Tales and Stories

Chapter 6 - Blades and Desire

 

“Let me guess,” said Gypsy Lou as she plaited fine strands of her black, black hair that seemed to swallow the light, “He was your kid brother, right?”

“Every year it is the same.” Kifkef cried, throwing his arms up in the air in dismay. “She undermines my good name throughout the night, knowing very well that my heart is too good to respond in kind. What caprice of fate is it that we three should be thrown together like this anyway?”

“The gods alone know.” Baba Gene agreed grimly and he stoked the fire. “But together we are and so we must stay until all our stories are told. And yet,” He paused and a thoughtful look came into his eyes as if attempting to salvage an elusive memory. “Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the notion that we have all been here before and that this has already happened - That there is some binding plot that determines our course...”

“Maybe if you hadn’t shot your short-term memory to pieces with the THC you’d be able to remember.” Gypsy Lou contributed.

“No, no - He is right.” Kifkef enthused with zeal, “He is talking about gizmet - The destiny that Allah has inscribed on all our foreheads.”

“I could make a few additions if it would help?” Gypsy Lou purred as she sprang open a flick knife concealed in a bunch of her hair.

Baba Gene just rolled his eyes to the ceiling and poured out the chai that had reached the desired consistency of froth. Kifkef, though, stared in amazement at the girl who played with the blade between her fingers, a mixture of alarm and awe in his eyes. Never before had he seen such a woman and he was already calculating her price in camels. At least fifty would be needed to meet the dowry, he decided.

“Now if it’s okay with you impotent losers,” His new object of desire continued, “I’d just as soon get on with things so we can get out of this stinking cave before the bars close.

The Story of the Wishing Well