THE EVIL WITHIN:
THE CAMI TRILOGY
Book Two
By
Launa McNeilly
*****
Published by
Launa McNeilly on Smashwords
THE EVIL WITHIN:
THE CAMI TRILOGY
Copyright@2011 by Launa McNeilly
Smashword’s Edition License Notes
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THE EVIL WITHIN:
THE CAMI TRILOGY
Chapter One
The woman screamed in pain as the child struggled to be born. The windstorm raged outside the palace windows.
The doctor said, “Push, your Highness, the child is ready.”
The woman pushed as hard as she could with a blood-curdling scream and the lights went out. The child was born in darkness and the Heavens unleashed its rain in a torrential downpour, the likes of which had not been seen in decades. The generator kicked on and the room filled with light. The child was perfect in form and the mother insisted on seeing her baby. The doctor covered the bloody child with a blanket and handed her the baby. The Prince was summoned and he burst into the room to see his wife holding their first child.
She gave him the baby and said, “I have given you a son, my husband.”
The Prince held his baby and said to his wife, “You have given me the greatest gift a man could receive. Thank you my princess.”
The nurse was summoned to take the baby and clean him.
The nurse took the child and the woman told her husband, “Go with him, I need to rest now.”
At the same time, a world away, the woman labored hard. The storm raged with hurricane force winds and the lights flickered precariously.
The doctor said, “Push Darci, she’s ready.”
Darci grunted and gave it all she had and her daughter was born. The storm that had been ravaging outside stopped and the sun shined brightly. The nurse commented to Darci, “Your little girl just brought some sunshine into our lives.” Darci smiled tiredly but wasn’t taking her eyes off her child. The doctor passed her the baby and Darci looked into the face of her daughter. Her husband, Ken, was at her side and she passed him the child.
Darci said, “She looks like an angel.”
The nurse drew the curtain back and commented, “That was the strangest storm I have ever seen.”
Sunlight filled the room and the skies were blue. The nurse took the baby from Ken and said she was going to take her to the nursery.
Darci looked at her husband and said, “Go ahead, I’m going to take a nap”
The boy grew as the months passed and so did the loudness of his cries. He was a difficult baby that distressed his mother whenever she was with him. She had a nanny for him which he saw more of than he did his mother. The Prince did his best to spend time with his son, but too, found him most disagreeable, at the age that he was. The parents convinced themselves that he would grow out of his difficult ways.
The nanny said, “Little Prince, you should not bite people.”
The boy had grown in several teeth and was using them on everyone, except his parents. The nanny found the boy hard to like but did her job as best as she could. The nanny found the eyes of the child, extremely dark, and she avoided looking directly at him as much as possible. The boy knew she was avoiding looking into his eyes and would position himself whenever she had to pick him up, nose to nose. As the months passed the nanny became sicker and sicker. She finally went to the Prince and told him that she no longer was well enough to be his son’s nanny. The Prince agreed that she had been looking sickly and ordered her to see the physician. He summoned his doctor and told him to make sure she did not have something that his son could catch. The doctor came back to the Prince and told him that the woman had cancer and his son would be fine.
He brought her before him and told her, “You have done well in caring for our son. You may return to your home, now. I will see that you are handsomely compensated for the job you have done. Go in peace.”
The nanny smiled widely and said, “Thank you, Master.”
She left the palace without saying goodbye to the child. She did not want to look into that face ever again.
Abdul Mahmud was summoned to the palace. He had previously been charged with one of the Prince’s cousin’s sons. Abdul went quickly, as you did not keep the Prince waiting. He entered the palace and was taken directly to him. The Prince was watching the little boy play with his toys in the child’s playroom.
Abdul entered and the Prince said, “Ah, Abdul, you are here.”
“Yes, you’re Highness,” He said as he bowed.
“You are done with your previous charge, I have been told.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
“Good. You will now be in charge of my son. I want you to teach him the ways of a man.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
The Prince called for the boy and he came running toward his father. He had a sweet smile on his face but Abdul had heard the rumors.
“Mustafa, this is Abdul. He will teach you the things you will need to know.”
The child looked at Abdul with his dark eyes and said, “Abu.”
The Prince laughed and said, “I guess you will be known as Abu instead of Abdul.”
Abdul bowed and said, “Yes, You’re Highness.”
The Prince summoned one of his servants and told him, “Take Abu to the child’s quarters and show him around.”
The men left the Prince’s side and Abdul followed the servant.
Along the way the servant spoke and said, “I am sorry for you, Abu. The child is most difficult.”
“I have heard.”
“Is Abu really your name?”
“No, but the child has renamed me, for the time I am here.”
“I shall make sure all in the palace refer to you as Abu. It isn’t wise to make the young master angry.”
“That will be fine.”
The child’s quarters were lavish. Abu’s room was adjoining the boy’s and nicely done. It looked very comfortable but Abu worried there wouldn’t be much comfort in the job he was given.
Abu put his few belongings away and the Prince entered the quarters, saying to him, “Do as you need with my son. I do not require you to do everything he wants. It will be up to you to teach the boy what he needs to know. He is not allowed from your sight, as he is very active. He is to visit his mother at least once daily when she is in the palace. She wishes him clean and orderly when he does. The Princess is fragile so I expect you to watch him carefully that he is obedient to her. I will spend as much time as I can with him when I am here. Is your duty clear?”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
“Follow me and I will take you to him.”
The child was playing on the back lawn. The man-servant was doing his best to handle the boy from running off. The boy saw his father and came running to him. Abu was amazed at how steady and fast the boy was on his feet, at such a young age. Prince Jalal knelt as the boy approached. The child was very gentle with his father and very obedient.
