REBIRTH OF THE CRESCENT

📌 Previously in Chapter 28:

Zayd's invention — The Cloud Cart — stunned Baghdad, earning praise and awe. In a crowded auction hall, it sold for 500 gold dinars to none other than Salim al-Dhahabi, the most powerful spice merchant in the region. Now flush with coin and new fame, Zayd and Qadir begin to enjoy the rewards of their hard work… until a new door opens.

📍 Scene: Baghdad – "House of Lentils" Restaurant – Midday

The smell of cumin, lamb stew, and flatbread filled the air as Zayd and Qadir sat cross-legged on a low carpeted platform, their plates piled with rice, roasted eggplant, and pickled olives. Nimr pecked politely at a corner plate of seasoned goat.

QADIR (mouth full):

"Mmm. You taste that? That's success, brother. Tastes like pepper and coin."

ZAYD (grinning):

"Don't get used to it. One victory doesn't make an empire."

QADIR:

"True. But it does make dessert."

The two laughed, leaning back against the cushions. For the first time in weeks, they felt warmth not just from the sun — but from earned peace.

Then a shadow approached.

A well-dressed man in his fifties, with a neat beard and silver-stamped ring, bowed slightly.

SERVANT (respectfully):

"Young master Zayd ibn Suleiman?"

ZAYD:

"Yes?"

SERVANT:

"I come on behalf of Master Salim al-Dhahabi, who sends his compliments and invites you to dine at his residence this evening. He is most impressed and wishes to speak business... and friendship."

He handed over a folded envelope, sealed with saffron-colored wax.

Zayd took it carefully and nodded.

ZAYD:

"Tell your master I will be there — on time."

The servant bowed again and disappeared into the street.

📍 Scene Change: Baghdad Streets – Afternoon

Qadir and Zayd walked through the bustling Jadid Bazaar, dodging playful children and loud fruit vendors. Spices perfumed the air — cinnamon, cardamom, and chili blending in waves.

QADIR (grumbling):

"Do we really have to go? Rich people make me nervous. They always smile before they eat you."

ZAYD (chuckling):

"Salim al-Dhahabi didn't get rich by eating guests. He buys them."

QADIR:

"Exactly. What if he wants to buy us?"

ZAYD (with a smirk):

"Then we name our price wisely."

They passed a young boy painting calligraphy on scrolls. Zayd stopped and bought one — a phrase that read: "Silence weighs more than silver."

QADIR:

"Poetic. You planning to impress Salim with wisdom?"

ZAYD:

"I plan to listen more than speak. That's how the wise trade."

📍 Scene: Gates of Salim al-Dhahabi's Residence – Sunset

The sun dipped low behind Baghdad's domes as Zayd and Qadir arrived at a large but tastefully designed house of polished sandstone and blue mosaic tiles. Olive trees lined the walkway, and the scent of rosewater lingered in the air.

Guards stood silently at the gate, and one led them inside as soon as Zayd spoke his name.

End of Chapter 29