here to serve us men. You want the job?" "Are you offering?" "Sure. I guess you don't know this, but I'm the head guy around here. This is my business. I've got a cook and no one to serve the food. Sometimes them guys come in here and get all mad 'cause they don't get their food right away. You want it or not?" "Sure!" Cassim nearly jumped out of his chair. He didn't care what kind of job he had, as long as he had one. He would finally have money. "When can I start?" "You come here tomorrow at noon. You work till nine, after the sun sets, OK?" "Oh, yes! Of course!" Cassim was smiling from ear to ear as he arose from his seat. He took Carina's hand in his own and walked out of the place. Maybe things would work out for him after all... Cassim didn't hear the conversation between the men after he departed. There was a lot that he didn't know about this place...the Skull and Dagger, a place where thieves hung out. "Did you see that stranger come in here?" one man with a long, black beard asked. "You bet ya I did! Imagine that, just come walkin' into a place with a bunch of thieves! Ha! We could've milked him for all he's worth...probably didn't have nothin' anyway!" They laughed in unison and continued their games of cards and eating. Cassim and Carina noticed it was becoming late. The sun was already in the lower part of the western hemisphere when they stopped to eat some of the apples they had bought earlier. Sitting down in another alley, Cassim looked up to the right while he was eating. The building looked abandonned, and a window that was rather large faced the palace. "Look, Carina," he said, pointing to the window. "Yes?" "No one lives there. Let's go check it out." She nodded and followed Cassim up some stairs to a fairly large and open room. There were a couple of pillows and blankets on the floor. A small wooden table sat by the pile of blankets near the window. Going over to it, he noticed a burnt candle sitting on it, and the blankets were resting on a part of the floor that was a step higher than the rest of the floor. Cassim stood on the higher step, holding Carina in his embrace. "It's not much," he whispered, "but it sure has a great view. The palace sure looks lovely, doesn't it?" "Yes," she whispered back. "I wonder what it would be like to live there..." "One day, Carina, we'll be rich, live in a palace, and never have any worries at all..." Carina turned so she was looking directly into Cassim's eyes. She smiled weakly and shook her head in disbelief. "You were always such a dreamer," she said. "No, Carina. This time I mean it. You will see..." They continued to hold each other tightly as the setting sun cast its rays across the rooftops of the city, giving Agrabah a warm, glowing tone of oranges and reds. The couple looked on in astonishment at the beauty of the sight before them, never letting go of the other, for in each other, they found themselves. It was only together and within their souls that they could ever go on...long after death even.

Chapter Two

"How are you feeling, Carina?" asked Cassim as he awoke to find her sitting up, leaning against the wall. "I feel better after sleeping. You know, we haven't slept with any blankets or pillows for a month...until now." "You're right. I'm happy that we at least have a place we can call home now. Don't worry though, we won't live here forever. Once I save up enough money..." "Don't rush yourself, Cassim. We'll be fine for a while here." "Yes, I know...I just want to give you all a husband should...and I will." "You can do anything because you believe you can." "Do you really think so?" "Of course I do. Now, you will need to be going to your new job soon." "Already?" "Yes, I'm afraid you overslept again." "Not again!" he laughed, tossing his arms up into the air. Cassim quickly kissed his wife and ran down the stairs. As he walked down the main road, he chewed on an apple. Voices called out into the crowd from every direction, advertising "fresh fish," "delicious, mouth-watering fruit," and "clothing wolven from finest silk." Within a few minutes though, the atmosphere became quiet. A few beggers sat along the sides of the road with their hands held out. Two little children, a boy and a girl, dug through a garbage pile in an alley. Cassim looked at them in complete sorrow. Those poor, innocent children...orphans with nothing, not even loving parents. He shook his head and continued to walk. Before he knew it, Cassim had arrived at the Skull and Dagger. He strolled in and immediately was looked at by all the men. Rehmauhja saw him and greeted him with a tough smack on the back. "Hey there, Cassim!" he bellowed. "You ready to work?" "As ready as I'll ever be." "Alrightly then!" Cassim was shown the kitchen and where he was to pick up the food. It wasn't very difficult to understand; after all, all he had to do wa take people's orders and bring their food when it was ready. He could eat when he had time, and one of the benefits was that the food was free. Eager to begin working, Cassim approached one of the men who was sitting alone at a table away from the others. "Hello," he smiled. "What?" the man asked, looking up. "I said hello." "Yeah, I heard. But what do you want?" "Well, uh, are you ordering lunch?" "Lunch? Ha! Don't you know anything? I don't come here to eat!" "Oh, sorry...I didn't know. It's my first day here and...well, actually, yesterday I came in here for the first time and-" "Listen, buddy!" the man yelled, standing up, "I don't need to hear any of your lame excuses!" The man was quite a bit taller than Cassim, which made him all the more intimidating. He was muscular and a little older than Cassim, and his temper was at its limits. Without continuing to bother the man, Cassim stepped away toward another table. "Geez," he said in exhaustion, "what's the matter with that guy?" "You don't wanna mess with him," replied a man with a whitening beard and an eyepatch. "Yeah, that's Hamar. No one steals from him." "Steals?" questioned Cassim. "Are you new or something, mister?" "Well, yeah. But what was that about stealing?" "Don't you know where you are?" "No." "This is where thieves hang out. This is the Skull and Dagger." What?! I'm working at a place where thieves hang out? Some job! Cassim was immediately taken aback when he found out where he was. He had no idea what to do, so he ran up to Rehmauhja and looked at him with an angry glare. "How dare you!" Cassim shouted. "How dare you give me this job when I have no clue where I am!" "Hey, hold on, buddy! You took the job yourself. I offered it to you, and you took it...fair and square. Anything could have happened to you here yesterday. You understand? I could've saved your life!" "OK, sorry...it's just that I've never been this close to this many thieves before." "Now listen. If you wanna keep this job, you'd better keep real quiet. That means no yellin' in here or outside...you got that?" Cassim had no other choice. He relunctantly nodded and continued to work in silence the rest of the day. He couldn't tell Carina where he was working...with thieves. She would surely want him to quit his job if she knew, but she wouldn't know. He would make sure of that. He didn't want to lie to her, but there were already so many things that he kept from her, for the sake of comfort. Cassim didn't want to scare Carina away, not when what he hoped for in the long run was success. She would see...one day, everything will change. Cassim left the Skull and Dagger that night and walked down the dead streets. While he was walking, he began in drift into a half-sleep. He sat down by an old well in the center out town and leaned against it. His eyelids became heavy and closed... A boy around ten years old caming running down the street in the midday. Another boy the same age followed close behind. Finally stopping by the well, the two boys exchanged a few sentences. "I don't think you should have stolen that, Amal!" exclaimed the boy who had been following. "'I don't think you should have stolen that,'" Amal said in a mocking tone. "Like you've never stolen anything, Aladdin!" "I only steal food...so I can eat." "I'm not going to be a street rat forever, not like you, Aladdin!" laughed Amal. "One day, I'm gonna make something of myself." "How can I make something or myself by doing bad things..." Aladdin drifted off. The vision disappeared to reveal an adolescent boy...the same boy, Aladdin, only a few years older. He sat alone in an all too familiar abandonned builing, looking out at a spectaculiar view of the palace. The sun was setting, and soon darkness dominated. "No!" Cassim shouted, opening his eyes in a fury. "Oh, just a dream...but what a strange dream. It was so real." Unsure of how late it was, Cassim quickly returned home to find Carina shrieking in pain. He could hear the noises from the street and anxiously ran up the stairs to see what was happening. "Carina!" he gasped. "Are you OK?! What's happening?!" "The...baby," she managed to say. "Already?" Carina nodded in discomfort and pointed to the lower half of her body. She continued to scream in agony for the whole night. The whole time, Cassim stayed by her side. Finally, she stopped. A small whimper was hear in the room just as the baby was revealed. Carina gently wrapped the child in one of the blankets and held the baby close to her chest. Cassim looked over to his wife and child and approached the baby. "It's a boy," he smiled. "A boy in the image of his dad!" "You're a father now, Cassim," Carina weakly said, smiling. "And you, my dear, are a mother. My son...my son Aladdin." Cassim brought the little infant close to his face and kissed Aladdin's soft forehead. Aladdin's eyes were large and deep brown, and he already had a thick head of black hair. "Now we are a family." "Yes," smiled Carina, "we are." Aladdin was the renewal that Cassim had needed for so long. He had a reason more than ever to work hard and prove that he could be a good father, someone his child would look up to. Cassim continued to work everyday at his job, and every night he returned home to see Carina rocking Aladdin in her arms. For the first week, Aladdin was still weak. Because Carina had never eaten enough during her pregnancy, he was born premature and thin. Cassim often worried if his son would still be alive when he returned home, and every day he came back to find Aladdin still fighting, he felt the kind of reassurance he needed to go to work the next day. Cassim knew with all his heart that Aladdin was a fighter. He always would be too. He was born a fighter, and he would die a fighter, strong and heroic, in his old age. Cassim knew also why he had chosen the name Aladdin. In his strange dream, Aladdin was the child who realized that stealing wouldn't make him into somebody important. Cassim wanted a child with morals and responsibility to know what is important in life, and by providing for Aladdin, being there for him, and just being the best father he could be, Cassim felt that Aladdin could follow in those same footsteps, only walking farther.