The Prince said, “Mustafa, you will obey Abu. Is this understood?”
The boy lowered his lashes and said, “Yes, Father.”
The Prince patted his son’s head and went into the palace leaving Abu with the boy and the man-servant.
Abu told the other man, “You may leave us now.”
The servant bowed and said a very grateful, “Thank you.”
He left quickly as Mustafa kicked Abu in his leg.
The man looked down at the child and said, “You will not try to hurt me, Young Master.”
The boy gently put his hand into Abu’s and without a moment of warning bit into the man’s hand, hard. Abu took his hand from the boy and picked Mustafa up under one arm and took him to his room.
Abu put the boy on his bed and said, “You will take your punishment like a man, Mustafa.”
“No!” The boy screamed with his dark eyes showing flecks of red.
Abu was firm and every time the boy tried to get up Abu sat him back down. Mustafa’s eyes were big and round as he tried to get off his bed. He tried biting, kicking, hitting, and spitting but Abu would not let him have his way. A house servant came in and saw what was going on and left immediately closing the big door behind her. Eventually, the boy tired and laid back on his bed.
His eyes narrowed and he called Abu, in his young voice, “Dog!”
Abu answered, “Yes, Little Master.”
The boy rolled on his side and fell asleep.
Abu quietly went to his room whispering, “Allah, help me please.”
He sat on his bed feeling very low. This was not the job he had wanted next. He was hoping for the position with the Prince’s sister, who had just had a child recently. Abu felt this child was evil. The man put his head in his hands as he sat on the side of his bed. He felt someone tap his shoulder and he jumped and looked around. He saw a man that looked familiar to him, sitting there.
He got off the bed and asked the man, “Who are you?”
“I am here to help you, Abdul.”
“Are you a servant here?”
“I am a servant but not of this place.”
“Where are you from?”
“Allah has sent me to you. I am here to help.”
“Has Allah sent me a malak?”
“I am not an angel, Abdul, but I will be if I do Allah’s bidding well.”
“What are you then?”
“I am your asim.”
“My protector?”
“Yes, Abdul. I am here to keep you from the evil in the child.”
“How can you do that? He is a most difficult boy.”
“He will not be allowed to harm you. There are many of his minions in this house. They, too, will not be allowed to harm you.”
“What is this boy?”
“He is the one most evil’s child, born to reign terror and steal souls from this world.”
“Abu shuddered and said, “I am not sure I am strong enough to do this job.”
“You have been given many talents that you have not yet discovered. You are strong enough to do the job. You have been called by Allah.”
“Why would one of Allah’s servants be chosen for this job? Why didn’t he have his own followers be his man-servant?”
“Allah has allowed the one most evil to do many things but Allah will not allow him to have the power of death. The boy was born to make human the Evil One and do as he will, but there is another that will not let that be.”
“Who?”
“This is not the time for you to know. The boy is waking. I will always be with you.”
Abu turned and saw the boy in his doorway. He sneered at Abu and said in a low and deep voice, ”Asim.”
“Yes, Little Prince, I have a protector.”
The boy ran full force at Abu and pushed him. Abu stood firm and the boy looked up saying, “I curse you!”
Abu looked down and said, “No, you do not, Highness.”
The boy stood back and started to scream at the top of his lungs and no one came into the room. The boy continued without stopping, except to take breaths, and Abu laughed. This made the child even angrier and the flecks of red appeared in his eyes. Abu wasn’t afraid. He ignored the child’s behavior and walked past him. When he opened the door to the rest of the house, two servants were standing there with the same angry looks as the boy, and Abu said, “Be gone, both of you!” The sneers of the two men made it clear to Abu, these were a part of the minion of evil. They left as Abu ordered.
He turned and told the child, “It is time to bathe you for dinner, Young Prince.”
Mustafa followed Abu without any trouble.
At dinner, Prince Jalal, and his wife, Anne, sat talking as their son was being fed by Abu. The boy acted angelic around his parents and gave no trouble. When dinner was finished the parents told Abu to take the boy into the parlor and wait for them. The parents came in shortly so he and Mustafa did not have to wait long.
The boy ran to his parents and said, “Abu, hit me.”
Prince Jalal looked at his son but his wife said, “Abu hit you?”
The Princess looked at Abu with an angry face but the Prince asked, “Is that true, Abu?”
“No, Master, it is not.”
The princess asked her son, “Where did he hit you?”
The boy pointed to his cheek.
The prince walked over to his son and lifted his face to look at it.
He looked at Abu and asked, “What did you prohibit the boy?”
“I wouldn’t let him bite, kick, spit, or dig me, Majesty.”
“What was the punishment?”
“I made him sit on his bed until he would stop.”
“I think he needs to be punished for lying to us.”
The Princess whimpered that he was just a baby.
Abu took the boy’s hand and walked out of the room.
Mustafa pulled at Abu’s hand once they were out of the sight of his parents. Abu kept walking and ended up dragging the boy along the palace halls. Many faces appeared out of doorways and watched. Some of the faces had silent approval on them while others had the same hateful face as his young charge. Once back in the child’s quarters, Abu undressed the boy and dressed him in his nightgown. The boy fought him all the way but did stay in his bed.
He looked at Abu and said, “She has a friend.”
“Who has a friend, Little Master?”
“She!”
“I don’t know who she is.”
“I want a friend. You must find me a friend.”
“I will ask your parents to find you one. I think a friend for you is good.”
The boy sweetly said, “Thank you, Abu.”
“You are welcome, Young Master.”
Abu went into his room. It was early in the evening but he was extremely tired. He waited until he knew the boy was asleep and got ready for bed himself. He would talk to the Prince tomorrow and ask to have children brought to the palace for the young prince to play with.
