Exiled

Aalim stared out across the vast Persian desert in the direction of the setting sun. It burned like the flame of the torches from the men of the village that had chased him into a life of exile. All because of his demon.

Words scraped the inner depths of his brain as Aalim settled on the ground, ready to die. He refused to listen to the deep voice's commands. From the depths of his tunic he pulled out an ivory hilted knife, noticing the harsh reflection of the sun's last light.

Rocking back and forth on his knees, he started to chant from the Qu'ran. "Repel (evil) with what is better. Then will he, between whom and thee was hatred, become as it were thy friend and intimate. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint." The third time whispering the chant, Aalim dragged the sharp blade across both wrists, spilling his blood on the desert sand in the name of Allah.

Soon the darkness spun, ending the voices as the black cloak covered his sight and he felt nothing.

Aalim opened his eyes and blinked a few times to focus before he realized what had happened. His wrists were bandaged and a fire blazed nearby, providing warmth. A thobe lay tucked under his head, softening the hard ground.

After a few minutes a man returned with wood for the fire. Aalim couldn't make out much of his features until he moved close to the fire. The blaze glowed across his body, showing off his bare, muscular chest. Aalim found his gaze starting near the man's neck and moving down his chest to notice a small trail of hair starting above his trousers. He blushed and managed to speak, "Who are you?"

"I am Bedad."

The name sounded familiar but Aalim couldn't place it until he looked up into Bedad's eyes. They were ablaze, shining brighter than the fire he'd created. He was one of them, the Djinn.

"Please don't hurt me." Aalim trembled as he watched the Djinn approach him.

As Bedad ran a warm hand along Aalim's neck, he responded. "I don't grant wishes."

He watched Bedad move his face closer, focused on his burning pupils, entranced. He couldn't move or even breathe as Bedad's mouth covered his. With the slightest hesitation Aalim, opened his mouth accepting the Djinn's tongue in. Without a fight he gave in to his demon.