Chapter Three

The days and nights came and went quite quickly. Every day was the same: work, work, work. Yet Cassim knew that only through hard work and dedication could he be the best father he could for his son. Aladdin was soon three months old and could smile. The child was always smiling, and he barely ever cried. He looked healthier too. Cassim held Aladdin tightly in his arms each night when he returned home...holding him right next to his heart. Their hearts would become so close that Cassim could feel the pounding of his little son's heart coinciding with his. This brought a wonderful and warm feeling to Cassim. He knew that his son had truly became a part of him...a part he would carry with him even in his darkest days and the part that would give him the hope he needed to face any obstactle. This day began just like any other. Cassim walked to work, ready to bring home a growing daily income. He had adjusted well to the different environment. The thought of working in the midst of thieves really didn't seem to bother him anymore. He knew them, and they knew him. In a way, they trusted each other. He stopped for a moment while walking and thought about how it could be possible to trust a thief, a criminal. I guess they are people too. No one is perfect. Well, even if they steal from innocent people, at least I don't. I would never do that, but I'm not about to tell them what to do and what not to do. With this thought, Cassim began to reanalyze what he had previously believed. Maybe they couldn't be trusted... Cassim arrived early that day as he stepped into the Skull and Dagger. He overheard a conversation between two men sitting at the table nearest to the entrance. "Turns everything it touches into gold, you say?" "Yep, that's what I've heard. Of course, I don't know how much of it is true. It doesn't seem very likely, does it?" "Nope, I guess not. But who knows? This world is full of strange things." Whatever the men were talking about sparked Cassim's interest. He quickly approached the table and leaned over, placing his hands on the wooden surface. "Excuse me," he said. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but what was that you were saying about something that turns all it touches into gold?" "Oh," said the one man, smiling a half-toothless grin, "it's young Cassim. It's called the Hand of Midas. It's just a myth though." "What have you heard about it?" "Oh, it's an old tale...as old as the desert sands some say. Before I entered into the life as a thief, I used to travel from city to city in caravans. At night when most people had fallen asleep, a few of us stayed awake and told stories at the camp fire. One night, a mysterious man appeared out of nowhere. He had a blind fold over his eyes. I guess he was blind. Well, anyway, he told us a story of a king who lived in ancient Greece thousands of years ago. The king's name was Midas, and he was so greedy that he asked the gods to grant him power to have unlimited gold. They gave him the power to turn anything he touched into gold. This was more of a curse though. He couldn't eat or drink and died because of it. Midas accidently touched his daughter and turned her to gold and grieved until his death. His left hand turned to solid gold when he died and fell off. The gods offered this as a gift to his people, but they rejected it because they believed it was cursed. They put it on an uninhabited island somewhere and never same it again." "Wow! What an amazing story! Is there any way of ever finding it?" "What? Are you planning on looking for it?" "Oh, I don't know. It would be nice to be rich for once. I've worked so hard my whole life and have nothing to show for it." "You could always steal, you know." "No! That's one thing I will never do! I don't see how anyone can take another's belonging so disrespectfully!" "What are you saying, Cassim? Are you insulting us? You know I haven't always lived this way. Do you think I enjoy this?" "Oh, I don't know! It's just that some people actually try..." "Oh, that does it!" exclaimed the man, standing up. "You've gone too far! You've insulted me, and now you're gonna pay!" The man grabbed Cassim by his collar and pulled him closer. He was looking at the thief eye to eye when Rehmauhja heard the noise and stumped over to the scene. "What's goin' on here!?" he yelled. "He insulted me!" exclaimed the thief in rage. "He's insulted all thieves! He thinks he's better than us!" "Cassim," Rehmauhja said as calmly as he could. "What did I tell you? Don't cause any problems...in here or out there, but you don't listen, huh?! Get out now!" "What!?" Cassim yelped. "How could you?! I did nothing! I am an honest man..." "We don't need your kind in here!" Rehmauhja continued. "Out! Out!" The thief who had grabbed Cassim roughly escorted him to the door and literally threw him out. Cassim landed on the ground a few feet away and hit his jaw rather hardly on the ground. He sat up and rubbed his chin. Blood covered his hands in a mixture of dirt and sweat. He hatefully glared at the entrance and stood up, walking away gruffly. I'm never going back there! I guess this means I am without a job again! Ha! He found himself in an alley all alone and sat down. By this point in time, he was growing quite angry. "Why!?" he yelled as loudly as he could. "Why me?! Why does everything I do end in a disaster!" "Calm yourself, young man," said a calm, wise voice, as Cassim felt a hand on his shoulder. "What?" he asked, turning around. An old man with long, white hair and a beard stood there. He wore simple clothes and a blind fold over his eyes. He just stood there like a statue without any expression on his face. "Can I help you, sir?" asked Cassim. "Are you lost?" "No, my son," the man said in words older than time. "You seem to be the one who is lost. Can I be of assistance?" "That's very kind of you, sir, but I don't...wait a minute, how did you know..." "There is a lot I know. I know, for example, how hard you work for your wife and son. You are a good man with a strong heart. Do not let this day ruin your future." "It's so hard sometimes. I try...I really do, but nothing ever goes as I had wished." "Like I stated earlier, perhaps I can help." "I don't think so." "You want happiness and wealth for your family, so you dream of searching for the Hand of Midas. I know you feel it in your veins to search this broken globe for an impossibility, but think, my son, perhaps your happiness is already before you. Your true wealth lies in your heart, and the blood that pumps the very life through your veins come from that source, your heart. That blood is old though. The only source of truth and hope is your heart." "My heart? Yes, of course it is. I love my family unconditionally, and that is why I only want what's best for them. You speak of the Hand. What do you know about it?" "Legend has it that it once touched a ship and sunk it. The ship remains at the bottom of the sea, forgotten over time. There are some mountains that guard its safehold from all of humanity, and rough waters block anyone from entering the rock. It is an impossible task, my son." "Impossible so far, you mean. What if I could..." "I bring you a warning though. That ship sunk because of its curse. Lives were lost. This is no way to bring a better future to your family. Please, remember my words I have shared with you tonight. Your heart will sink just like that ship if you leave your family and come back to find them missing." Before Cassim could say anything more, the mysterious man had disappeared. He sat there until nightfall, thinking about what this man had said. He was too drawn to the Hand of Midas. He wanted it so badly now that he could think of nothing else. He would prove his worth. He could find it, and when he returned, Carina and Aladdin would prosper with him. They would finally be rich! Most of all, Cassim thought he could finally be the father he always wanted for his son. With anxiety filling his heart, he rushed home to deliver the good news to his family. Little did he know that he was already cursed.

