Desert Song

by Fi McConachie & Sarah Western

...and so, most noble host, I found myself alone and lost in the desert. I wondered, searching for a well or oasis, for a man may die of thirst before he even notices hunger. A day and a night passed, and another day. I was ready to consign my soul to God when I saw a city in the distance. It burned with copper fire, ever turret and minaret of perfect proportion. I thought such perfection must surely be an illusion, but when I reached the city gates they were solid and real, and not far beyond was a fountain of pure water.

I thanked God for my deliverance and drank from the well. When I turned away, I realised I could not see the city gates, though I could not have moved more than twenty paces inside. The city was perfect and deserted. The most beautiful city in the world was entirely unpopulated. I consoled myself that I was alive, and that such enchantments cannot long hold one of the faithful, though still I glanced about with increasing fearfulness.

I finally came across a plaza that was not deserted, and the strangest part of my tale, most noble host, is yet to come.

A freeform inspired by the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights for 15 + players