Chapter Text
Gina woke up with a pounding headache and the room seemed to spin around her. She felt like she wanted to vomit. She sat still until the room stopped spinning and the headache slowly disappeared. Suddenly, there was loud banging on her door. It burst open with a short thin man with a sinister smile standing there. He threw a grey garment onto the floor and commanded her to put it on.
“I’m selling you today and I’ll finally be rid of the trouble of chasing after you,” he sneered at her.
Anger bubbled up inside of Gina, “Slaves are illegal in the Moon Kingdom. You have no right to keep me locked up!”
The man scoffed at her, “Say that to the wealthy men out there waiting to purchase you. Though, I doubt you’ll bring in much gold.” He looked down, “Put on the dress and don’t you dare think of running away again! Otherwise it’s not your freedom you’ll lose but your life.”
He slammed the door shut again. Gina hurried to pick up the dress and felt something under her foot. It was a plain silver pendant with a clear gem in the middle. She wasn’t sure where it had come from but assumed it was another “gift” from the cat that visited her often. She wore the pendant around her neck as she slipped on the dress and then scanned the room. The windows had planks over them put there after her many attempts at escape. She saw one plank hanging loose over a window that was facing the street. If she kicked hard enough it might create enough room for her to crawl out. But she would have to hurry because the noise would attract attention.
“Hurry up!” A voice yelled from the other side of the door. Gina prepared herself, gathering strength. She kicked the plank and it broke leaving a wide but short opening. The door behind her flew open as she contorted her body to fit through. Just as she emerged outside an arm tried to reach out and grab her. She got up and ran as three men came out of the building to chase her. She weaved amongst the stalls and people crowding the street as she called out apologies to those she ran into. The men behind caused commotion and complaint from the people they shoved out of the way.
She came to a dead end and had to decide if she was going to try to lose them in the dark alleys or try the wide main road. She turned toward the main road, hoping that maybe she could dodge the large carts while the men would get run over. She smirked to herself, If only. She ran toward the main road and looked behind her. They were just now turning the corner. She felt her body run into someone and she nearly fell over backwards. But a strong arm caught her. She looked up to see a young man with bright blue eyes like gems giving her a bemused smile. By the look of his clean and smooth face, his soft hands, and his neat clothes, Gina could tell he was not a normal townsperson thought he was dressed like one. Next to him was also a man dressed like a townsperson with a much more stern look.
“Woah, be careful there,” he said with a smile. Gina muttered her apology as she righted herself and smoothed her hair. “What’s the rush…” But before he could finish his question the men had caught up with her.
“Stop right there!” A rough voice yelled. The young man instinctively put himself in front of her to protect her. She looked at him in surprise, touched by his bravery. “Hand over the girl. She belongs to us.” The rough voice belonged to a large man flanked on either side by two more goons.
The young man frowned and replied, “I don’t believe she belongs to anyone.” He noticed that the once busy street was suddenly empty.
Gina shouted as loud as she could so that anyone who was still around could hear, “These men kidnapped me and tried to sell me as a slave!”
The young man looked at her in shock and then turned toward the men again, “Slavery is illegal in the Moon Kingdom.”
The men smirked, “Tell that to the people who are willing to buy her. Now, hand her over.” They came forward as if to grab her but the young man and his companion beside him both drew their scimitar and held it at the chest of the men. Gina looked at the young man’s scimitar it was polished bright and the hilt was decorated with gold in intricate designs and a bright red ruby at the end of it. She had never seen such ornate scimitar before.
At the sight of the blade in front of them the men backed up slowly, “Hey, we don’t want trouble. We just want the girl.”
Just then the thin sinister man appeared and shrilled, “Did you catch her?!” He stopped short at the sight of the sword.
Gina whispered to young man from behind, “That’s the leader. He’s the one who arranged to sell me.” The young man nodded and whispered something to his companion who sheathed his weapon and pulled something out of his cloak and stepped in front of the men showing it to them.
“The palace guard!” The men now began to shuffle nervously unsure of what to do next.
“You are under arrest for illegal activities in the Moon Kingdom,” pronounced the palace guard. At that the men ran off while the guard chased down the leader.
The young man relaxed, sheathed his scimitar, and turned toward Gina.
“Thank you for saving me,” said Gina.
