by 'Ali Al-Andalus

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 26, 2009

The day was perfect - It was neither too hot nor too cool, but that gentile climate which welcomed any insider to the outdoors. The parapets and terraces, minuets, and trees bordering the amphitheater were white with the robes and turbans of the populace eagerly waiting.

A rolling cheer from the crowds announced the royal couple's presence in the amphitheater.

Hacn sat a fine black steed, bred for war, caparisoned in green and crimson velvet, wrought with silk, and enameled with gold and silver, a bridle enriched with jewels and gold bit. The caliph's armor was magnificent, inlaid with gold and silver, covered by a tunic of crimson velvet sowed with gold stars. He wore a silk turban of matching color. His waist fixed with a gold filigree belt, studded with gems and a small buckle stamped with the Nasr crest. His short lance bore gay banderoles.

Hasan was a King worthy of his blood.

His sultana, richly dressed in red and green silks, rode at his side. Her hair, wrists and neck strung with pearls too many to count. She smiled and nodded to the crowd as they passed, causing them to cheer louder.

De Vera approached riding slowly and drinking in every inch of the luxury surrounding him, as if he needed to commit it to memory for future reference. Arcades and galleries, their balustrades hung with scarlet, emerald, and sky blue velvet and supported by columns of marble pillars brilliant with mosaics and gilded plasterwork.

The women, finely formed and exotically splendid, lined the daises. Their silken djaltitas were every color of the rainbow their golden belts and bracelets gleaming in the afternoon sun. Their heads boldly uncovered and their long tresses sparkling with jewels. Strings of jewels, gold bracelets, and belts gleamed in the sunlight. They were finely formed and excessively fair

De Vera intently absorbed in his surroundings rode past the royal couple.

Hasan smirked.

"Leaving the games already?" Hasan called out jerking De Vera from his muse. "Or have my women beguiled you so much you no longer watch where you are going."

De Vera turned.

"Your Excellency," he greeted, bobbing his head. "Only a blind man could look without distraction," he said. "You are a fortunate man. You must be the envy of your kingdom."

Hacn turned to Aisha continuing his congenial outward appearance.

"You should take your seat darling the games will soon begin." He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.

She smiled, nodded, and continued. Her attendants riding at her side and rear, each

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