Chapter Four

"Carina!" exclaimed Cassim as he ran through the entrance of their home. "Shhh, Cassim," she whispered. "Aladdin is sleeping." "I've got great news!" "Oh?" "I heard about the ultimate treasure today. I was at work when I overheard two thieves talking about it, and--" "Did you say thieves?" Carina interrupted. "Oh, no," Cassim said in shame. "What?" "I didn't mean to say that." Carina just looked at Cassim with a questioning look on her face. He came closer to her and put his arms around her waist and pulled her right next to him. "I am sorry," he began. "There are some things I have been hiding from you...I didn't want to hurt you. I knew you wouldn't want me working at a place where thieves hung out, so I kept silent. I needed the money though, Darling. I needed to support my family...because...because I love you dearly." "Oh, Cassim," Carina frowned. "I would have understood..." "You say that now, but for some reason, I still believe you would have opposed my working there." "It's OK, I forgive you. Now what were you talking about? What is this 'ultimate treasure?'" "It's called the Hand of Midas. It once sunk a ship by the mountains along the shore. It turns everything it touches into gold...imagine the wealth we could have!" "But you have been doing fine for yourself since we came here. You found a job and managed to keep it." "Until today." "What?" "Yes, I lost my job...I'd rather not talk about it now, Carina." "I don't understand you, Cassim. You say you love me, and if you truly love me, then why do you hide so many things from me?" "Oh, you don't understand!" Cassim exclaimed. "My whole life, my whole life I have worked so hard, and what do I have to show for it? This is my chance to prove that I can be the man you have always deserved and the father our little Aladdin has always needed. Please, one last time, Carina. Let me go search for this treasure. I promise you though, if I have not found it in two weeks, I will return home." "Two weeks? Is this treasure really that important to you?" "Yes, it's all I have," Cassim continued desperately. "Please, Carina..." "What can I do to prevent you from going?" she sarcastically said. "After all, I'm just your wife. Very well, go." "Oh, Carina, don't be upset. I promise you...you have my word on that." Cassim turned around and walked over to a wooden chest that leaned against the opposite wall. He opened it and took out something wrapped in a dusty, worn cloth. Taking its covering off, an antique dagger was revealed. "Give this to our son, Aladdin," Cassim whispered, handing the dagger to Carina. "It was my father's. It's all I have left of him. When he passed away, I found it under his pillow. I took it and ran away forever. It was the dagger he died fighting with." "Your father was killed by another man?" "Yes. He was a merchant who travelled a lot. When he was out in the desert one night, he was attacked by thieves who raided caravans. His body was brought back to me. My mother was dead already, so I was all alone. I was only twelve years old when he went..." Tears streamed Cassim's cheeks. He brought a shaking left hand to his face and wiped them away, just as he had tried so hard to wipe away all his childhood memories. "Cassim?" Carina whispered. "Are you OK?" "Huh? Oh, yes. I'll be fine. Now, Carina, give this dagger to Aladdin." "You are acting as though you will never be back..." "Don't worry, I'll be back. Two weeks...that's all." "When will you leave?" "Early tomorrow morning. Now, let's go to sleep." Cassim slept restlessly that night. He had a strange dream that was unexplainable. A large golden circle appeared in front of him while he was searching the seaside mountains for the Hand of Midas. On it was an image of a large hand. He looked at it and thought it to be what he had been searching for. Could this be the Hand of Midas? He ran after it, never quite reaching it. The circle kept moving away the closer he got, and he could never touch it. He became so engulfed in persuing his goal that he chased it wherever it went. He kept running, almost as if he were running away from something rather than toward something. Cassim's eyes jerked open. He sat up and looked around. It was barely dawn, and Aladdin and Carina were still fast asleep. Cassim quietly went to Aladdin's cradle and looked over his little sleeping body. He placed his hand on Aladdin's body and gently stroked the blankets that covered him. "I love you, Aladdin, my son," Cassim said softly. "Never forget that. You are going to grow up to be a wonderful person. You won't be like me, Aladdin. You won't be a mistake put on this planet just to fill up space. No, son, you will do great things. Your friends will be true and stay with you to the end even when I can't. When I am gone in your life, Aladdin, cherise your friends. They will be your family. And love your mother. Take care of her for me, and teach her to be strong like you. Remember, I will always love you." Cassim kissed Aladdin's cheek and stood back up. He kissed his sleeping wife goodbye and took his bags. He walked through the empty streets and through the city gate. The vast desert stretched for miles upon miles in front on him. It wasn't hot yet because it was still quite early, but soon enough, Cassim knew the sun would be beating down upon his black hair. He walked alone for many miles until the sun had reached the middle of the sky. Exhausted, Cassim sat down by some rocks and pulled out some water to drink. The water was warm but felt good as it washed down his dry throat. Cassim removed his boots and rubbed his feet. They were already sore, and blisters could be seen beginning to form on his toes. He only remained there for fifteen more minutes and continued his journey again. Nightfall came and went. Two more treacherous days passed, and Cassim could begin to see the seashore and mountains that guarded it. Cassim began to run in hope of finding the treasure. He felt so close. A small opening in the rock on the side of one of the mountains came into sight, so Cassim approached it as fast as he could. He entered the hole and came into a chamber filled with strange markings on the walls, cave drawings in an ancient language perhaps. While he was examining the cave, his foot stepped on something small on the ground. It scraped against the stone like it was composed of metal. It was quite difficult for Cassim to really see anything. The only light was from the small opening, and the hole wasn't much wider than two feet. Cassim bent down and felt around. A circular metal disk was on the ground. He picked it up, thinking it was a coin but instead found out that it wasn't a coin at all. It was a pin used to hold a cape on. It looked like it belonged to a king because it was shiny and made of gold. Cassim replaced the simple pin that had been holding his cape on with this one. Walking through the cavern some more, Cassim came to the wall furthest away from the opening he had come through. He ran his hand mindlessly across its surface and felt an indentation. It was circular and small, just like the pin he had found. Could it be? Cassim removed the pin and placed it in the intentation in the wall. Suddenly, a secret door opened. With his curiousity continuing to elevate, Cassim entered the next room. It was too dark to see anything, so he lit a candle he had in his bag. Once it was lit, he held the pin close to it so he could see it better. On it was a picture of a hand. Just like the dream, he thought. An image of the Hand of Midas was on the golden pin. Then the Hand was real after all! It had to be! Holding the candle out in front of himself, Cassim noticed he was right near the edge of a cliff. He gasped and backed away, but just as he moved, his eyes spotted something glittering in the water below. Cassim cautiously held the candle out over the side of the cliff. A solid gold boat sat at the bottom of the sea. "Amazing," he whispered. "This is it. This is the ship that sunk by the Hand of Midas. It is real. Now I know that what I am searching for is not just another dead end!" Cassim decided to begin searching the whole cavern. He left the room he was in and walked through the chamber he had come into when he first arrived. He found himself in a long hallway that looked bare, as if no one had ever walked through it. Once he came to the end of the hall, Cassim found himself in the much larger room. Ruins of houses and other buildings lined the walls. Those were the homes of nomads who had come through here centuries ago. There had been people here at one time, but Cassim figured that they were long gone by now. What looked from the outside like just another range of mountains was at one time a civilization. Just when Cassim thought he was all alone, someone attacked him from behind. Afraid to know what to do, Cassim began to run away from this stranger. The man chased him until they were outside of the room and near a cliff that hung over the sea. Cassim turned around to see who this man was, but no face could be seen. His nose and mouth were covered with a cloth, and his head was covered as well. His eyes were the only thing Cassim could see. The man dodged at Cassim with his dagger, ready to kill him. At the last moment, Cassim jumped out of the way and flipped the man over his shoulder. The next thing Cassim heard was a fading scream as the stranger fell off the cliff. "Oh, no!" Cassim yelled. "What have I done? I just killed a man!" "Yes," said a mean voice from behind him. "You just killed a man."

