The Rainbow Sword

Dreams matter...

The Rainbow Sword         by Sami S. Khalil

“Dreams are pens looking for missing pages. They are the dog-eared bookmarks of life creased with hopes,” his dad said. “So, son. Follow your dreams till the end of the rainbow; there you will find the rainbow sword. Wade carefully its waters then cavort at chances bravely.”

The son was filled with wild raptures as he looked at the sunset over the desert horizon. He thought to himself, “How can I find a rainbow for it hardly rains in the Sahara, let alone a sword.” Not discouraged, he kept looking at the sky sequined with a few purple clouds on specific days.

Growing up a nomad; a Berber among cattle and weed, his people had many wondrous stories, somehow muffled. Although at times they were severed from the world around them, they kept close to Mother Nature.

Berber Ali was in line after his dad’s passing Batal(Hero) to ascend the leadership of the tribe. Women of that tribe were multi-taskers, like weavers of tents, embroiders of rugs and makers of milk and cheeses. Their sweat sank deeply into the sand, quietly filling the womb of existence, as the palm trees swayed to the wind songs. The sand dunes around them looked like tombstones of the past, after seasoned focus on mysteries.

One day, an emissary from the Caesar of Rome paid a visit to see Batal, asking for the finest yearlings for his leader (the Berber were known for that), in exchange for finer silks, grapes and precious gems that can adorn the Berber ladies. One day, as heat eased off in the desert, the father sent his son with the emissary to Rome, through the great city of Carthage (where the Roman ships docked). The main goal was to meet the Caesar for future dealings, help transfer those yearlings honestly to him, while ensuring none stray.

The son grinned from ear to ear, for he had heard about Rome; how marvelous a city it was. It is his chance to see the world and make his mark on it.

He kissed his dad, said a farewell to the tribe, then praised God in his comings and goings, scattering seed in the wind, eagerly desiring to accomplish the mission. Upon arriving in Rome, nestled among the seven hills, he meandered gently around the city’s winding courses, buffeted by irrigation canals. He felt a stark difference with the Sahara.

Housed in one of the palace’s guest houses, he waited patiently for the meeting while supping on luscious foods especially Mediterranean fish. Many things pleased him except one fact; they worshiped many deities while he was a monotheist. The Romans were very hospitable though, advanced in science and talented in the arts. The invitation to the massive Amphitheatre to watch bloody fights kept him on edge.

During one of the shows, it rained hard. After the rain, he saw a beautiful sight. It was the long-awaited rainbow, dovetailed by many colors, perching in the sky. It was like a day-dream. He immediately remembered his dad’s words to follow it till the end, literally. He eased out of the Amphitheatre, hopped on an Arabian stallion and off he went following the rainbow, without notice or telling anyone. His journey took him through towering, lush hills, deep valleys and forgotten hamlets, drifting up and down in starkness, till he reached Venice. His mouth stuttered and stammered at its beauty. With that, he heaped all praise on God.

The town was overflowing with artisan shops, art museums and tourists. He felt in a twilight zone. He was led to a local Inn, owned by a local jeweler, who owned a diamond shop. As a good gesture, Franco invited Berber Ali to witness the art of cutting and polishing diamond. As the guest walked around in awe, he glanced at a diamond-studded sword, glistening like a rainbow, hanging on the wall. It dawned on Berber Ali that is the “Rainbow Sword” at the end of a rainbow. Franco was offered a handsome purchasing price, but he turned the offer down, while telling his guest that the sword held a precious value; it was to honor his late dad, a sailor who fought many wicked pirates.

But Berber Ali wanted the sword so bad, to bring it back to his dad, proving that dreams can come true. One night, while at the Inn, neighbors were fast asleep, he sneaked out, broke into the shop, stole the sword, then embarked on a ship bound to Carthage. Gleaming in success, he arrived at the campsite of his tribe. His dad welcomed him with open arms within a burning rage. He knew something was not right. As the son presented the sword, he refused to accept it. After making him confess the truth, the dad said: “I had sent you on a mission of a lifetime that you did not fulfil. Then you took something that did not belong to you. Ask God for forgiveness now, never to do this heinous thing again. Son! Dreams are fulfilled through great missions, by honorable means, showing discipline and leadership skills. I encourage you to work on that. When I spoke before, it was all in a figurative sense. In a practical sense, weave your pliant hopes, climb your own mountains, and scatter your own seed. Take the sword back, ask for forgiveness, then finish the mission."

Twilights passed, and the son came back to assume his mantle, looking always dapper in his local attire. His dad passed while gone, was buried under some deciduous trees. Berber Ali ruled with honesty, fairness and justice as the sun spread across the plains its warm reach. On the staff his dad passed on to him were the engravings: “Let dreams fit in you, not the other way around.”

    

Reviews

[Ruth]

Incredibly strong story telling skills you have Sami :) I find your writing takes me on journeys, I travel a lot by reading you - always propelling for a reader :) Lovely story - one that creates peace in mind and heart but also reminds of the beauty of morals - beautifully written Sami - stay well :)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Coming from you is an honor and an inspiration. Million thank yous. Be blessed.

[lightsong]

marvelous! marvelous! marvelous Sami!! Your great talent shines brightly here, only a fine talented writer can hold his readers like You did to us, enjoyed the read so much, what a delightful stunning piece!

[Sami Khalil]

Whoee! Thank you so much beloved poet and friend for this wonderful review and response. You are a fine writer in your own talent. Be blessed.