“No, thank you. You’ve helped me to realize that many things are amiss in the kingdom,” as he said this he looked around to find the people slowly coming out of homes and opening their businesses again. He looked at Gina again, “What is your name?”
“It’s Gina. And who are you? You don’t look like a normal townsperson.” Gina spoke with such frankness, that the young man couldn’t help but smile.
“My name is Kahir, I work in the royal palace.”
The palace guard had returned with a concerned look, “I’m sorry, your…” Kahir made a motion that Gina didn’t quiet catch. The palace guard glanced at her briefly then back at Kahir and continued, “I’ve lost him in the alleys.”
Kahir nodded, “That’s alright. We’ll tell the prince to start a thorough investigation. They’ll be brought to justice,” he seemed to be talking louder as if to be telling the people around them. Gina wondered what position he had in the palace that he could simply tell the prince what to do.
He asked Gina, “Will you be okay? Since we couldn’t catch him, you might still be in danger.”
Gina put her hands on her hips and gave Kahir a proud look, “It’s not my first time on the streets. I know these streets like the back of my hand and all the best hiding places.”
Kahir frowned, “Hiding is one thing, eating and sleeping somewhere is another.” Gina’s face fell, he was right about that. Kahir pondered and then brightened as an idea came into his head.
“I know of a wealthy merchant who is looking for workers to help him organize his wares. It may be menial work but he pays generously and may even have a spare room. Let me take you to him.” He held out his hand to lift her up onto his horse. She blushed lightly as she grabbed his hand. She lifted herself up onto the horse, with Kahir’s hand supporting her. He got on behind her as he told the royal guard to return to the palace while he takes Gina to the merchant Sinbad. The royal guard hesitated.
“It’ll will be fine. Sinbad’s residence is only a few short miles from the palace. There’ll be no danger.” The guard nodded and headed off.
Kahir followed shortly after and turned east just at the edge of town. If they had continued north they would have reached the palace, a road that Gina didn’t know well but had passed a few times wondering if the palace was as marvelous as people liked to fantasize.
Heading east, they came upon a large residence that almost looked like a small village. The courtyard led to many small huts that seemed to have people living in them. The main house was large and grand. As they entered, Gina saw rare treasures and artifacts lining the walls and nooks and crannies.
An elderly gentlemen came to greet them, “Master Kahir, welcome. What honor do we have for your presence today?”
“I have brought a friend with me who wishes to discuss employment.”
The old man turned to look at Gina with a curious look which was replaced by a gentle smile. “She’s looks feisty and no doubt smart too if she has figured out to become your friend.” The old man gave Kahir a wink who received the compliment with a sheepish smile. “I will tell Master Sinbad that you have come. Please make yourself comfortable and I will have someone bring you wine and refreshments.”
Kahir held out his hand in protest, “I’m afraid I need to return to my post. I only came to bring Gina here as she was being chased by some unsavory people. Now that she is here, I know she is safe.”
The old man nodded.
Kahir turned to Gina, “You will be safe here. Sinbad is a good and honest man with many who are loyal to him. Nothing can harm you here.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She thanked him but felt mildly disappointed as he turned to leave. She wanted to know more about this man who had just rescued her.
She called out, “Will you come back tomorrow?”
He turned and smiled widely, “I can’t promise tomorrow, but I will soon. And you can always ask for me at the palace. If you ever need help, come find me.” He hesitated a little longer before finally leaving. Gina smiled feeling comforted by the offer. She looked around and herself alone in the hall.
After a moment, she heard the jingle of coins and jewels and saw a large man with a jolly face enter through one of the doors. He called out in booming, jovial voice, “Ah, so you are one of Kahir’s friends. And what is your name my dear?” He took her hand into his, which was soft and warm.
“Gina, sir.”
He gave a firm shake and then a pat, “Just call me Sinbad. I’m just a humble man hoping to do some good in this world.” He led her to the couch which was covered with rich fabric and lush cushions. A young man and woman came with platter holding fruit and wine. They set them down on the table and quietly left after Sinbad thanked them. “And what is it you wish for me to do for you?”
Gina wasn’t sure how to begin so she simply explained that she had been kidnapped off the street a couple weeks ago and that her kidnapper had tried to sell her this morning when Kahir had rescued her.
