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It is written that once, long ago...
during Baghdad's golden rein, a strip of desert...
lay in dispute between Baghdad and Basra.
It was across this desert that a youth name Harun...
journeyed to join his father's caravan, unaware that Allah...
in his mysterious ways, had decided his Destiny.
Father, father!
By Allah's will, I depart, my son.
- They'll pay for this. - Do not give your life for me.
But seek out the maker of these crimes on all Basra.
This, torn from my murderer...
shall one day lead you to vengeance.
Go now, my son, and may Allah keep you.
I'm dying of hunger. I'm dying of thirst.
I'm old, I'm sick.
Oh, son of a fortunate father, give a little coin or I shall perish.
May the greatest felicity come unto you. May your sons be like...
No, Khairuzan, I beg you, leave!
Trouble follows you like a faithful dog.
You want me to leave?
- Then buy these clothes. - No!
Then I'll stay here until I'm found.
Blossom of spring, I appeal to your justice...
these clothes are useless to me. Not worth one dinar.
Somebody's coming. Go! Hide! Quickly!
Welcome to the humble shop of Barcus the Greek.
I would like to buy some clothing, not necessarily new.
Fate has guided you properly, I have many bargains.
Here is one. Imported cloth. The latest fashion in Baghdad.
- And the price? - For you, merely a token.
Shall we say 10 dinars?
Something tells me the price is too high.
Does it not tell you the garment's value?
- Yes, one dinar. - One dinar? For clothes like these?
- You're mad. - Your sign speaks of bargains.
But not of gifts.
You shall have your 10 dinars. Here, it's equal.
20 aspers, but for a complete outfit.
Basra coin.
Follow me.
There are things just arrived from Syria. Find what you like and we'll bargain.
- Khairuzan, I implore you. - No.
Approach, citizens! Gather to hear of your plight!
Of the disgrace to Baghdad!
No longer does Baghdad reflect glory, nor her sons breathe defiance to the enemy!
While Basra steals our land, the Caliph shrinks...
in cowardice refusing war.
- He lies! - No, please! Don't go.
It is not Basra that attacks nor steals from Baghdad.
- What proof is there of you tale? - Are not my words living proof of truth?
- Why does this girl lack discretion? - She lacks nothing else.
Such spirit must be rewarded.
Yet, whilst the Caliph cowers in his palace...
The Caliph does not cower, you horse thief!
It is false that he does not think of his people.
Ignore this daughter of a horsefly that she might return to her kitchen.
Daughter of a horsefly!
Why you misbegotten son of a flea-bitten camel!
- A Dog and a liar! - After her!
Guards, guards!
Let go!
Do not be concerned. This is not your affair.
- The girl, who is she? - Forget about her.
- She is not for you. - How your mouth tightens...
when there's no talk of money!
You are from Basra. What does one call you?
What is your name?
I am Harun...
Son o Unkai.
And your sword? Is it from Basra, too?
No, I found it in your shop.
- It's mine, then. - It was, until I bought it.
Look, my friend. You don't expect a sword like this...
You bought only clothes.
- You... you... It was there by mistake. - You said pick what I like.
Look, here. This is... look.
- You wouldn't go back on your word? - I, a Greek? Never.
- If you insist, I'll buy it back. - No, I like it.
A bargain is a bargain.
Many more such bargains will return me to slavery. Come.
I know you saved my life, but let's be reasonable.
What's so important about this sword?
You did not notice?
Let me have it for a moment.
It didn't work now.
Could I have been wrong about the sword?
You did not expect it to cut heavy iron?
Here. You try it.
Why Zeus, I knew I was right.
Where did you find this weapon?
Right here.
- I see now. - I don't understand.
The sword works for you. Not for me nor did it for him.
It's the magic combination of you and the sword.
I recall legends buried in the forgotten past.
It's written somewhere. I must search.
- There's faint writing on the blade. - Inscriptions. Let me see.
- What does it reveal. - It's in two languages. Both dead.
I'll find a way. I'm the only one who can.
I have ancient records. You may have found a magic weapon.
What glories can be ours. What fortunes won.
By Allah.
Would be magic indeed if this were mine at such a time as this!
Destiny has guided us together!
I to interpret, you to wield the blade!
Alas, good Greek. I do not seek fortune.
But I'm here upon a bitter quest. Can you recognize these?
My destiny is to seek their meaning.
- They are strange to me. - If, in this quest...
- the mysterious sword can aid me... - No! You do not understand!
All swords are two edged. This one doubly so.
It worked for you, yet it refused my effort.
Until we learn more, beware.
Doom may be our fate as easily as success.
I must take that chance.
These legends can wait, my mission must not.
No doom can be greater than to fail in this.
I... I...
But there is discontent in Baghdad.
Rebellion against you is growing, Caliph of Caliphs!
Each day brings news of Basra's violence.
Each day there're more attacks against our people.
Then route our caravans another way.
But the land in question belongs to Baghdad.
The land in question is only sand. That has never been in doubt.
Let Basra keep the sand, Jafar.
For war brings only sorrow and violence.
Let go, fool. Let be!
Hold still, crimson plague!
Behold the conquering hero subduing the helpless girl.
Khairuzan, now what mischief inspires you?
No mischief of mine, father, but of those in the streets who speak bad of you.
So, you've been about the city again, against my orders.
Look at you. You look like all the ginns of Gehenna!
I go among my people only to learn the truth.
- Is there harm in this? - Harm?
Is brawling with rabble fit for a princess?
Such acts are aids to a riot.
A princess would have no need of these acts if your idle son...
did his duty and struck down my father's defamers!
- My son protects the princess. - Protects me?