Chapter Five

"What?!" Cassim gasped as he turned around to see who had spoken to him. "Grab him!" yelled a tall man with no hair and scary eyes. Suddenly, of the men standing behind this man, five or six approahced Cassim and grabbed hold of his arms and legs until he was completely off the ground. He was brought back into the large room with the ruins. Once the men stopped, they continued to hold Cassim so tightly that he couldn't move. A fire was lit in the center of the room, and all the men surrounded it in a circle. "The code of the Forty Thieves was tested tonight by this unwelcome stranger," the bald man boomed. "The law is very clear as to what must be done!" The other thieves cheered as the bald man came closer to Cassim. Cassim thought the Skull and Dagger was bad, but these thieves made those in the Skull and Dagger like close friends. "What is you name, young man?" the bald man inquired, glaring right into his eyes. "Cassim," he trembled. "Well, Cassim, you have a choice. The man you killed was our King. He must be replaced. It's a life for a life deal. We will take your life for taking his or you will fill his position as our new King." Cassim didn't know what to do or say. After all, what kind of choice was that? He either had to die and never see his family again...die as a failure and as a man who left his poor wife and child, or he had to become known as the King of Thieves and possibly never see them again. I can't die, not now. I have so many dreams for my family. Then that leaves me with no other choice...I must become the King of Thieves. King of Thieves...the words passed over and over again through Cassim's mind. An honest man, turned into not only a thief, but the leader of forty of them! This surely had to be the next worse thing to dying. Had it not been for his dear, precious family, Cassim would have rather died. To live the life of a criminal was worse than no life at all. "Well, Cassim?!" the man grew impatient. "What will it be? Death or King?" "King," Cassim whispered in complete shame, hanging his head. "Ha! Ha!" the man laughed and hit him on the back. "You are our new King! Well, Your Highness, you'd better start leading. You have a difficult job in front of you!" "Um, OK," Cassim began, "uh, what's your name?" "Sa'luk. I'll be watching you closely, King. You may think you have escaped death, but don't be so sure." Cassim quickly nodded and looked down at Sa'luk's hand to see three blades attached to his fingers. His weapon was unlike anything he had ever seen before...something used to slash the victim's skin off like the claws of a tiger. Cassim swallowed slowly and walked toward the other thieves. What was he to do? He was their leader now. He had to do something. "Ahem," he said loudly, clearing his throat, "I don't know how you lived with your old King, but I will lead you the only way I know how. I say we take a break from stealing and go on a treasure hunt. What do you say?" "What kind of treasure hunt?" asked one of the thieves suspiciously. "This treasure is the big one, the ultimate treasure. It's called the Hand of Midas, and it turns everything it touches into gold. Think of it! You would never have to steal again! All the wealth you ever wanted will be yours! The treasure is limitless!" "Limitless, you say?" "Turns everything it touches into gold?" "Are you serious? Amazing!" The thieves talked among themselves for a few moments. Sa'luk was the only one who looked at Cassim in disbelief, as though he couldn't be trusted. Cassim's uneasiness gradually disappeared as he realized that these thieves seemed to be in favor of his plan. They had no doubt grown tired of constantly raiding caravans in the desert and living in this cave. It was time for a change, and they accepted it willingly. "Yes!" they cheered in unison. "Excellent," Cassim smiled. Just imagine it...forty men working together instead of one man all by himself. Surely they would find it faster. Maybe Cassim would return in two weeks after all. He could find the Hand with their help. They would be satisfied and happy. They would never have to steal again, and Cassim would be free to return to Agrabah because the Forty Thieves would no longer need his leadership. That day was also the first time that Cassim began to be consumed by greed. Without even knowing it, he was already sinking because of the Hand's ugly curse. How could a good man with a strong heart turn into such a living lie with a broken heart and spirit? Even though he would seem tough on the outside, Cassim surely would find himself crying harder than he ever had on the inside. The night soon came upon them, and most of the thieves went to sleep. Sa'luk eyed Cassim and sat down next to him. "You may think that you are in control now, Cassim. But just you wait. So, what is all this garbage you speak of? Part of your plan? And by the way, what would your plan be?" "Well, uh...I don't know exactly. I only know so much about the Hand, but it's worth the search, isn't it?" "You are so naive, Cassim. You know absolutely nothing about the life of a thief, do you?" "Well, no..." "You will learn soon enough." Cassim didn't say anything. He was quite tired from his journey the last couple of days. It was nice to at least have a roof over his head again and blankets to keep him warm. He felt some whiskers on his cheek as he put his head to him pillow. He was beginning to grow a beard, and dirt streaked his face. Sa'luk sat alone and mumbled, "So, this King comes along with this innocent, soft-hearted dream of his. Ha! He will either have to harden his heart, or he will pay in the end." From that day forward, Cassim became trapped in the world of the Forty Thieves. The old, blind prophet had warned him, but his greed overpowered his mind and took control of it. What Cassim had originally believed, caring for his family, was gradually fading away as he was touched by the Hand of Midas and sunk by it.

Chapter Six

