by Carl Cupper
“Are you ready, my friend?” the gargoyle asked nervously.
“Perhaps. Please, tell me that you aren’t thinking about trying to win this race. Are you?” asked the dragon, surprised.
“Well, a wineskin would do us no harm.” teased Hayex.
“I am not a camel! Don’t you realize that I cannot compete against them?” Califax complained.
“Of course, you can! On the Island of Cyprus you ran as fast as if you were flying, my friend.” he reminded him.
The judge of the race gave the starting signal with a huge flag. The camels thundered their way across the sand, throwing sand up into the air as a big storm. Shouting with emotion, the spectators cheered their favorites on while they waved their sharp and brilliant scimitars.[87]
After three quick laps, Califax and Hayex came close to the lead, but they found themselves behind the three camels that were the former winners of the last editions of the race, which blocked their way in an unsportsmanlike manner, pushing them violently to the center. Califax took the inside curve to avoid crashing into the other racers. It caused him to skid and he almost fell on his inexpert rider. However, he kept his four feet on the burning sand and continued in the race.
In the seventh lap, the reckless runners continued looking for a breach to pass their fierce opponents, who at the same time were using their antics to stop them at any cost.
In the ninth and final lap, everything that they had tried had failed, and the race had turned into a personal issue with those select Arabs. Weary of their cheating, Califax decided to fight fire with fire. Close to the finish line, the nomads formed a roadblock in front of the dragon but, just a few yards from the finish line, he shot a burst of flame at the backsides of their mounts. Upon feeling the intense heat of the flames, the camels ran into each other throwing their riders several yards away from the path, allowing Califax and Hayex to reach the finish line.
The entire caravan applauded them; they were taken to the center of the camp where they were awarded. Nobody noticed the trick they had used to win the race because the flame that the dragon sent out was concealed by the enormous amount of dust that their opponents kicked up.
Califax was awarded a basket full of sweet fruit and a huge water container, while Hayex was carried on the shoulders of the men as he leisurely drank from the large wineskin. Everyone wanted to see the winner’s faces, but as could be expected, they refused such a request. However, there is little discussion with an Arab who has made up his mind.
The Arabs jumped on top of them and took off their disguises. When they saw to horrid faces of the dragon and the gargoyle, they raised their scimitars, took up battle stance and invoked the sacred name of Allah.
Hayex flew quickly away to avoid being hurt by the sharp weapons, but Califax was defenseless because his wings were tied to his back, and so he was unable to do the same to save himself.
Califax, prey to the fear that the irascible mob provoked in him, with a great effort, freed his tail and unfurled his wings. Facing his pursuers, next he changed his scales from a reddish-brown color to an intense red, reared up, and released a great stream of flame into the sky, accompanied by a blood-curdling roar that stopped the enemy dead in their tracks. The people of the caravan took a step back from the creature, and Califax took advantage of the moment to pick up his clothes and flee.
After the men came to their senses, they insulted the brave globetrotters, brandishing their weapons with a new and unknown curse: “Pazuzu! Pazuzu!”[88]
“Perhaps we should follow the caravan from on high in the mountains.” suggested the dragon.
“I told you we could win the race, my friend!” said Hayex with glee. “Sometimes, doubt can be our own worst enemy.” concluded the gargoyle as he continued to drink happily from the wineskin.
Concealed by the arid mountains, the travelers followed the caravan to the City of Yathrib, where they sought out food so that they could continue their dangerous mission.
Under the protection of the night, Hayex took care of the task of supplying them with food, moving between the legs of the camels. He found a good amount of dried fruit and meat, and water sacks packed on the backs of two or three camels. Disguising themselves once more, Hayex placed the supplies on Califax’s back, as if he was just another merchant with his camel, and they left the City of Yathrib to hide around the bend in the river.
Having eaten very little since the night they had spent in the Sphinx. They agreed to have a feast before falling deep into blissful sleep until the next morning.
The day broke with the suffocating heat of the sun, and the daring adventurers got ready to continue their exciting mission. From the top of a mountain, they were watched the caravan leave, after beginning with the preparation, very early in the morning.
Following the HejazMountains, the caravan took a southeasterly route followed from high above by its relentless stalkers. Twelve days went by before the caravan completed the 250 mile trip that separated Yathrib from Macoraba,[89] but this time the trip had been more benign other than the heat as they crossed the tropic of Cancer.
The magnificent City of Macoraba was full of faithful pilgrims eager to pay tribute and to cleanse their sins before the sacred icon in the hermitage of Kaabah. Califax and Hayex observed and studied the movements of the visitors from a prudent distance. They had to wait for an opportune moment before venturing inside the temple. After several hours, afternoon approached and the crowd seemed to grow larger. The dragon and gargoyle grew impatient, as they watched. Nevertheless, they had agreed to keep composed.
The devoted pilgrims came from Greece, the Desert of Nubia, [90] and even as far as Nineveh[91] to have their prayers heard. They deposited statuettes around the sanctuary in which many pilgrims entered for a short time. The sanctuary was formed in the shape of a cube and was made up of grey rock and black marble, supported by three huge columns inside.
