'Hakiem!'

He looked about him and saw a band of six urchins descending on him, their eyesbright and eager.

'Good morning, children,' he grimaced, exposing his yellow teeth. 'What doyou wish of old Hakiem?'

'Tell us a story,' they chorused, surging around him.

'Be off with you, sand-fleas!' he moaned, waving an arm. 'The sun will be hottoday. I'll not add to the dryness of my throat telling you stories for free.'

'Please, Hakiem?' one whined.

'We'll fetch you water,' promised another.

'I have money.'

The last offer caught at Hakiem's attention like a magnet. His eyes fastenedhungrily on the copper coin extended in a grubby hand. That coin and four of itsbrothers would buy him a bottle of wine.

Where the boy had gotten it mattered not - he had probably stolen it. Whatconcerned Hakiem was how to transfer the wealth from the boy to himself. Heconsidered taking it by force, but decided against it. The bazaar was rapidlyfilling with people, and open bullying of children would doubtless drawrepercussions. Besides, the nimble urchins could outrun him with ease. He wouldjust have to earn it honestly. Disgusting, the depths to which he had sunk.

'Very well, Ran-tu,' he smiled extending his hand. 'Give me the money, and youshall have any story you wish.'

'After I hear the story,' the boy announced haughtily. 'You shall have the coin... if I feel the story is worth it. It is the custom.'

'So it is.' Hakiem forced a smile. 'Come, sit here beside me so you can hearevery detail.'

The boy did as he was told, blissfully unaware that he was placing himselfwithin Hakiem's long, quick reach.

'Now then, Ran-tu, what story do you wish to hear?'

'Tell us about the history of our city,' the boy chirped, forgetting hispretended sophistication for the moment.