Genies, Meanies, and Magic Rings by Stephen Mitchell

Author:Stephen Mitchell
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2007-04-03T16:00:00+00:00

“Do exactly as I tell you,” the sorcerer said. “If you don’t follow every detail of my instructions, you will ruin this whole adventure, and you may even cause your own death.”

This is serious, Aladdin thought. I’d better listen very carefully.

“First of all,” said the sorcerer, “walk down the steps. At the bottom you’ll find a large cave that is divided into four rooms. In each of these rooms, you’ll see a large brass urn filled with silver and gold. Do not touch these urns! Don’t even let your clothes brush against them! If you even brush against them with the hem of your sleeve, you’ll be turned into a black stone, and that will be the end of you. Walk around each of these four urns, keeping at least a five-foot distance between you and them, until you have walked through all four rooms. At the back of the fourth room you will find a door. Open this door. It will lead you into a garden filled with fruit trees. Take the path through the fruit trees. It’s about fifty yards long. Are you paying attention?”

“Yes, Uncle, I am.”

“Good. The path leads to another room with a ladder in the middle. Climb the ladder and reach up and take down the lamp that is hanging there from the ceiling. Pour out the liquid and put the lamp into your largest pocket. Don’t be afraid that the liquid will stain your clothes—it isn’t oil, and as soon as you pour it out, the lamp will be dry. After you climb back down the ladder, you may pick any fruit you want from the trees. They belong to you, as long as you have the lamp.”

“Yes, Uncle. I understand.”

“One last thing,” the sorcerer said. “Come here, to this side of the ditch.” When Aladdin came, the sorcerer leaned over, took a ring from the middle finger of his right hand, and gave it to Aladdin. “This ring will protect you from almost any harm that can come to you. Put it on.”

“Oh,” said Aladdin, slipping on the ring. “Thank you.”

“But it can only protect you if you follow my instructions to the letter. Will you do that?”

“I promise,” Aladdin said. And he turned around, walked back to the marble staircase, and descended the stairs into the dark.

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