Chapter Two
Fadia entered the palace with her maid servant. She was a distant cousin of the Prince but not from such a fine house as this. She was five years old and considered a very sweet child.
Fadia looked at the high walls of the palace and the largeness of the rooms, and said to her maid, “Are there lots of children living here?”
“No, only one.”
“But the house is so large.”
“This is the home of Prince Jalal. He is the son of the King and very rich.”
“It is too big for just one boy.”
“That is not for you to comment on, young mistress.”
“I am sorry. But, Ghada, it is so big.”
Ghada told the girl to be on her best behavior and to not question.
“I will be good, Ghada.”
“I know you will, sweet one.”
They were led into see the Prince as he sat at his desk. He stood up and the girl and her maid bowed.
“Fadia, how fast you have grown.”
“Yes, Your Highness, I am five now.”
“Mustafa is four. You will make a fine playmate for him.”
“Yes, I am happy to meet him.”
The prince took the two to the playroom where Abu was waiting for the child to arrive. Mustafa looked up from the toy he was playing with as the prince walked in.
The boy ran to his father as the Prince said, “This is Fadia. She is here to play with you today, Mustafa.”
The boy looked at the girl and said, “You are a girl. I want a boy to play with.”
The prince looked at Abu.
Abu seeing distress on the prince’s face, said, “Ah, Fadia, you are older than Mustafa. You can teach him much.”
“I don’t need a girl to teach me, Abu.”
Fadia didn’t like the boy, but said she would be good, so she smiled at the boy and said, “I can learn much from you.”
“You may stay for a while.”
The prince left the room quickly and Abu introduced himself to Ghada. She did not look pleased that her charge was there to play with such an arrogant child. She gave Abu a look of sympathy and sat down in one of the chairs in the room.
Abu sat next to her and said, “It will be ok. I will not allow the young prince to be mean to her.”
Ghada replied, “I am not worried. My Fadia can take care of herself.”
They sat back in their chairs and watched the children.
Fadia was heard to say, “You are lucky to have so many fine toys to play with.”
“Don’t you have toys?”
“Yes, I do. Just not so many.”
“My father is great. Much greater than yours.”
“If you say so.”
“I do say so.”
“That is fine. It is good to think your father is great.”
“I am stronger than she.”
“If you say so, but I think that we will have to see when you are older.”
“I know it now!”
“If you say so.”
Mustafa grabbed her arm. Abu jumped and Ghada put her hand on his arm and gestured for him to sit back down.
Fadia did not flinch. She looked directly at him and told him to let go of her arm. Mustafa dug into her and Fadia did not react. This increased the boy’s anger and he tried to bite her.
She held out her arm to him and said, “Go ahead, bite me. You cannot hurt me.”
“Why?”
“My asim will not let you. You are not as strong as you think.”
“I will be stronger than your protector soon.”
“I will still not be afraid of you.”
“Someday you will.”
“Not today.”
Mustafa turned to Abu and said, “Take her away! I do not like this one.”
Fadia got up from the toys and said to Ghada, “I am ready to leave. He wants someone that is like him, to play with.”
“That is not you.” Ghada replied.
Ghada took her charge’s hand and asked Abu, “Will you show us out now?”
Abu said, “Of course. Get up, Young Master, and we shall show your guest out.”
Mustafa shouted, “I don’t like her. I don’t want to show her out. Let the servants show her out.”
Abu went over to the boy and said, “Get up now and act like a man.”
Mustafa shouted with a pinched face. “No, Dog, I will not!”
Abu reached down and grabbed the boys arm and pulled him to his feet.
“You will come with me now or I will not ask for another child to come here.”
“I will go but someday you will pay for this, Abu!”
“Someday is not today.”
The boy got up and walked beside Abu as he led them out of the palace. Fadia took Ghada’s hand and walked away from the palace to the waiting car.
She said, “He will never be stronger than she is.”
“I know, but he will be strong, my child.”
“My protector is strong.”
“Someday soon, not strong enough, Fadia.”
“I am not afraid.”
“For today, you don’t need to be.”
Prince Jalal welcomed his in-laws when they arrived at the palace. His wife was born in England to Alexander and Wilma Fairmont. His father in law was a wealthy banker and was always critical of his daughter’s choice in a husband. Her mother was stuffy but always kind to him. Anne came quickly into the room and hugged her parents. Abu was summoned to bring Mustafa in to greet his grandparents.
The boy angelically bowed and said, “Jadd and Jaddah, I have missed you.”
Anne’s mother held out her arms and Mustafa ran into them.
She said while she hugged, “You have grown so big and strong.”
“I am very strong, Jaddah.”
“Mustafa, use your English.” Anne said to her son.
“I’m sorry, Grandmother.”
“What a sweet boy you are.”
The Prince said, “Say hello to your grandfather, Son.”
Mustafa bowed before Alexander and said, “Welcome, Grandfather.”
Alexander bowed slightly back to his grandson saying, “In my country, we shake hands but I guess you aren’t allowed to do that here.”
“Daddy, please. It is not the custom here.”
“I just said shaking was our way, that’s all.”
The Prince said, “I’m sure it is a fine custom in England but here it is not proper.”
“I’ll remember that. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone.” the older man said.
Mustafa listened to the exchange and said, “Abu says, it is good to be proper.”
Alexander was not pleased to be put in his place by a young child and ignored his grandson. Anne was already distressed and told Abu to take Mustafa and get him ready for bed. The Prince sat quietly and let his wife handle her parents. He would not argue the point that her father was in his country and not England.
“How is the weather in England, Daddy?”
“A damn sight colder than here! How do you stand this heat?”
“Oh, Daddy, it is no hotter than those trips we took to the Caribbean, when I was little!”