The very next day began the big treasure hunt. Everyone packed their belongings, including their daggers of course. Cassim wondered how they were to get out of the cavern because the water blocked the way. Plus, they were on horses, so it would be impossible to swim. Sa'luk smirked at him and stepped forward. "Open sesame!" he yelled. Suddenly, the whole mountain began to vibrate violently. After about thirty seconds of rumbling, the wall of front of them split in two and opened. The water parted right through the center, and they raced their horses through as fast as they could. Once they reached the other side, the water moved back together again in a huge splash. Cassim stared at the sea in sheer amazement. His mouth huge wide open, and his eyes grew quite large. He had never seen anything like that in his entire life. "Amazing," he whispered. "Not really," Sa'luk rudely intervened. "But of course, for someone new and naive like you, Cassim, that doesn't really surprise me." Cassim looked sourly at Sa'luk, but Sa'luk still glared hatefully at him. "What exactly do you have against me?" he inquired. "You don't even know me." "Exactly the reason why I don't trust you." "What makes you think you have the right to judge me?" "I don't need your permisssion to do as I darn well please. I have been a part of this group for nearly ten years now. I know how things work, or should I say, are supposed to work. I bet I am at least five years older than you. How old are you anyway?" "Twenty-one." "Ha! You are nothing but a baby then! Tell me, have you any clue as to what we are all about?" "Well, my guess would be that you steal. Gee, that was hard to figure out. Could that be why you're called the Forty Thieves?" Cassim asked sarcastically. "Don't you get smart with me, youngster! Yes, we steal, but we also kill!" "Yeah, I think I got the hint last night when you tried to kill me. That's one thing I'll change. From now on, we will never, ever hurt the innocent." "You think you can uphold your stupid rules?" "Listen, Sa'luk! Keep a cool head! You think I enjoy this anymore than you do? Of course not! The only reason I am doing this is because I want to find the Hand of Midas for my family. If it weren't for them, then I would have rather died!" "So you think leaving your family is going to keep them alive longer? I don't think so! I bet they die! Next time, if there is one, you return home, you'll find them gone forever, and then, you'll die!" Cassim's rage was growing stronger inside of him. Sa'luk was pushing matters too far, and Cassim would not let him continue. "Listen now! I don't care if you hate me or threaten me, but don't you dare threaten my family! You understand?" "Yeah, whatever." The two finally stopped arguing and looked around at where they had arrived. A vast canyon extended in all directions in from of them. The orange hue in the sky met with the orange tones in the sand and rock of the desert. It was difficult to tell where the sky ended and where the Earth began. The sheer beauty reminded Cassim of the amazing sunsets he had seen nearly every day in Agrabah. "Um, excuse me, King?" one of the thieves asked. "Yes?" "This is the Valley of Aminabazhuay. I have heard about something called the Golden Plague that is located here. I don't know exactly what it is, but do you think it could be a clue?" "Hmmm," Cassim thought, "yes, it's possible. What I know about the Hand is that it supposedly has a curse. Maybe these people just call it by a different name." The thief shrugged his shoulders and looked dumbfoundedly down at the valley. The small village could be seen. They made their way down the side of the valley carefully and swiftly. When they reached the bottom, they noticed that no one was outside. Suddenly, a humming sound could be heard in the distance. It continued to increase in strength as whatever was making the noise came closer. "Look out!" someone yelled. "Huh?" Cassim asked in a daze. Suddenly, the swarm of huge, golden bugs was flying toward them. Apparently, this valley was not the source of the Hand after all. They fled at fast as they could out of the canyon and ran off into the desert until the bugs were out of sight. "You fool!" Sa'luk bellowed. "We were almost killed! Your first day as our leader, and you already have us in danger!" Cassim was too ashamed to say anything. He didn't feel like fighting anymore. It didn't help anyway. All it did was make he more upset and realize that he truly was a failure at everything we tried to do. With nothing better to do, they continued on until nightfall and set up camp for the night. While Cassim was sitting there alone by the fire, a thief came up to him. "I know you're new around here, and Sa'luk is giving you a hard time. Don't let it bother you though. You really do have to toughen up if you want to be the King. I don't know much about you, but I think your idea is a good one. We haven't had any new ideas around here in a long time." Cassim only heard half of the words the thief said. He slowly nodded and made a gesture with his arm to tell the man to leave. He sat there, staring into the fire until it died out. Soon the stars were in their full beauty above him, and he gazed dreamingly at them and remembered his first night with Carina in a place where he thought he could really be somebody. Oh, Carina...what have I done? I hope you can forgive me... Cassim remembered the first time he cast his eyes over Aladdin's tiny body. He recalled the joy fatherhood brought to him...holding Aladdin close, hearing Carina's soft lullabies, stroking his tender skin, seeing his smile. And Cassim wondered how in the world he could have been so desparate to find this ultimate treasure that he would leave his family. Just two weeks...the words crossed his mind numerous times. It didn't seem very likely now...not being trapped in the world of the Forty Thieves. Would Aladdin ever know his father? Ever know how much we really did love him? Cassim couldn't bear to think about his family anymore. All those thoughts did was cause him heartache. He reluctantly decided that the only way he could stay strong as the King of Thieves was to stop thinking about his family. Those thoughts were his weakness. The next day came, and Cassim figured to forget the events of yesterday. Putting the past behind himself was the only thing he could do so he could continue on. Even Sa'luk constant nasty side-remarks didn't seem to matter anymore. Nothing mattered except finding the Hand of Midas. Without even realizing it, weeks passed into months. Cassim lost total track of time, far too determined on his quest. He always felt so close, just one mere step behind, and one day he would have the courage and skill to go that extra step and find the Hand. As much as he tried to forget about his family, they were always in the back of Cassim's mind. It wasn't that he didn't love them...it was just that he knew he couldn't come back empty-handed. He still felt it in his blood to prove himself...