“Do you think this is the Rock of Ebony that we are looking for?” asked the gargoyle.
“It is too big. I think the rock we are looking for is inside. Look how the men go in and out of it.” observed the dragon.
“Then, we will have to go in.” stated Hayex.
“It would be better to wait until evening, don’t you think?” suggested Califax.
Twinkling of the stars was diminished by the crescent moon rising in the east, when Califax and Hayex donned their usual disguises and ventured into the sanctuary of Kaabah. The place was empty, and a strange silence prevailed. Sidestepping the enormous number of small statuettes that the pilgrims had placed around the temple, the infidels silently penetrated the tabernacle.
The great number of paintings and engravings of diverse Mediterranean gods that adorned the place[92] dazzled the tireless friends. In the eastern corner of the temple, they found a strange black rock surrounded by a stone ring.[93]
“Great! It seems that we have found the Rock of Ebony. Now what?” halfheartedly, asked Hayex.
“I do not know. Perhaps we will find something here that will guide us to our destiny.” said the dragon.
Try as they might, they could not find anything that showed them the way to continue with their mission. After a thorough examination of the place, they accepted the fact that what they sought was not to be found at the Temple of Kaabah. They walked over to a nearby spring to drink from its waters and quench the thirst that the anxiety caused them. They were oblivious to the fact that they were being watched by a small group of men who relentlessly guarded the sanctuary day and night. While eagerly drinking from the clear and refreshing waters, the men surprised them wielding their enormous scimitars. Startled, they quickly took off their disguises and flew away without even knowing the reason for this latest attack. “Blasphemy! They have profaned the sacred Zamzam!”[94] They heard the men shout while they flew, protected by the dark mantle of night. Once again, the shadow of failure showed its face to the adventures making them easy prey for dismay.
“This is the e
nd of the mission, my friend. I do not think we can find the man we are looking for.” said the dragon with a heavy heart.
Meanwhile, in Dragonia, the situation was not any better. The incessant attacks of the Selenex caused countless casualties on both sides. All the while, senseless speeches resonated all over the Region of Fire.
An important meeting between the kings of the tribes had taken place in Amerux, official seat of the League of Dragons. Their objective was to make a peace treaty. Palux, King of the Selenex, confirmed his intention for peace and harmony with the Helenex. In an emotional speech before the high dignitaries, Palux proclaimed,
“…And I will always carry, in my right claw, this olive branch as a symbol of peace, and in the left, an arrow to defend it, even at the expense of my own life.”
The rabid applause resonated in the enormous enclosure, indicating the popular approval of the peace agreement. However, the truce could not be held for long because of the differences that existed among other tribes. The Amerux, allies of the Helenex, accused the Arbux tribe of hiding their activities from the League of Dragons and blatantly supporting the Selenex by providing military training, arms, and a safe refuge for Dragonia’s aggressors. The Arbux categorically denied the accusations of illegal practices. However, the Amerux Intelligence Agency had information that supported the accusations. Although, most of the tribes condemned an attack on the Arbux, the last word would come from the jaws of the Amerux, the most powerful tribe in the Region of Fire.
Thus, the dragons tried to settle their differences. Beyond that of the ominous prophecies of the Sacred Papyruses that warned the Region of Fire,wrapped in their ignorance, they would be incinerated in a bonfire lit by lies and hate, suspicion and intolerance, as well as in that of the dark hidden agendas of those in power that inevitably would lead to the extinction of these irrational beasts.
The rising sun shone over the Eastern steppe of the Arabian Peninsula, and the brave friends could not shake the misery and frustration brought on by their failed attempt to complete the mission. However, arming themselves with courage and patience, they decided to press on. They wandered in the desert unsuccessfully for several days trying to find the man who would activate the power of the chalice. They looked in every oasis, cave and shrub, hoping to find a sign that would indicate the way; but they found nothing.
They moved, persistently, forward. They had long since overcome their fear of men. They joined yet another caravan of merchants who were traveling north where they hoped to obtain some information from a nomad, but the days passed without the possibility of achieving their goal.
Roman Empire 7th Century
One night, Hayex sat close to an old man near the heat of a bonfire. In spite of his blindness, he seemed to see life with a great deal of clarity. After some small talk, the man began to speak to the gargoyle.
“What is it that you are looking for in this desert, Hayex?” he asked in a friendly manner.
“I am looking for a very special man.” he answered dejectedly.
“What is so special about that man for whom you look?” asked the old man.
“I really do not know.” answered Hayex, honestly.
“If you dig deep in their heart, you will find that all men are special.” stated the old man.
“All men are the same to me, sir.” Hayex objected.
“Many centuries ago, a fisherman proclaimed that all men are as special as every fish in his net.”
“All fish are the same, sir.” he said impatiently.
“There was once a pilgrimage where a large crowd of people gathered to listen to the words of that fisherman.” continued the old man. “They were together for three days and they were hungry. Then, from one basket with seven pieces of bread and a few fish, he fed a multitude that surpassed five thousand people.” he related.