“Alex, stop complaining. We are here to visit our daughter and her family. You don’t have to live here.”
Wilma was aggravated at her husband. He was being rude to their son in law and she knew that was his intent. He had never liked Mirza and it didn’t matter their daughter married a prince. He wasn’t British and Alex held it against him.
“It’s just damn hot here. That’s all I was saying.”
“Daddy, it’s no different than the last time you were here.”
The prince summoned his servant to serve cold drinks. He was trying not to let his father-in-law get under his skin but he found the old man insufferable.
“This new guy you have raising our grandson seems to be a pleasant fellow.”
Anne snapped at her father and said, “He is not raising our son! It is no different than, Nanny Isabelle, you hired for me!”
“Don’t get on your high horse, Missie, I was just commenting on the man.” Alexander said.
The prince got a phone call and excused himself to leave the room and take it. Once he had left, Alex said, “How is the man treating you?”
“For God’s sake, Dad, why don’t you like him? He is my husband and I love him. He is wonderful to me.”
“He’s not our kind, that’s all.” Alex responded.
“What do you mean he’s not our kind?” Anne said.
“You have forgotten about 9/11?” Alex said.
“That is not how my husband thinks! Mirza condemned those attacks. Those men are radicals and believe totally different than my husband.”
“Alex, enough! She has been married to the man for seven years. She would never stay with him if he was like that Osama bloke.”
“Thank you, Mum. Daddy, please stop being so mean to him. It hurts me and I know it hurts him.”
“He knows exactly where I am coming from and it makes him mad but it doesn’t hurt him.” Alex said.
“What about me?” Anne asked.
“I don’t want to hurt you but I just don’t think this is a place you belong.”
“I think it is. If you insist on being mean to my husband then you should not visit.”
“Tell your servants or whatever you call them to bring our bags back down. Finish your drink, Wilma, we are leaving.”
“For God’s sake, Alex, stop this!”
Anne was crying but Alexander Fairmont had reached his limit with the chastising he was taking. First his grandson and now his daughter. He was ready to go home. He didn’t like the region and their culture and he wasn’t going to stay.
“Get the bags down here, Anne.”
The prince came back into the room and saw his wife crying and her father walking out the door. Wilma was right behind him with an angry look on her face.
“What is wrong, Anne?”
“My parents are going home.”
“Was it something I did?”
“No, it was something I did.”
“What?”
“I basically told my father he shouldn’t have come.”
“Why would you do that?”
“He hates you.”
“I know that, Anne. It is alright. I can take his insults if it makes you happy to have them here.”
“I will visit them in England. I don’t want him insulting you anymore. I love my father but I won’t have him hurting you.”
“He doesn’t hurt me. I know how he feels and I accept that.”
“I don’t.”
“Get them back, Anne, you don’t need to do this.”
“No. He is too angry and I am too hurt.”
“What about your mother?”
“I can’t help that.”
Anne was stubborn but the tears of anger and misery streamed down her cheeks showing him how hurt she was. The prince felt helpless and was sorry for his wife. He was the last one in the world that could make it better for her.
The car was loaded with their unpacked bags and they headed for the airport. Wilma sat quietly understanding her husband’s insistence on leaving. Mirza was arrogant and she was afraid her grandson would be just like his father. She saw her daughter becoming as arrogant and disrespectful as her little family. ‘She had known her father’s feelings long before she married Mirza. What did she expect? Anne couldn’t even bring Mustafa to see them in England unless her husband came. He wouldn’t visit, so why should her husband have to visit here?’
Alex reached over and took his wife’s hand saying, “I’m sorry. I just can’t stand this whole thing.”
Wilma squeezed his hand and said, “I know, it’s alright.”
They were on the next flight to England.
Abu covered the sleeping boy. He retired to his room and got ready for bed. He looked out the large window and watched the servants readying the gardens for the night. It was a beautiful palace but filled with evil. Word had come to him through the whisperings of the staff that the grandparents had left in a hurry. Abu wondered if they had felt the evil that resided there. Abu wished he could leave this place but knew he couldn’t. The boy was a master at deceiving his mother. He wasn’t sure about the prince. It seemed the prince wasn’t as easy for the boy. He put his thoughts away and got into bed. When sleep came he dreamt of a small girl surrounded by light. She said in a sweet voice, “I love you, Abdul. Be strong.”
Chapter Three
The little boy arrived at the palace with his father and man- servant. They were taken directly to the prince where they bowed as soon as they entered the room.
“Nasib, how good of you to bring your son.”
The man said, “Your Highness, this is my son, Jamal.”
“Jamal, how old are you?”
“I am ten, Your Highness.”
“You are a few years older than my son, Mustafa. Would you find spending time with a boy five years younger than you, enjoyable?”
“I am sure we have many things in common, Highness.”
“Such as?”
“Boy things, such as sports.”
“Good then. I will have you shown to Mustafa and let you meet.”
Nasib stood when the servant came into the room and Mirza said, “Nasib, it is not necessary for you to follow. His servant will be with him. Why don’t you stay here so that we may talk?”
“Of course, you’re Highness.”
As soon as the boy left the room Mirza said to Nasib. “I require your son to stay here in the palace. You will be handsomely compensated as well as the boy.”
“Yes, you’re Highness. My son does not know this.”
“Do you think he will object?”
“I don’t know. He is young.”
“He is almost a man.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
“He will be treated well here. He will want for nothing and your family will be rewarded.”
“His mother may not be happy at this arrangement.”
“You allow the woman to tell the man?”
“No, Your Highness, but it can be difficult to live with an unhappy wife.”
“How much will make your wife happy?”
“I would not presume, Your Highness. I will leave that to you to decide.”