Carina ran through the deserted part of Agrabah with Aladdin in her arms. She came to a stop and sat down behind some barrels of waste. A large, angry merchant soon followed down the same alley and stopped. "I know you're here, you little street mouse!" he cried. "Come on! Where are you?!" Still steaming, the merchant finally gave up and stormed out of the alley. "That was too close, Aladdin," Carina said, catching her breath. "All that running...for an apple. Oh, if only your dad were here..." "Dadda?" Aladdin questioned. "Oh, Aladdin," Carina weakly smiled. "You don't know Dadda, do you?" Aladdin playfully laughed and clapped his hands. He smiled at Carina and clapped again, bouncing up and down on her lap. "Momma!" he laughed. Momma!" "Oh, Aladdin," she sighed. "You're still too young to understand. Poor Cassim...he must have been killed by some cut-throat, caravan-raiding thieves! Those demons! I still can't believe he worked with those horrible men..." Aladdin stopped bouncing and sat still. He was a little over a year old and was a really cute child. He was thin, but always happy. Without Cassim around, Carina and Aladdin were forced to live the lives of the homeless. Carina had to steal food so she and Aladdin could eat. They still lived in the same abandonned building Cassim had found when they first arrived, but they spent most of their time on the streets trying to find food. "So much has happened here," Carina told Aladdin. "Cassim missed the grand celebration a month ago when the sultan and the queen had a baby girl. They named her Jasmine. Jasmine...what a beautiful name. I wish Cassim were here...I wanted to have more children...a little girl. I love you dearly though, Aladdin. Maybe you will meet and marry one day. How would you like to marry our little Princess?" Aladdin giggled at the sound of "Princess." He kept smiling as Carina stood up again and started home. She lay Aladdin down on some pillows and rocked his cradle and sang:

Carina ended and kissed Aladdin goodnight. She went to the window and whispered, "Goodnight, Cassim."

Gooooodniiiiiight, the wind moaned as Cassim stirred. He opened his eyes briefly and thought he heard Carina's beautiful voice singing his name. He listened and all was silent. Just when he remembered why he had begun his quest so long ago, he blocked those thoughts out of his mind again and fell deeper into the darkness. The words of the old prophet rang through his mind... Your heart will sink just like that ship if you leave your family and come back to find them missing...

