Salman and the Pearl of the Orient: A Tale of Fortune and Redemption

Extract

[...] Thus, Salman set out into the alleys, not knowing where to start his search. After all, Damascus was a very large city. How could the guard think that all the wretched people in the city could know each other? By chance, the young man arrived in front of an inn known for sheltering the city's beggars, the forgotten, and the brigands every night. He entered with the intention of drinking a tea. Once the tea was served, fate, or perhaps luck, was added to the menu. [...]

[...] Salman told his story, very impressed to be facing the mother of the caliph of the Pearl of the Orient. Her Majesty took a moment that seemed like an eternity to the young boys. To their great surprise, she sketched a smile and thanked them. The palace guard with whom Salman had made the deal was banished from the city with the thief after the latter confessed that they had together concocted the robbery to be sure of getting the reward. [...]

[...] Salman and the Pearl of the Orient A long time ago, in the city of Damascus, which all those who had the opportunity to enter called 'The Pearl of the Orient', there lived a young man without charm or fortune. Aged what seemed to be twenty years, Salman devoted his time only to finding food for his poor mother and brother. The golden palaces and paths lined with fruit trees under an azure blue sky unfortunately did not prevent a large number of citizens from suffering from poverty. [...]

[...] At the mention of the theft of the bracelet, Qasim became frightened and tried to flee. But the two young men chased after him and cornered him in one of the many narrow alleys of the souk. They offered him a deal: not to reveal his identity and to share a portion of the reward if he handed over the jewel. Suspicious, Qasim nevertheless accepted the proposal. Salman approached the thief and held out his hand to retrieve the bracelet. [...]

[...] Salman jumped out of his chair. He needed to discreetly approach his friend to get more information. He made a discreet gesture to his friend, who saw him and left his table to join him. Salman asked him to ask if he knew more about the servant, confiding that he had made a deal with the soldier and promising to share a piece of the reward if he confided more. The friend told him it was Qasim, the brother of his father's apprentice. [...]