“Then it is settled.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
“I will send my attorney to your home with the settlement. I’m sure it will be enough to keep your wife happy.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“You may go now.”
Nasib left very pleased. He knew the money would be enough to keep three wives happy.
Jamal was introduced to Mustafa. The little prince looked at Jamal and said, “This one will do.”
Abu looked at the new boy and saw the evil in his eyes. Yes, Abu thought, this one is his own kind. He wished he could send this one away but had no power to do so. The boys had been paraded in every day for the last six months without anyone suiting the little prince. Abu sat back and felt the evil all around him. He looked at the man-servant of the boy and saw this one too, was evil. Abu silently called on Allah for strength.
The prince entered the room and said to the new boy’s man-servant,” You will be subject to the will of Abu. Is that understood?”
The man bowed and said, “Yes, You’re Highness.”
The prince looked at Jamal and said, “You will obey Abu. Is that understood?”
“Yes, you’re Highness.”
Mustafa looked at his father and said, “This one will make a good friend for me, Father.”
“I suspect he will.”
The prince left the room and all eyes focused on Abu. The looks would have shriveled most men but Abu felt a surge of strength and looked at each of them and said, “You will follow the rules of this household. I will not tolerate disobedience. Is this understood?”
All the eyes narrowed before they lowered their heads in agreement.
Abu asked the man-servant’s name and he answered, “My master calls me, Usa.”
“Usa, it is then.”
The boys huddled together making their plans and Abu was sure the evil would be unleashed on the palace and all that lived within its walls.
Abu stood up and said, “I will show you to your rooms.”
Jamal asked, “Shouldn’t I be near Mustafa? Can they not bring me a bed to his room for me to sleep?”
Abu said, “No, follow me.”
Jamal looked with hatred at Abu and Mustafa had a sneer on his face but said nothing. The three followed Abu to the next suite of rooms down the hall. He opened the door and said, “I’m sure these rooms will be satisfactory.”
Usa looked in and saw accommodations far nicer than he had ever had. He knew his little master had never had rooms like this.
Jamal walked in and said, “I suppose these will do.”
Abu looked at the boy and said, “If it would suit you better, I can take you to the servant quarters and you may pick a room there?”
Jamal sneered at Abu and said, “I said, these will do.”
Abu felt another surge of strength and said, “If they do not, perhaps, I will need to speak to the Prince and let him know his home is not good enough for you.”
Usa spoke quickly, “The boy is still young and has much to learn.”
“Perhaps, you need to be teaching him those things..”
“Yes, Master.”
Abu told Usa to settle his charge in their suite and then it would be time for dinner. He left with Mustafa and shut the door behind him.
Mustafa said, “He will give me more strength. I like this one, Abu.”
“I’m sure you do, Little Master.”
Abu sent a servant to tell Usa that it was time to go to the dining room. Mustafa was taken to dinner and seated next to his father on the right end of the table as the princess sat at the other end. Abu sat next to Mustafa. When Usa and Jamal were led into the room, they were seated on the opposite side of Mustafa. The prince introduced Jamal to the princess and dinner was served. Anne immediately disliked the two.
She looked at the prince and said, “Perhaps, Husband, we should talk after dinner.”
“Of course.”
Abu watched the princess out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was fixated on the new boy. He saw clearly her disapproval and smiled to himself. The conversation was light at the table.
The prince asked how the two’s accommodations were and Jamal said, “It is the grandest room. Thank you, Your Highness.”
The boy gave a quick glance at Abu and smiled a wicked smile. Abu did not say the words that were in his mouth to say. He kept quiet but gave a gracious smile back to the boy.
The prince responded with, “That is good.”
The princess asked of the boy, “What house are you from?”
The boy answered, “I am not from any of the royal families, Highness. My father does business for them.”
“What kind of business?”
The prince interrupted saying, “His father does much in the way of business. He has done much service for us.”
“I see.” She said.
Dinner was over and the boys were taken out of the dining room. The prince and princess went into the parlor where they were served a cordial.
Anne took a few sips of her drink and said, “I don’t like this boy.”
“You have just met him. How do you know you don’t like him?”
“I don’t like his face and that of his servant. Why are they at our dinner table?”
“It’s Mustafa’s friend. Shouldn’t we treat him well?”
“Yes, but not as part of the family.”
“Abu sits at the table with us and he isn’t part of the family.”
“Abu is different. He is a good man in charge of our son. He should sit at our table.”
“I will tell Abu they are no longer welcome if it makes you at ease.”
“It does.”
“Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?”
“No, I have more.”
“What is it? Are you feeling alright, Anne?”
“No, I’m not, but it’s for a good reason.”
“What is it?”
“I am with child again.”
The prince leapt to his feet and hurried to her side.
He smiled widely and said, “You have blessed me, my wife!”
“I am pleased you are happy.”
“When is the child due?”
“In seven months.”
“What a wonderful time of year for the child to be born.”
“How do you think Mustafa will take the news?”
“I would think he would be pleased. He has his friend now and will be busy with him. But I would hope a brother or sister would please him very much.”
The prince knelt in front of Anne and said, “You have given up much to be my wife. I will never forget that.”
“I love you, Mirza. I have not given up anything.”
“Your parents?”
“I have not given them up. I will go to see them while it is still safe for me to fly. They still love me, and me, them.”
“It’s been so long since you have gone there.”
“I speak to my mother every week. It’s ok. We are all fine.”
“I do not want to cause you any pain.”
“You don’t. But I do not like these two new ones in our home.”
“I will keep them away from you. Will that make it better?”
“Yes, but you must find out from Abu what goes on with them. I do not trust them. I worry about the boy’s influence on our son.”
