The Tale Of The Enchanted Horse - Part 7 (end)
By: xrist04
The Grand Vizier was transported with delight on learning the result of the interview, and his opinion of the doctor's skill was raised still higher when, on the following day, the princess behaved towards him in such a way as to persuade him that her complete cure would not be long delayed. However he contented himself with assuring her how happy he was to see her health so much improved, and exhorted her to make every use of so clever a physician, and to repose entire confidence in him. Then he retired, without awaiting any reply from the princess.
The Prince of Hammerfell left the room at the same time, and asked if he might be allowed humbly to inquire by what means the Princess of Rihad had reached Daraz, which was so far distant from her father's kingdom, and how she came to be there alone. The Grand Vizier thought the question very natural, and told him the same story that the Princess of Rihad had done, adding that he had ordered the enchanted horse to be taken to his treasury as a curiosity, though he was quite ignorant how it could be used.
"Sire," replied the physician, "your Highness's tale has supplied me with the clue I needed to complete the recovery of the princess. During her voyage hither on an enchanted horse, a portion of its enchantment has by some means been communicated to her person, and it can only be dissipated by certain perfumes of which I possess the secret. If your Highness will deign to consent, and to give the court and the people one of the most astonishing spectacles they have ever witnessed, command the horse to be brought into the big square outside the palace, and leave the rest to me. I promise that in a very few moments, in presence of all the assembled multitude, you shall see the princess as healthy both in mind and body as ever she was in her life. And in order to make the spectacle as impressive as possible, I would suggest that she should be richly dressed and covered with the noblest jewels of the crown."
The Grand Vizier readily agreed to all that the prince proposed, and the following morning he desired that the enchanted horse should be taken from the treasury, and brought into the great square of the palace. Soon the rumour began to spread through the town, that something extraordinary was about to happen, and such a crowd began to collect that the guards had to be called out to keep order, and to make a way for the enchanted horse.
When all was ready, the Grand Vizier appeared, and took his place on a platform, surrounded by the chief nobles and officers of his court. When they were seated, the Princess of Rihad was seen leaving the palace, accompanied by the ladies who had been assigned to her by the Grand Vizier. She slowly approached the enchanted horse, and with the help of her ladies, she mounted on its back. Directly she was in the saddle, with her feet in the stirrups and the bridle in her hand, the physician placed around the horse some large braziers full of burning coals, into each of which he threw a perfume composed of all sorts of delicious scents. Then he crossed his hands over his breast, and with lowered eyes walked three times round the horse, muttering the while certain words. Soon there arose from the burning braziers a thick smoke which almost concealed both the horse and princess, and this was the moment for which he had been waiting. Springing lightly up behind the lady, he leaned forward and turned the peg, and as the horse darted up into the air, he cried aloud so that his words were heard by all present, "O Grand Vizier of Daraz, when you wish to marry princesses who have sought your protection, learn first to gain their consent."
It was in this way that the Prince of Hammerfell rescued the Princess of Rihad, and returned with her to Hammerfell, where they descended this time before the palace of the King himself. The marriage was only delayed just long enough to make the ceremony as brilliant as possible, and, as soon as the rejoicings were over, an ambassador was sent to the King of Rihad, to inform him of what had passed, and to ask his approbation of the alliance between the two countries, which he heartily gave.
(adapted from Alf Layla wa Layla, traditional)