#sintras

The conversation was proving to be quite stimulating when a long white fabric flowing between the multitude of heads caught the corner of Sinbad’s eye. Abruptly he stopped mid-sentence and turned for a better look. Sure enough, the scarf led to a head of red that it wrapped around.

It can’t be… Sin thought.

“Sin?” Ja’far’s questioning look went unnoticed as Sinbad focused on the head bobbing through the crowd, getting further and further away. He took a hesitant step in that direction. Then another. Then sprinting, weaving through the people with an effort not to bump into others in his pursuit; it was faster this way to avoid obstructions than barrel through. Ride with the waves rather than resisting the storm.

Still attached to his wrist, Ja’far expertly kept up, but wondered what set his king off with such desperation. Questions left unheard so he tried to deduce the answers himself. As they rounded a corner, Ja’far noticed someone ahead that had also taken that same turn: a man in Sasan armor. It was rare to see a knight of that country so far from home.

As they closed the gap on the less populated road, Sinbad reached out and called, “Mystras!”

The figure froze for a second then took off running. Now more determined, the pursuers increased their speed. Ja’far took the initiative to throw his kunai ahead, wedging into the corner of a building, and hopping up to swing ahead, cutting him off.

The assailant’s path diverted down an alleyway but soon found his body wrapped in red chords, bringing the chase to an end. Ja’far pulled them tighter as he walked up and got a good look at his face.

“Mystras!” he exclaimed, “It is you! How?! We thought you were dead!”

Mystras gave a sweaty smile. “Oh, hey, yeah, about that...uh...You weren’t supposed to ever see me again...um...kinda was part of the deal…”

“What deal?” Ja’far urged, “The fact that you are alive and well is great news! Why would you keep that from us?”

By now Sinbad had joined them in the alley and was catching his breath. Although panting, he looked up and made direct eye contact with Mystras. He’s really here.

It was as if time froze.

All the years apart: achievements unshared; lows uncomforted; moments together that never happened; everything catching up with their shared gaze.

There was no doubt about it, even if they had all grown up since the last they saw each other, Mystras stood before them. He was as tall as his father now. He had lost the baby fat in his cheeks. But it was definitely him! Changes emphasizing just how much of each other's lives they missed.

Mystras spoke softly, “...Sinbad…”

Drawn to him, Sinbad felt like he was walking underwater, moving to close the gap as quick as he could but it still seemed like it took forever. Finally he reached him. Finally he could feel that this was not a ghost before him. He pulled the red chords off, releasing the captive.

And then…