“Don’t you worry. You leave that up to me.”
The princess was promised by her husband that he would make sure his son was in good company. The prince said he would talk with Abu in private and find out how he felt about the two new ones. The prince had run out of boys to bring to the palace as playmates. He was certain the level of difficultness in his son had something to do with it. He would not tell his wife that.
Abu watched Mustafa and Jamal whisper to each other. The boys did that a lot and Abu knew what they talked about was bad for those around them. Mustafa was content with this boy and the man knew the new boy was trouble. Jamal and his servant had been told they would eat in the kitchen with the servants. Jamal was indignant and complained constantly to Mustafa about it. Mustafa tried to get his father to change his mind but the subject was closed. Whenever the princess wanted to visit her son, Jamal was taken back to his own quarters. Abu could see that the princess did not like the new boy. Abu had talked with the prince and understood there was no one else that would stay and be a playmate to Mustafa. The prince had asked him to keep a close watch on the two as he also knew the new boy was trouble. Whenever Jamal instigated Mustafa to do something wrong, the prince would send for his father and have him beat him. Abu had exhausted all consequences for the boy with no positive results so he had gone to the prince for his help. Abu was not pleased with the boy’s beatings but it seemed the only punishment that would work. For days after one of these beatings, Jamal would temper his misdeeds with just a warning from Abu, of a call to his father, and stop the behavior. Eventually, though, the bad behavior would return. Mustafa would be outraged when they happened but Abu allowed him no control.
Mustafa woke and ran into Abu’s room saying, “She plagues me!”
“Who plagues you?”
“The girl. She does many deeds and I am allowed none.”
“What deeds does she do?”
“She is getting stronger because of these deeds. I insist I am allowed to do my own.”
“What deeds, Young Master?”
“Jamal says I need to meet with my own kind.”
Abu sat directly up in bed and said, “Who are your own kind?”
“My servants.”
“I am your servant, Young Master. You are with me all the time.”
“You are not my kind, Abu. You keep me from my kind.”
“You have Jamal.”
“But I need to meet with my own servants. It is time for them to do my bidding.”
“All the servants here do your bidding. Who are you talking about?”
“You know what I speak of.”
“I do and will keep you from those deeds for as long as I can.”
“You will pay, Swine, for I will be stronger than you soon!”
“That may be true, but not today.”
“Do you think you are stronger than both Jamal and me?”
“Yes, I do.”
“We shall see, Dog!”
Mustafa ran out of the room and opened the outer door of the quarters and ran for Jamal’s room. Abu was fast on his heels. Abu grabbed the boy as Jamal rounded the corner of the hall on his way to Mustafa. When Jamal saw Abu grab the young prince, he charged Abu. Abu put out his free hand and pushed Jamal back and down on the floor. Jamal looked surprised as he sat there and Abu put the young prince down and kept hold of his arm as he took him back to his quarters. Mustafa fought him all the way back but Jamal stayed seated on the floor watching.
The boy screamed at Abu saying, “I am going to kill you!”
“You, Little Master, do not have that power and never will.”
“When I defeat her I will!”
“You will never do that.”
“Oh yes, I will. I have many more servants than she!”
“That will not matter in the end.”
“You lie, Dog!”
She played with her step-sister, Becky, a world away from Mustafa. The protectors had sent Becky to her, a few years ago. Becky could understand the little girl without her saying a word.
Becky put her doll down and said, “Lester is very angry at you.”
“He is angry with everyone.”
“Why do you talk to him in his dreams?”
“I try to make him stop being so mean.”
“You can’t do that, Cami, he will be the meanest man on Earth someday.”
“I know, but I have to keep trying.”
“Why, when you know?”
“I hope someday it will keep people from being hurt.”
“But it won’t. This is making him angrier.”
“I still have to try. Too many people will be hurt because of him and it hurts me not to try.”
Becky hugged her little sister and said, “Someday you will stop him from hurting anymore people. But you can’t stop him now.”
“I know. But it still makes me feel better when I try.”
“Ok, Cami. I will help you if you want.”
“No, you aren’t strong enough, Becky. He can hurt you even now.”
“Can he hurt you?”
“No.”
“Okay, I won’t talk to him.”
“Does he try to talk to you, Becky?”
“Oh yes, most every night. But I don’t pay attention to him and then he leaves.”
“Don’t talk to Lester, ever! Okay?”
“I won’t.”
“I will handle him and I will try to block him from your dreams.”
“Okay.”
Becky didn’t argue with Cami. She knew that Cami was the one that held the secrets and had the power. If Cami said, don‘t do it, then Becky wouldn’t. Her little sister was so good and kind and understood more than Becky did about that which was to come. Max, their golden retriever growled and both girls stood.
The face appeared before them with hatred, saying, “You shall pay for distressing my master!”
The girls’ protectors pushed out there hands and the face shriveled before them. His voice could still be heard as he disappeared saying, “He will rein terror on you all!”
Max sniffed the air and settled down. He stayed by Cami and lay at her feet. Becky with wide eyes looked at Cami and said, “You shouldn’t bother, Lester.”
“Oh yes, I should.”
“He will hurt more people because he’s mad at you.”
“I won’t let him. The angels will send the protectors to those that need them. He is still weak and his demons are not as powerful as the protectors.”
“The demons scare me.”
“They can’t hurt you, so don’t be scared.”
“Why can’t the protectors kill him while he is weak?”
“That is not their purpose. God has allowed the devil to have his anti-Christ to test the world again. My purpose is to stop him when I’m called to do it.”
“Are you afraid, Cami?”
“Not for me.”
“Who are you afraid for?”
“All those that don’t understand.”
“Why don’t they understand?”
“They haven’t listened.”
“What about babies?”