“And what of your family?” Sinbad inquired, studying her intently.
Gina looked down, “I don’t have any.” Gina knew that she must have had parents at some point, but she couldn’t remember when the last time was she had seen them. She didn’t even remember where her home was. She had just always been on the streets, begging or even stealing bread when no one was looking.
“I see.” Sinbad gave her a look of compassion in his eyes. “Do you know how to read and write?”
“Yes,” Gina said proudly. And she was proud that she had been able to learn. Though she had no way of receiving an education, she had found a way. One afternoon, as she was searching for food, she overheard the conversation between a teacher and a student. She crouched beneath the open window listening to their words, fascinated by the knowledge the teacher was sharing about the history of the kingdom. From then on, she found the homes that had private tutors for the children. She would sit beneath the window overhearing their lesson and do her own practice, writing with her finger in the dirt. When it was time for a break, she would dust herself off and wait for the children to come out so they could play. She would also go around town reading all the signs and even picking up pieces of paper that had been thrown away to read the writing on them. When she was older, she would “borrow” a book from a merchant and return it the next day. It always made her laugh when the merchant would look like he’s losing his mind because he was sure the book wasn’t there yesterday, but is there today.
Sinbad’s smile grew bigger and bigger as Gina shared how she was able to educate herself.
“I love to read, but I just don’t have access to books.”
Sinbad beamed a great big smile, “My dear, you can help yourself to my library anytime you wish.”
Gina looked at Sinbad in surprise, “Really?” Her voice raised in excitement.
“Yes, come. I will show you where it is.” Sinbad got up and led her down a hallway into a large round room, lined with shelves full of books. In the center were displays of more treasures and rare manuscripts. “Though I don’t like to brag, I am sure that my library is second only to the Royal Palace Library.”
Gina looked about excitedly, like a child who had received their most desired wish. She rushed about scanning the titles. She saw books on history, on magic theory, on economics, on the kingdoms of the world.
Sinbad looked on as Gina giggled at the sight of the books. To think that such a young woman could endure such a past and still be intelligent, still full of life and hope… Sinbad knew Gina was no ordinary girl. If Sinbad ever had a daughter, he would want her to be like this young woman.
“My dear Gina. This is my proposal to you. I shall train you to be the manager of my estate. You will learn how to inventory my wares and log the profits of my sales. You will also track the pay of my employees; ensure that they get enough but not excessively. And if time permits, you may help Fatimah procure the goods to run this house, as I house nearly all my employees in the huts outside. In exchange, you will receive a daily wage and… you will live here healthy and happy. I welcome you like family.” Sinbad gave a gentle smile. Gina accepted excitedly, jumping up and down and gave Sinbad a hug who was taken back but extremely heart warmed at her kindness.
And then remembering her manners, she stepped back, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I supposed etiquette is the one thing I didn’t learn.”
Sinbad replied with a hearty laugh, “You shall learn it from Fatimah.” As if she knew she was being called, an elderly woman appeared in the door. “Fatimah, this is Gina, she is my new assistant and like a daughter to me. Please let the staff know to treat her as such. And please show her to one of the rooms upstairs.” Fatimah nodded. “Gina, you can follow Fatimah, and I will send up some new clothes with her so that we can have a proper supper together. Welcome home.”
Home, Gina smiled.
She followed Fatimah to the room on the west side of the house. The room was plain but clean. A wardrobe on one side with the bed on the other. The window opened to a view of the setting sun, and just at the horizon was the faint outline of the palace. “Miss Gina, this is your room. I will bring up some new dresses for you while you can wash up in the washroom next door.” Fatimah left gently closing the door.
Gina stared out the window toward the palace. She thought about the events of the day. How lucky she’s been to run into Kahir, who then brought her to this place. And the amazing generosity of Sinbad, the merchant. In all her time on the streets, Gina had never met a merchant whose angle was not money. And though Sinbad was straight-forward and to the point, as is characteristic of most merchants, he seemed genuinely interested in her wellbeing. Excitement brew within Gina, as she imagined what it would be like to learn how to manage these important resources. To be able to read anything and everything in that amazing library. She was also excited for dinner, for she could already smell the food being cooked. She opened the wardrobe and gathered her things to wash up.