Chapter Seven

Cassim stretched as the sun shone directly into his face from the eastern horizon. He glanced around the camp to find everyone still asleep and smiled. This was the only time he ever had to himself anymore. Constantly being around thirty-nine other men made it all the most difficult to be alone. He had grown accustomed to rising early. The sooner they were on the road, the better. Cassim spent the first half hour of his day alone, thinking about Agrabah, his family, and what he had left behind. Although he tried to tell himself that Carina and Aladdin were just fine, he could not help but to worry. He wanted to be there to make sure things were going right, but he couldn't bring himself to just leave the thieves. He couldn't show his face around there. Cassim reached for a loaf of bread of a sack next to him and began ripping off little chunks. He noticed that their food supply had grown low over the last few months. He knew why too. The thieves had not stolen money from anyone in a long time, at least as far as he knew. How much longer can we go on like this? A groan was heard to the right, and three thieves awoke. They looked over to Cassim, and when seeing he was awake, they came to him. "King," began the one, "what are your plans for today?" "I think we should stop in that town over there," Cassim said, pointing to some buildings off in the distance. "It's called D'Jheluih. I want to see what they know about the Hand of Midas." "Do you think anyone will even know anything?" "It's worth the search." The thief merely shrugged his shoulders and left with the others. Soon everyone was awake and on their horses. They came to D'Jheluih by midmorning and parked their horses by the gates. As they walked down the narrow street, Cassim noticed a sign that said novelty shop. Curious, Cassim entered the shop and looked around at strange figures on a table and a collection of books written in foreign languages. He picked the one book up and held it close. The dust he inhaled caused him to sneeze, and the sound startled the shopkeeper. "What?!" she exclaimed. "Oh, sorry," Cassim mumbled. "Oh, I see I have a customer. So, young man, is there anything in particular you are looking for?" "Well, I've been searching for a treasure called the Hand of Midas for the last few months. What I know is limited about it, so I was just seeing if your shop had anything." "Well," she smiled. "I do have this map here." She reached on to a high shelf and pulled down a dust-covered, yellow map. She opened it carefully on a table for Cassim to see. "Wow," he said, amazed. "It shows the layout of the island it is on...very good if you know where the island is, but I don't have that information." "Is this really it?" Cassim asked anxiously. "I do believe so. I carry nothing unless it is authentic. So, do you want it?" "Do I? Of course! How much?" What the lady asked was more than Cassim had. He begged her to please lower the price, and when she finally gave in, he gave her every last coin. Walking out of the shop with a smile across his face, Cassim held the map open as he strolled down the street. Finally, I have something to work with! After all this time... Later that night, Cassim gathered everyone around a fire out in the desert. He announced that he had something wonderful for them. When he showed them the map, their eyes lit up. "We will need a boat," he began to explain. "We must sail to the areas of the sea where no man has yet gone! Are you with me?" "Yes, King! We are with you!" everyone cheered. "Wait a minute!" Sa'luk yelled. "Have you all lost your senses completely or just gone mad? This is a stupid idea! Just go sailing out into the ocean somewhere and get lost at sea! You fools! Can't you see? This so-called king has been leading us astray since the moment he came here! He's been taking us on one wild goose chase after another, and now he wants us to use the last of our money to purchase a ship so we can be led to our demise!" "Now wait a minute!" Cassim intervened. "How was I supposed to know it would take so long to find the Hand of Midas?" "And how much longer do you think it will take?" Sa'luk rudely asked. "Too long! We are thieves for a reason, you know. We are supposed to steal. You, Cassim, believe otherwise, but do some thinking for once in your life! We have to steal now or else we won't have any money!" Cassim sighed and hung his head in shame. "I am afraid you are right, Sa'luk," he muttered. "We have nothing now, and you have me to blame for that." "Ha-ha!" Sa'luk laughed and the others joined him. When the next caravan came through, the thieves attacked it. Sa'luk grinned evilly as innocent tradesmen fell to his mercy. They tried to fight back, but the thieves outnumbered them too much. The whole time, Cassim sat away from the fight scene, listening to screams, shouts, and evil laughs. He tried to block them out, all of them, but they would not go away. Cassim placed his hands over his ears and closed his eyes tightly, but none of that was enough to hear a sudden blood-curdling scream, followed by a loud, mocking laugh, the laugh of Sa'luk. Cassim quickly opened his eyes and faced the scene to see a man lying on the ground, covered in blood. "What have you done, you monster!?" Cassim screamed at Sa'luk. Cassim rushed to the helpless man's side and looked down at him. The man was breathing his last breaths and looked sourly at Cassim's face. "You," he whispered sternly. "Your face...don't think I won't remember it. Your man killed me, you king of thieves. May hatred come upon you and curse you. You, the leader of a murderer..." The man trailed off, and Cassim looked completely worried. He lost all control of himself and threw himself widely at Sa'luk. Cassim held his dagger right above Sa'luk's heart and looked into his eyes with a hatred that was unmatched. Cassim remembered the constant insults from this man...those about himself and his ideas, but mostly the one about his family. Sa'luk had gone beyond the limits this time. No mercy... "This...is for...my son," Cassim said with cletched teeth and a shaking hand. "You...murderer!" Cassim's hand shook even more, and the dagger dropped from his grip. He fell to the side of Sa'luk and covered his face with his sleeves, crying unstoppable, furious tears. He cried away all his sorrows, all his burdens, all his memories...and was left empty. Sa'luk stood up dumbfounded, shocked by Cassim's outbreak and walked away. The others didn't bother him for the rest of the night. The stealing continued for many days, and when they finally had enough money, Cassim bought a boat and supplies. They set sail and began their quest. Sa'luk did not bother Cassim for a long time after his overbreak. He learned that Cassim was more than just a push-over, so he sat back in dismay as Cassim continued his quest. They would come to many islands, but none of them were the right one. Every time they stopped, more stealing would be done so they could continue on. Cassim began to understand why stealing was neccessary. It was how these men survived. When he realized that he had to stop asking the other thieves for money, he too engaged in the stealing in marketplaces and raiding of caravans. Soon his name became notorious and known by cities not only in the Seven Deserts but out at sea as well.

"Mommy, you sick?" Aladdin, now two years old, asked Carina. "Yes, Aladdin," Carina weakly said with a smile. "Mommy is sick, but don't worry, I'll be fine." "Mommy be fine," Aladdin assured her. The night was setting in, and Carina held Aladdin by the large window of their home. The stars became more visible and the sky black. "Stars!" Aladdin exclaimed, pointing out the window. "Yes, Honey," Carina smiled. "Just like the night your daddy and I first came here." "Daddy?" "Daddy left a long time ago, Aladdin." "Why Daddy leave?" "He wanted to find a treasure for us. You know, shinies." "Daddy find shinies." "Do you think so?" "Yes, Mommy!" Carina wished she could believe what her little Aladdin said was true, but he was too young to understand. Would he ever know what a father is? What a father does? All Aladdin would know is that he never had a father he could remember. Carina coughed and kissed Aladdin's forehead. "It's time to go to sleep," she whispered, stroking his bangs to the side to his forehead. "Nighty-night, Mommy," Aladdin said and closed his eyes. "Yes, Aladdin. Good night, and may tomorrow be a better day."

Chapter Eight

Cassim was lost, both in his search for his place in life and in his search for his treasure. When the boat came to some land, the Forty Thieves exited it and looked at the new surroundings. The land was filled with vegetation and very different from their homeland. They saw a path and followed it to a village with different-looking people. Their skin was lighter and more yellowish in tone, and their eyes were slanted in toward their flat noses. The buildings were different too. "Where are we?" Cassim questioned. "This is China," one of the thieves replied. "This is not an island, is it?" "No, this is mainland and very large mainland for that matter." "Well, perhaps we should look around. This is quite interesting, don't you think?" They followed Cassim down the street, as the people there looked at them with strange looks. They smelled foreign oders from the marketplace food and saw a complex language on the walls of some of the buildings. A rather large building sat at the end of the main road, and taking interest in it, Cassim went to it. Inside were great paintings several feet high in the walls and on the ceiling too. A part near the front was encaged, and a golden scepter with an emerald was in the marked off section. Cassim came close to the bars and placed his hands around them. "What on Earth is that?" he wondered. "It's an oracle," said a voice coming from a door that came into the room. "An oracle?" "Yes, it knows all that has happened and all that will happen. It knows everything and can answer any question." "Really?" Cassim intriguingly asked. "Yes, but it has a seal on it now. Too many people wanted it, so the emperor had his magician put to seal on it that cannot be broken until it is given to the right one, the chosen one." "How do you know who the chosen one is?" "He is not from these lands, but in Arabia. When he marries in what would now be eighteen years, it is be given to him as a gift." "But who knows how many people will marry then?" "Wait, there is more. This man is born in the streets but marries a princess." "How is that possible? Only a prince can marry a princess." "For now, but things change." Cassim nodded and looked at the oracle one last time before he departed this place. Things change... The words echoed through his head as he returned to the world of the Forty Thieves and lost himself. Two more years passed while they kept searching.