[lightsong]

Thank You💕 and You are so welcome, You deserve it all, a true masterpiece ✨

[Sami Khalil]

Humbly and sincerely yours.

[barleygirl]

HOLY GUACAMOLE! WHAT POWERFUL ARTISTIC WRITING!!! --> "Their sweat sank deeply into the sand, quietly filling the womb of existence, as the palm trees swayed to the wind songs."

This entire thing is stunning writing! Sometimes your stories are so short it feels like you're skipping over lots of the rich details you could be capturing. This story is the complete opposite of that. Here you meander thru your story at a relaxed pace, chewing on all the nibbles along the way, as if you are having fun telling this story & therefore the reader has fun, too. This is the most you've slowed yourself down in telling a story & I love it, but I also love that your native storytelling style is still this fast-paced, detail-crammed roller coaster ride thru whatever massive history/regional/character lessons you wish to impart (& you do so well & clearly & admirably). This is a beautiful story to read (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeee! I'm lost for words. I wholeheartedly thank you for this awesome review especially coming from a great writer whether technical or figurative. I'm glad you also feel that way about me slowing down. I'm enjoying the many cultural writes to highlight different peoples, cultures, religions and so forth. God bless and thank you...

[Lydia Shutter]

Not sure if this is autobiographical, but the father in this story is so very wise. "dreams are pens looking for missing pages." That is a spectacular line! Indeed, we must assume dreams can be fulfilled and we must be open for them. So very inspirational. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! I'm so glad to know you Lydia. Other than seeing the truth, you tell it like it is. Few people take their time to delve deep and understand the message. Thank you kindly.

[Lydia Shutter]

Glad to know you too, Sami. Your writing is well worth the read! Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

Same here. .....

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and amazing story written Sami. We are always learning.
"When I spoke before, it was all in a figurative sense. In a practical sense, weave your pliant hopes, climb your own mountains, and scatter your own seed. Take the sword back, ask for forgiveness, then finish the mission."
The above lines stood out to me. I liked the lessons learned and understood. Thank you for sharing the outstanding story.
Coyote

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeee! Thank you so much Coyote Poetry for this amazing review and worthy appreciation. You are honored...

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend and I am honored to read her work.

[Sami Khalil]

::::::))))))))))))

[Pryde Foltz]

Once you realize you can expand to contain the universe ... so you will.

Fantastic story-telling, Sami:)

[Sami Khalil]

Whoa! So True and well said. Thank you so much Pryde Foltz for this wonderful review and astute take. Be safe.

[wordman]

beautiful,inspiring write sami

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Wordman! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting . I missed my good friend.

[wordman]

well lost internet for 3 months sami

[Sami Khalil]

I was wondering what happened. Glad you are back.

[wordman]

me to,thanks

[emmajoy]

' Women of that tribe were multi-taskers, like weavers of tents, embroiders of rugs and makers of milk and cheeses. Their sweat sank deeply into the sand, quietly filling the womb of existence, as the palm trees swayed to the wind songs. The sand dunes around them looked like tombstones of the past, after seasoned focus on mysteries. ~ One day, an emissary from the Caesar of Rome paid a visit to see Batal, asking for the finest yearlings for his leader (The Berber were known for that), in exchange for finer silks, grapes and precious gems that can adorn the Berber ladies '.. Sami, that truly is story and comparison speaking, Sami.

Your background knowledge, researched and/or known is finely used here plus dances along with the more graphic touches. As to the lesson learned.. seems father knew best.. and somewhat quickly inspired his son. As should have perhaps earlier had he learned that nothing worthy is ever stolen. True that quote, ' Let dreams fit in you,not the other way around.'

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeee! My story is complete when great poets and writers like yourself visit it and appreciate it for any worth or value. Your weight is precious and your input is golden. Glad you like it. Thank you muchly...

[Sami Khalil]

Note: That is my quote but I relate it as belonging to the character in my story...

[emmajoy]

It couldn't be more appropriate, Sami. This is an intriguing story, interesting, emotional, etc. Gone!

[Sami Khalil]

I enjoyed writing it. I like it when my mind wanders near and far but it stays close to my conscience. Take care...

[Yellow Butterfly]

A wonderful story Sami of the relationship between a father and his son..tinged with sadness and regret. The whole story was a fascinating read as always coming from your pen. All the father wanted for his son was to give him a good chance in life.

"Let dreams fit in you, not the other way around"

True words to live by for sure.....

YB

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeee! Thank you so much Yellow Butterfly for this awesome review and astute observations. Will be visiting your page in a jiffy. Glad you liked the story.

[Patricia Wedel]

This Story is timeless with a Lesson learned. Always be true to yourself and it shall follow the day as the night... thou cannot be false to anyone. Blessed be the True to Heart for they shall inherit the Earth.
Amen... truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! How wondrous you are and your words of wisdom. You will stay timeless in our book. I love how you understand things to their core. Blessed be you.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Sami... so glad I took the time to read your story; I needed the "calming effect" it gave me. The gentleness of your words is a "balm" at this particular time. I try to understand things to their core. Wildflowers are an example of timeless beauty. I hope to gain wisdom to survive... gently, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

p.s. The photo with your story is perhaps a
"Dream Catcher". It certainly stirs the Imagination.
truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

All true and well said. You are a wonderful writer. Thank you again.

[Patricia Wedel]

“Let dreams fit in you, not the other way around.” A beautiful Philosophy... gently, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

I'm so glad you like it. Greetings and blessings.