Prince Ahmed and Paribanou

In the heart of the ancient East, under the rule of a wise and powerful Sultan, lived three brothers: Prince Houssain, Prince Ali, and Prince Ahmed. All three were brave, noble, and deeply in love with their cousin, the Princess Nouronnihar. To resolve the conflict of who would win her hand, the Sultan proposed a quest. He commanded his sons to travel to distant lands and return with the most extraordinary marvel. The one who brought back the most unique wonder would marry the princess.

While the older brothers set out on their paths, seeking wisdom similar to the chronicles found in The Seven Viziers, Prince Ahmed took a direction that would lead him into the realm of the supernatural. The brothers agreed to meet at a specific inn after one year. Prince Houssain found a magic carpet, and Prince Ali discovered an ivory tube that showed any place one wished to see. Ahmed, however, wandered further than any of them, his journey echoing the grand scale of architectural mysteries seen in The City of Brass.

The Encounter with Paribanou

As the brothers reunited, they used their combined artifacts to save the Princess from a deadly illness. However, the Sultan, unable to choose between the carpet, the tube, and the magical apple Ahmed had found, declared an archery contest. Ahmed’s arrow flew so far that it vanished from sight. While his brothers’ arrows were easily found, Ahmed’s disappearance led him on a trek as perilous as Sindbad The 4th Voyage.

Following the trajectory of his lost arrow, Ahmed reached a steep mountain where he discovered a hidden iron door. Beyond it lay a subterranean palace of unimaginable splendor. There, he met Paribanou, a powerful Peri (fairy). She revealed that it was her magic that had drawn his arrow so far, for she had chosen him to be her husband. Unlike the terrifying entities encountered in The Merchant and the Genie, Paribanou was a benevolent spirit of immense grace. She offered Ahmed her hand, her kingdom, and her eternal loyalty.

Trials of the Sultan

Ahmed lived in bliss with Paribanou, but his frequent absences from the Sultan’s court sparked suspicion. A sorceress, hired by the Sultan’s jealous viziers, spied on Ahmed and convinced the Sultan that his son was plotting a coup with the help of a powerful fairy. The Sultan began to demand impossible tasks from Ahmed to test his loyalty and the extent of Paribanou’s power.

First, the Sultan asked for a tent that could shelter an entire army but fit into the palm of a hand. Paribanou, whose magic surpassed even the oceanic wonders of The Story of Gulnare, provided the pavilion effortlessly. Next, the Sultan demanded the water of the Fountain of Lions. With Paribanou’s guidance and a magical ball of thread, Ahmed successfully navigated the lions’ den and returned with the life-giving water.

The Final Confrontation

Finally, the Sultan demanded that Ahmed bring a man no more than three feet tall who could defeat an entire army with a heavy iron bar. This was Schaibar, Paribanou’s brother. When Schaibar arrived at the palace, his appearance was as fierce as his strength. Upon seeing the Sultan’s treachery and the ill-treatment of Ahmed, Schaibar used his iron bar to clear the court of the corrupt viziers and the sorceress.

The Sultan, realizing his folly, reconciled with Ahmed. Prince Ahmed and Paribanou eventually ascended to the throne, ruling with a blend of human wisdom and fairy magic. Their legend remains a cornerstone of Alif Laila, teaching that true love and loyalty can overcome even the most formidable magical trials.

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