Read The Ring of Solomon for Free Online

cleared. That is all.’
    Khaba bowed and returned to his place amongst the crowd, his shadow trailing like a cloak behind him.
    ‘With that settled,’ Solomon said, ‘we may return to other matters. Hiram?’
    The vizier clicked his fingers. A small white mouse somersaulted out of the empty air and landed on his hand. It carried a papyrus scroll, which it unfurled and held ready for his inspection. Hiram studied the lists briefly. ‘We have thirty-two judicial cases, Master,’ he said, ‘that have been referred to you by your magicians. The plaintiffs await your judgement. Among the issues to be dealt with are a murder, three assaults, a marriage in difficulties and a neighbourly dispute regarding a missing goat.’
    The king’s face was impassive. ‘Very well. What else?’
    ‘As always, many petitioners from far afield have come to ask your aid. I have chosen twenty to make formal appeals to you today.’
    ‘I will hear them. Is that all?’
    ‘No, Master. Word has come from our djinn patrols in the southern deserts. They report further attacks by brigands. Remote farmsteads have been burned and the inhabitants slaughtered, and there have been depredations on the trade routes too – caravans attacked, and travellers robbed.’
    Solomon shifted in his chair. ‘Who controls the southern patrols?’
    A magician spoke, a woman of Nubia, dressed in a robe of tightly wound yellow cloth. ‘I, Master.’
    ‘Summon more demons, Elbesh! Track down these “brigands”! Discover the truth: are they simple outlaws, or mercenaries working for foreign kings? Report to me tomorrow.’
    The woman grimaced. ‘Yes, Master … only—’
    The king frowned. ‘Only what?’
    ‘Master, saving your pardon, I already control nine strong, unruly djinn. This takes up all my energies. To summon yet more slaves will be difficult.’
    ‘I see.’ The king cast his eyes impatiently across the circle. ‘Then Reuben and Nisroch will assist you in this little task. Now—’
    A tousle-bearded magician raised his hand. ‘Great King, forgive me! I too am presently somewhat stretched.’
    The man beside him nodded. ‘And I!’
    Now the vizier, Hiram, ventured to speak out. ‘Master, the deserts are vast and the resources of we, your servants, are limited. Is this not a time when you might consider aiding us? When, possibly, you might—’ He halted.
    Solomon’s kohl-rimmed eyes blinked slowly, like a cat’s. ‘Go on.’
    Hiram swallowed. Already he had said too much. ‘When … perhaps you might consider using’ – his voice was very faint – ‘the Ring?’
    The king’s expression darkened. The knuckles of his left hand gripped white upon the arm-rest of the throne. ‘You question my commands, Hiram,’ Solomon said softly.
    ‘Great Master, please! I meant no offence!’
    ‘You dare pronounce how my power might be used.’
    ‘No! I spoke without thinking!’
    ‘Can it be you truly wish for this?’ The left hand shifted; on the little finger a flash of gold and black obsidian caught the light. Below the throne the lion-afrits drew back their lips and made snapping noises in their throats.
    ‘No, Master! Please!’ The vizier cowered to the floor; his mouse sought concealment in his robes. Across the hall the assembled watchers murmured and drew back.
    The king reached out, turned the Ring upon his finger. There was a thud of sound, a buffet of air. A darkness fell across the hall, and in the centre of that darkness a Presence stood tall and silent beside the throne. Four hundred and thirty-seven people fell flat upon their faces as if they had been struck.
    In the shadows of the throne Solomon’s face was terrible, contorted. His voice echoed as if from a cavern in the earth: ‘I say to all of you: Be careful what you desire .’
    He turned the Ring again upon his finger. At once the Presence vanished; the hall was filled with sudden light and there were birds singing in the gardens.
    Slowly, unsteadily, magicians,