“But… That is impossible!” exclaimed the gargoyle in disbelief.
“Who knows? Nevertheless, for each one of those people, the fish that they ate was particularly special since it satisfied their hunger.”
“I realize what you are saying, sir, but I do not think you understand what I am trying to say.” he explained. “This man has something very special that I need.”
“A person becomes special because of what we offer her, not because of what we receive from her. You have to keep in mind that you must sow before you reap. Only then will you find what you are looking for.” concluded the old man.
The light of a crescent moon illuminated the serene desert steppe and the travelers fell prey to the fatigue of the day, sleeping peacefully until dawn, safe and secure within the caravan.
The next day was no more fruitful than the last, in spite of their laborious and relentless investigation among the Arabs in the long caravan; the adventurers were not able to find any useful information to help them reach their objective. They decided to leave the caravan to look for their objective in other desert areas, but they had to do this at an opportune time so as not to raise suspicion among the humans.
The moment came before they expected it. Just before dusk, a whirling sand storm began to besiege the caravan. The column of merchants assumed their positions for the storm, taking shelter and waiting patiently for the thrashing wind to pass. The profound darkness of the storm provided the friends a perfect cover to escape furtively from the inquisitive eyes of the nomads.
Fighting against the powerful force of the winds, they headed for the HejazMountain slopes, where they waited for the strength of the storm to diminish. After a short time, the storm finally died down and the brave travelers discussed the course that they would follow next.
“It would be better to go north. I do not think we will find the man we are looking for, here.” suggested the gargoyle.
“Perhaps, but remember that the magician spoke about the Rock of Ebony. I think that it must be very close.” encouraged the dragon.
“What if we are mistaken about the rock, Califax?” asked Hayex.
“The Sphinx directed us to this place. Besides, I do not think there are many rocks like the one in Macoraba.” reasoned Califax.
“I seem to remember seeing some caves not very far from here. Perhaps we can find some clues there. I will take a look while you rest a bit.” offered the gargoyle. “You have carried a heavy load for a very long time now, my friend.” smiled the gargoyle.
Hayex flew away and his small figure disappeared in the immensity of the brilliant desert sun. Meanwhile, Califax got his enormous body comfortable in the shade of a gigantic cedar and drank from the water bags that the gargoyle had stolen from the Arabs. Within only a few minutes, the dragon fell into a deep and refreshing sleep.
Califax was deep within a dark cave. The intense cold of the cave contrasted with the extreme heat of the desert from which he had taken refuge. Then, from the deepest part of the grotto, he heard a deep voice ask him: “Would you drink of my blood, Califax?” the macabre voice spat out a sinister laugh.
The sun fell, announcing dusk, when Califax awoke with a start. Time had flown by and Hayex had still had yet to return. Anxiousness made him look in the nearby areas for his astute companion, but he could not find him. The dragon reproached himself for having allowed Hayex to go off by himself.
Nighttime descended as Califax searched exhaustively for his companion. He searched every tree and crevice without finding him. He even looked under rocks, but it seemed that the desert had simply swallowed Hayex up. Just thinking about it gave Califax an intense chill that traveled to the very marrow of his bones. He anxiously scoured the countryside in search of his friend. He shouted his name and he sent huge flames into the air so that the gargoyle could locate him. In spite of his effort, the only answer he got was the roar of the wind.
After several hours of intensive searching, Califax’s sensitive ears heard voices and guffaws coming not too far away. He stealthily approached the place where he heard the voices and finally found his comrade. If he was not in the best of situations,
but at least he was still alive.
Hayex had been taken prisoner and he was being held inside a wooden cage, guarded by two nasty looking men who talked while they eagerly ate from the lamb roasting on the fire.
“What do you think?” asked one of the men. “Perhaps we can exhibit it in a circus. Even Caesar himself would pay a fortune to see this animal!” the villain exclaimed.
“What do you think it is? I have never seen such a horrible creature.” said the other scoundrel as he stared into the gargoyle’s terrified eyes.
Hidden behind the trees, Califax watched the movements of the men very carefully. They appeared to be caravan thieves and robbers. In spite of his size, the dragon had to be very careful while rescuing his friend since thieves feared nothing when it came to defending their ill-gotten loot.
“What if it dies of hunger? We do not know what this thing eats.” observed one of the kidnapers.
“If it dies, we can eat it. I do not think that its meat would be so bad. Later, we could sell or exhibit his skeleton in some circus.” said the other thief, violently tearing the flesh from the lamb leg. Hayex was paralyzed with fear. He drowned out a scream of terror when he read the wicked intentions in that malevolent gesture.
Califax waited patiently for sleep to overcome the scoundrels before rescuing the gargoyle. Once they were asleep, the dragon stealthily approached the cage where Hayex lay awake in fear. Signaling silence to the gargoyle with his index claw, the dragon stealthily approached the cage. His carefully laid plans to save his friend were thwarted by the whinny of the horses, which aroused the bandits.
“We are being robbed!” cried one of the unscrupulous thieves.