"Mommy!" Aladdin yelled. "Are you OK?" "Yes," Carina coughed. "I'll be OK." "I don't know," Aladdin frowned. "What should I do?" "Just stay here by me, Aladdin. I need you here. Don't leave me like your father did." "Mommy?" "Yes?" "Why did he leave?" "He died, Sweetheart...a long time ago...when you were just a baby." "My daddy is gone forever?" "Yes, Aladdin. I am sorry." "Why do we die?" "Just because...we get sick and become too weak or old to fight anymore. Sometimes people get sad because they lost someone they loved a lot...someone they couldn't live without. Sometimes, Aladdin, people just give up." "Are you giving up, Mommy?" "I have tried so hard, Aladdin, to be the best mother I could for you. I am so tired." "Are you dying...Mommy? Are you leaving me like Daddy?" "I don't want to, my dear Aladdin, but I have lost control of myself. I can't live without your father. I tried..." "I know. I love you." "I love you too, Aladdin. Now be a good boy...be strong... Don't cry...and remember...remember...remember that I will always love you." "Mommy?" Aladdin whispered. Carina closed her eyes and stopped breathing. Aladdin nudged her and shook her more and more. "MOMMY!!!" he cried at the top of his lungs. Big tears streamed down Aladdin's little cheeks. He didn't understand what was happening. He was only four years old. "Mommy, I don't understand. How am I supposed to live without you? You were always here for me. I need you. Mommy, why do you take this long nap? Are you tired? I can give you some food or a hug, but I can't make you open your eyes."

Chapter Nine

Cassim had spent over five years searching for his ultimate treasure, and he never found it. By now, he was worn out and longed only to return home. The boat neared the shore where the hideout of the Forty Thieves was, and everyone was glad to be back. Cassim walked around the cavern just like he had five years earlier. This was a familiar place indeed, but it was not his home. When everyone had fallen asleep, Cassim walked down the hall that led to the secluded part that only he knew about. He would keep this place a secret, for it was all that he had left now, or was it? He ran his hands over the walls and felt the indentation in the rock. Placing his pin in its socket, the wall opened and revealed the sunken ship of gold. It's wood turned gold glittered at Cassim, and he remembered why he had first come here long ago. This was for his son and his wife...and for him. The gold continued to glitter mockingly in front of his eyes, and he threw his torch down in a fit into the stream at his feet. "Cursed ship!" he exclaimed. "Do you think you can just sit there and show off your shining gold to me? But you still remain right where I found you...sunken at the bottom of the sea...sunk by the Hand of Midas. Am I your companion now? Should I join you?" Cassim stood right at the edge of the cliff and looked down at the rocks and waters that could be his final downfall and perhaps greatest triumpth. He brought one foot forward, and suddenly the image of Aladdin's infant smile and innocent eyes appeared in front of him. He brought his foot back. "No, I can't do it. This isn't what you would have wanted, Aladdin. I think it's time that I return to you." Half-believing that Aladdin and Carina would still be there when he arrived, Cassim left for Agrabah. He crossed the desert on foot, hoping that he would be leaving forever behind his former life as the King of Thieves. Agrabah came into sight, and he ran for it. Finally, he fell at the city gates in complete exhaustion. "Who are you?" the guard asked. "I am lost," was all Cassim could say. The guard looked at Cassim strangely and asked, "Sir, are you alright?" "Am I alright?" Cassim laughed softly. "Oh, yeah, I've never been better." "I think you should see a doctor, sir. You are ill. You have been in the sun too long." "The sun too long? If only it were that simple..." The guard shrugged and allowed Cassim's passage into the city. Cassim noticed that it was midday already and walked through the crowded marketplace. He spotted his old home and ran up the stairs to the room. It was empty. "No," he trembled. "It can't be. Oh, Carina...Aladdin...where are you?" He came to the spot where Carina had slept and placed him arms around a pillow, bringing it close to his chest. The palace stood high and mightly out the view of the window, and Cassim turned immediately away and cried harder than he ever had. He stood up. There was nothing left for him here. He returned to the only home he had left to go. Not long after Cassim left the building, Aladdin came running up the steps. He stopped once he reached the window and chewed on an apple he had stolen. He look down to see one of the pillows moved. "Someone was here," he whispered. The calm breeze blew and whisked his bangs to the side of his forehead. "Mom?" The breeze blew again, only a little stronger and circled Aladdin's body. The wind continued across the city and out into the desert and kissed Cassim's cheek. He smelled a familiar scent of home, felt a reminder of his past, and knew the truth now. "It's all a half-remembered memory from a dream," he whispered, "only it's real...more real than anything." As Cassim's shadow stretched across the sands on the orange desert, the setting sun cast its rays over Aladdin's body as he walked into the life ahead of him, and Cassim walked away from the life behind him.

Epilogue

"I'm so glad you're back, Dad," Aladdin said assuringly, as he placed his arms around Cassim. "Yes, Aladdin," Cassim smiled. "I promised myself that I wouldn't leave you for another twenty years. I left after your wedding because I still felt out of place in your world. I was a wanted man. I cannot change my past, but I can be a better man in the future, and that future, Aladdin, I want to spend with you." "I understand," Aladdin smiled. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I know. I've always known. And Mom, she never stopped loving you." "I never stopped loving her either. I wish so much that she could be here today. It is my fault that she is gone." "No, Dad, it's no your fault. You only wanted what was best for us. We all make mistakes, but you still have me. Besides, Mom is here." "Yes, Aladdin. You are right...she is here." The wind encircled father and son as they looked from the palace balcony at the magnificent city before them. This was the real ultimate treasure, and Cassim possessed it all along. This was truth, and this was true love.