“All babies have protectors.”
“But Lester’s friend doesn’t, does he?”
“He used to, but he did too many bad things and the protector left him.”
“Didn’t he listen?”
“He didn’t.”
“Do we keep our same protector our whole life?”
“If you listen, yes.”
“That means I’ll always have my Uncle Ryan?”
“Not like you have him now, but he will always be your protector.”
“Will your mother always be the same for you?”
“No, it will be like Ryan.”
“What will be different?”
“We won’t be able to see and hear them but they will always be watching out for us.”
“When will it change?”
“When we are old enough to decide for ourselves.”
“We can never see them?”
“Only if there is a purpose to see them.”
“Did Lester ever have a protector?”
“No, he was born to do the evil one’s bad things.”
“Are his parents evil too?”
“Oh no, they are fine people.”
“Why did they have to have Lester then?”
“Because it’s the way the evil one wanted it.”
“Why?”
“They will give him all he needs to do the bad things.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Because they love him.”
“Does Lester love them?”
“Lester doesn’t love.”
Chapter Four
The princess was ill. The pregnancy was a hard one and she was told to stay off her feet. The prince was concerned for his wife. He thought she looked too frail. When she was pregnant with Mustafa, she had been strong and healthy, but this time was like the last time, she suffered.
He sat in the room with her and asked, “How do you feel today, wife?”
“The baby is active. I think she will come early.”
“You have two months to go.”
“The baby will be fine.”
“You haven’t seen Mustafa in weeks. Is he not behaving for you?”
“I find when he visits, the baby doesn’t move and I feel ill.”
“You think it is his fault?”
“I don’t know but I choose to wait until the baby is born to see him again.”
“How could he make those things happen?”
Anne thought about the baby that she had lost five years before. Whenever Mustafa had visited her, she would feel ill and the baby would not move in her belly.
“I don’t know that he does. I just don’t want to take any chances with the life of this baby.”
“I’m sure he misses you.”
“I think he is fine with his friend and doesn’t think of me much.”
“Mustafa loves you.”
“Does he?”
“What are you saying?”
“He is not happy about the baby.”
“He will be when it is born.”
“He may not be.”
“What makes you feel this way?”
“I sense his hatred for this child and for me.”
“Anne, that just isn’t true. He has never said anything like that to me.”
“He wouldn’t because he knows you want this child.”
“He has only expressed dismay that you will not allow Jamal to come with him when he visits you.”
“I don’t want that boy anywhere near me!”
“What do you see in him that I don’t?”
“I feel the evil when I am around him. If I had my way I would send him far away from Mustafa and this palace.”
“But our son likes him.”
“If our son liked to play with fire, would you allow that?”
“I can’t send him away.”
“Why? You are the master here.”
“There are no more children that will play with Mustafa. I have exhausted all the children I know. No one but Jamal is acceptable to our son.”
“I find that strange. Is there something wrong with Mustafa that only one boy is acceptable?”
“I don’t know why the other children didn’t suit him but Jamal did.”
“Jamal is trouble. He is not a suitable companion for our son.”
“Abu is watching closely. I trust Abu.”
“You know my opinion. I will leave Mustafa to you.”
“You won’t have him visit then?”
“Not until this child is born.”
Jamal asked Mustafa, “Why doesn’t your mother want you to visit her?”
“She is too ill.”
“I don’t think she likes you anymore.”
“It’s the new baby she is having. She has given it all her love. She has none left for me.”
“But you are the first born. You are more important.”
“I don’t want to visit her without you. It doesn’t matter.”
“She doesn’t like me.”
“I know. She is not important.”
Abu heard this exchange and told Jamal to leave the room. Jamal gave him the usual hateful look, but obeyed.
Abu asked Mustafa, “Why do you say your mother is not important?”
“She only cares for the baby and I don’t care, so she is not important.”
“She will always be important! She is your mother.”
“I don’t need her any more. She is insignificant to me now.”
“Perhaps we need to talk to your father about this.”
“It would only distress him and it won’t change the way I feel.”
“Do you consider your father insignificant?”
“No, but only because I still need him.”
“What do you need him for?”
“Power, wealth, and his influence.”
“Do you love anyone?”
“No, it is a wasteful emotion.”
“What about Jamal?”
“He is useful to me.”
“You are truly troubled.”
“You know exactly who I am. It has never been a secret. You are the only one who is troubled here. You will learn to fear me.”
“I will never have fear of you. I will die first.”
“You will wish you were dead, Abu, for a very long time.”
“If you say so, Young Prince.”
Prince Jalal entered the room and asked where Jamal was.
“Abu sent him out.”
“Then I am sure there is a good reason.”
“Abu doesn’t like Jamal.”
“Mustafa, Jamal is not an easy boy to like. I am here to tell you that you are going to have a birthday party. We will invite all the children in our family and those of the other palaces. How would you like that?”
“That will be fine.”
“You don’t seem excited about a party?”
“I am, Father. Will my mother be there?”
“If she is well enough, she will be.”
“What is wrong with her?”
“She is having a difficult time with the pregnancy but she is going to be fine.”
“When are we having the party?”
“In two weeks. Shall I have some animals perform for you?”
Abu silently shivered. Mustafa and Jamal together with animals was not a good thing. Both boys were cruel to every animal they came across. Abu had worked hard to keep animals away from the boys.
Mustafa smiled sweetly and said, ”Wonderful!”
The prince had gotten the smile out of his son and left quickly saying he would order a wonderful party for him.
The boy looked at Abu and said, “Now I’ll have my people around me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will select those of my kind to be at my party. It will be a good day to increase my strength.”
“There is no other child besides Jamal that is like you.”
