Arabian Days

The sand dunes have a way of shifting, like the goal posts. The camels are used to it and take it in their strides, assuming that an oasis is just over the next ridge, or maybe the next one. Luckily, maths is not their strong suit, and, like pigeons, they can only count up to two, so they are never disappointed or discouraged.

Unlike Sheba and the Blue Knight who, although now rich beyond their wildest, felt that the Thread was leading them to the very centre of the greatest nowhere.

In the midst of the great emptiness, the Thread arrived them to a palace of marble columns, where the twinkling of fountains filled the air and small birds finished off the leftover crumbs of the breakfast patisseries.

They made knocking noises at the doors and a panel of ornate slide back to reveal some beguiling eyes, which must belong to a beguiling person.

May we enter? asked Sheba, We are weak of thirst and other desert conditions and would rest in the shade of your marble halls with a cool sherbet.

Of course, said the Eyes, with what currency will you pay your stay. I can’t just go taking in any stray Thread Questers.

We have all the money in the world in this cold wallet, said the BK holding up a small black box, which exotic currency suits your needs.

I am not in need of your monies, said the flashing Eyes, I live a life of contented luxury here and have no needs that are not satisfied. The one thing that I find irresistible and cannot get enough of are tales wisdom. Can you bring me some wise thoughts and sage understanding that may render this life more comprehensible and settle my questing spirit?

I have travelled in the company of the Sphinx for many outings, said Sheba, And although one might not at first perceive the wisdom in the words of the Sphinx. She often hides her light under a bushel of tail care regimes, I have, none the less, garnered many wise understandings from her rich and timeless ramblings, gathered during her five thousand year sabbatical in the realms of humanity.

Interesting, said the Eyes, And you, ser knight, what perceptions can you bring to the party?

I, began the Blue Knight, am a Knight Exemplar and Guardian of the Cave, onto the walls of which the shadows of our existences are cast. I have seen the words of truth written on the prayer flags that fly between the highest peaks, and I have lived among the Mer people who are all wet. My understanding of this mortal coil may not have precipitated into a complete picture of our little world just yet, but I can relate to you many and various examples that have rarely been seen or heard of by your average Jo or Joess.

You speak of interesting things, said the Eyes and the panel slid closed. With a silence that belied its weight, the doors folded inwards and the first of many splendid, tiled courts and yards were revealed. The fountain of ages played about at the far end of and delivered its waters to the gentle pool, wherein there lived no fish at all.

The Eyes, hovering at the level you would expect eyes to be, led them into the cool and bid them lay upon a cushioned dais where drinks and snacks were delivered.

Wait here, said the eyes and refresh your screen savers, I shall return.

Did you notice, asked the BK quietly, that the Eyes of our courteous host are not endowed with any other bodily parts that one has come to expect in a human?

It was a detail that was hard to miss, said Sheba, I shall make a polite enquiry.

When the Eyes returned, wearing nothing more than a pair of sunglasses, Sheba asked, I would like to ask why it is that you appear to have no other parts than eyes?

Short story, said the Eyes, When I was but a young being, I made a serious error in the company of a Djinn and was taken to this, your eyes only, place, in a punishment lesson in life and character building. The Djinn fashioned a spell that I may only regain each piece of my corporeal parts when told a wise or sage story from which I could learn to become.

Aha, said Sheba, Your request for stories comes clear. I would be happy to share with you any small wisdoms in return for some refreshment for me and my camel Juno.

Me too, said the BK

Then let us begin, said the Eyes.

What is the first and most premier part of your equipment that you require? asked Sheba.

A pair of elegant hands would come in handy, said the Eyes.

I shall then relate to you the story of the Turning of a Corner, spoken to me by the Sphinx.

Sheba cleared her desk, But before I begin, I would know just what you intend to do with these fingers of yours?

Ah, said the Eyes, What I would not do. I would point at things in the forest and learn sign language. Cat’s Cradle would be a comfort to me during the long nights and my nails could be painted each day a colour. In winter I would cover them carefully in woollen gloves and spread them out in front of the fire when I came home from the office.

 I would write a poem using my mother’s pen, which I have maintained and polished for just such an occasion. I would count up to ten almost every hour and make shadow shapes on the wall to entrance the younger children. In summer I might play them through the wind out of the window of a car, which is bowling along a country road.

I would learn to play Clair de la Lune on the pianola and paint a series of abstract drawings predicting the course of the stars. I might dabble them in the fountain’s water to frighten away the fish, there are no fish, or I might hold one finger aloft to attract the attention of the waiter when the bill is too be paid.

I could drum them upon a countertop to signal my impatience or steeple them in thought. Before a meal I would wash them in clean water and at night I might lay them between my cheek and the pillow. I could smooth the coverlet in the baby’s cot or feel the grain of the wood as it passes under my hand. I could feel the ripeness of the dates when they fall and let the sand trickle between them to measure the passing of time.

These are but a few of the activities that would delight me were I to be furnished with fingers.

Are there any activities from which you would refrain? Asked Sheba, Just to be sure.

I would never point at person from a distance, as it is rude, said the Eyes, I would refrain from all derogatory signs and only eat with my right hand. I would be especially careful when banging in a nail.

Thank you, it is comforting to know the consequences of my story telling, said Sheba, Now, let me relate to you the musings of the Sphinx on how the Corner may be Turned.