“I don’t mean children. You are so stupid, Abu.”
Abu thought to himself, I will pray to Allah for help with this.
The man knew the two boys had been making plans for a while. He was sure the party would be where they put that plan into action. He also knew he would need all the help Allah would give him.
“Abu, I want Jamal to come back in.”
“It is time to ready you for dinner, Young Master.”
“I want Jamal to come to dinner with me. My mother is no longer at the table so it will not bother her.”
“Jamal will eat with the servants.”
“You will be sorry for denying me that which I request.”
“I am sure you will do your best to see to it. But now we get ready for dinner.”
Jamal sat in his room with his man-servant and yelled obscenities at him. The boy was irate to be ordered around by Abu. He ordered the servant to call his father and insist he come see him. The servant complied and Jamal’s father was on his way to the palace.
Nasib Murtada was shown into Jamal’s room and the boy ran to his father saying, “The prince won’t let me sit at their table to eat with Mustafa! I am treated like a servant here!”
Nasib answered, “This is why I had to come here so quickly?”
“But father, you need to tell the prince that I am worthy to sit with Mustafa to eat.”
“I will tell the prince no such thing.”
“He will listen to you.”
“Jamal, if he places you with the servants, then that is where he wants you. Do you eat well?”
“Yes, but I want to sit with the family.”
“Usa, you couldn’t handle this?”
“I’m sorry, Master, Your son is quite offended.”
“So, Jamal, you expect me to offend the prince by questioning the rules of his home?”
“I am not a servant!”
“You are not part of the royal family either!”
“Mustafa wants me with him at meals.”
“Unfortunately for you, he is not the master of this house.”
“I will not be treated inferior, Father!”
“You will stay and abide by the prince’s rule or I shall take you home and beat you!”
“You are a great man, Father, you can fix this.”
Nasib shook his head and said to Usa, “You will do as you’re told and you will see that Jamal does as well. I am leaving as I have business waiting because of this ridiculous visit.”
“Father!”
“Usa see that Jamal rests. He is in a vexed way.”
Nasib went out the door and Jamal threw a temper tantrum. He threw items at Usa, as well as, called him foul names. Usa took the punishment but insisted the boy lay down and rest as his father ordered. Jamal squinted his eyes and threatened Usa, saying, “I will see that everyone in this palace suffers, including you!”
“Yes, Master.”
Usa tidied the room while Jamal continued to rant. The boy did lie down and fall asleep to the delight of his servant.
The young girl was called into the parlor by her father. Fadia went quickly and Ghada followed. Her parents were sitting and chatting as she entered the room. Her mother called her over and showed her the invitation to Mustafa’s party. It had just been delivered by one of Prince Jalal’s servants.
Fadia frowned and said, “I don’t want to ever go there again.”
Her mother retorted, “It’s a party, Fadia, and it would be rude to decline.”
“He is an evil boy, Mother. I don’t like him and he doesn’t like me.”
“You will have Ghada with you. There will be lots of children there.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Her father spoke and said, “You will go, Fadia, and you will behave with honor.”
“Yes, Father.”
Fadia could feel the tears slide down her cheeks as she left the room. Ghada tried to comfort her but she couldn’t be consoled. Her father ordered it and she would comply but she wasn’t going to like it.
Ghada drew her bath and the young girl got into the bathtub. She looked very unhappy and was very quiet.
Ghada asked, “Will you give me that sweet smile that makes my heart sing?”
Fadia smiled a weak smile for her servant. She let her servant bathe her and dress her for bed.
Ghada said, “I will be by your side at all times while you are there and we will stay as far away from him as we can.”
“I feel something bad will happen if we go, Ghada.”
“I will protect you, My Mistress.”
Fadia climbed into her bed and Ghada covered her lightly. She closed her eyes and her servant went into her own room. She fell asleep thinking about the dread she felt over this party.
The two boys huddled together in a small dark alcove off the massive hall of the palace.
Jamal asked, “How will you make them pay?”
Mustafa gave his evil smile and said, “You will see.”
“Your mother too?”
“My mother won’t allow me near her. I can’t do anything until I am next to her. I will do it at the party.”
“Will she be at the party?”
“She must. I am her son and it is my birthday.”
“She loves that baby more than you.”
“She won’t have that baby. I will make the baby as sick as she is, just like I did before.”
“What about your father?”
“I still need to have him. You will have to wait. Someday you will have that wish.”
“What shall I do?”
“You will stay beside me and keep saying my name. It will give me more strength.”
“We need to go back to our rooms now. I will fix things for you, Jamal.”
The boys headed back to their rooms and each boy climbed back into his own bed, with no one the wiser.
Fadia’s dreams were of Mustafa and his plan to hurt his mother. She saw Cami in her dream and Cami told her what to do. Fadia slept restfully and didn’t worry anymore about the party. She had been called to do Allah’s bidding and she was content. Cami had whispered in the dreams of many of her friends and had called on the protectors to guard them all well.
Chapter Five
The palace was bustling with servants preparing for the young prince’s birthday party. Elephants were brought in to give rides. Tables and chairs were set about on the back lawn. The pool was cleaned and ready for the children that wished to swim. The prince made sure that everything he would have wished for at that age was prepared, for his young son. Guests began to arrive with their servants. Several of the first boys to arrive went directly to the young prince and Jamal. They engaged the two boys with talk and challenges. Fadia and Ghada arrived and went directly to the Princess’s room. Though they had never been in that part of the palace before, they knew exactly where to go.
They knocked on the door and the princess said, “Enter.”
Fadia entered when the princess’s servant opened the door with Ghada right behind her.
The princess was surprised to see her and said, “The party is on the back lawns.”
“I know, Your Highness, but I must speak with you first.”