- He demolishes me. - You are too impetuous.
Impetuous fails to describe such conduct.
The princess's contempt for holy laws...
her behaving like a country wench incites the people.
Destroys faith to the throne.
- Opens the door to rebellion. - Jafar speaks wisdom, my daughter.
I command that the Princess be confined to the Palace.
I charge you, Captain Hadi, with full responsibility.
As you desire, Oh Caliph.
I will have a word in private with you, Prince of True Believers.
If you mean Basra, there will be no war.
It was the Princess I had in mind.
The princess is no longer a child that can be cured by confinement.
True, she has grown into womanhood suddenly.
We did not properly perceive it.
By chance the answer might be in marriage.
For Khairuzan?
It's said that marriage calms the tempestuous nature.
He who now watches over her, would cherish her as his wife.
Granted my son is not gifted in speech or manners...
but he is of noble birth, and as a warrior, second to none.
Your thought indeed has merit. I will speak to Khairuzan.
Perhaps it shall be arranged.
If one's son be not wise, let him at least be tall.
- What is amiss? - I incite a riot.
- You interfere. - It was the foolish Princess.
Enough. It is done.
And the Basra incident avails us nothing!
What can be gained from a strip of desert waste?
What stupidity. It is to undermine the Caliph, take power in our own hands...
that I provoke these troubles! Not for a parcel of sand.
But I'm wasting words. Hearken now to this...
the Caliph will soon consent to your marrying Khairuzan!
Me marry that snarling infant. Ten thousand devils, no!
Why not?
Should something overtake her father, you would go far with her as wife.
- She has great riches? - And should she also suffer...
- a mortal accident. - I could even then be Caliph!
Your keen perceptions humble me.
Caliph of Baghdad. Perhaps Basra conquered.
- The world in the palm of my hand. - Our hands, son. Our hands.
All right, say it! A plague upon me! I'm a thankless pest!
- I'm a thankless pest! - I did not think that, Princess.
Almighty Allah, how could you impose such a life upon us?
While men are permitted to roam, to live...
we are imprisoned in a harem!
There must be so many lands to see!
Lands more beautiful than poets can say!
And wonders unheard of in Baghdad.
Compassionate Allah, how I would like to see for myself!
Why the laughter?
Pray, let us all hear. We could do with some amusement this day.
- It is not of my invention. - Come out with it.
It was told me by the eunuch, who heard it from the guard...
- who heard it from his Captain. - Who was so informed by Hadi...
- Who was told it by Jafar... - Who conferred with the Caliph.
Not who, but what?
Hadi is to marry the Princess Khairuzan!
- What did I hear? - It's true, Oh, Princess.
All know it now!
My father's forsaken me.
To be pawned off like a sick camel.
Let me out!
Let me out, you hear!
Slaughter! Riot! Guards! Guards! Guards!
- What is amiss? - The Princess! The Princess!
- Let me out! - Be quick! Call Hadi!
Princess, princess!
Where does one seek an appointment with the Vizier?
Tie your horse with the others and join in line.
- Your Highness. - Princess.
Captain Hadi.
- She stole my cloak. - There she is.
It is the Princess.
Shehada, my horse!
Let go of me.
- Help me. - All I want is my own horse.
Nothing is yours but this!
Oh Merciful One. Do not leave me.
I'm no protector of thieves.
To me, you could be the protector of all Islam.
You've defeated the greatest swordsman in all the land.
- Keep you thieving hands to yourself. - I swear I will if you take me with you.
Protect me from the cruelest of masters.
You are a slave, then?
Beaten unmercifully. Often starved.
Very well.
May Allah the Magnificent bring you great fortune...
and bless you with many more children.
- I have no children. - Well, blessings upon your wife.
- May she have many children. - I have no wife.
Sit still!
You're troubled, master? Perhaps I can help.
As you have helped me miss an audience with the Vizier?
An audience with the Vizier? Why?
Because, plague of curiosity, I've a cause to plead for my people.
- What is the cause? - It's not your concern!
- You do not look ill-treated or starved. - That is because I recover quickly.
You not only steal, but lie in the bargain.
For one so young, you certainly possess some remarkable talents.
You should be cured of them with a horse-whip.
What will you do with me?
I do not know, yet.
Get down.
Boy.
Run along, now. Attend to your many mischiefs.
But you promised to protect me!
Why... You should exercise, boy.
You're as soft as a woman.
It's a family trait.
I'm more like my mother than my father.
Here. Attach yourself to some other men.
One with less important things to do.
We are on the threshold of a great discovery, my friend.
- You've learned of the sword? - Yes, but only in part.
I believe it is the faithful sword of Damascus.
From the records, I have no doubt, the sword is the magic weapon.
What are the inscriptions? You know them now?
Only the more recent one.
"Let him who can unsheathe this sword...
claim any crown as his reward."
Claim any crown.
Barcus, magic beyond my dreams.
Not so fast, my friend.
Perhaps it is not you the inscription refers to.
See? I too, can unsheathe the sword from its scabbard!
Yes, but for me the sword has already proved its magic.
- It has made me invincible. - Invincible?
Yes. Today I fought a man. His blade clove my neck.
- Look. Not even a scratch. - It is true!
This must be the magic sword of Damascus.
Immune and invincible.
While I hold this sword, no danger can ever harm me.
Wait. Let me see. I read something last night.
Where did I put it?
Here it is.
According to this record, the tyrant Es Segri...
was the last known owner of the sword.
- He died 300 years ago. - How?
I'm not certain, but this speaks of his death through rebellion.
- Then the bones we found... - Might have been the tyrant's...
- whom the sword betrayed. - But if it didn't protect Es Segri...
yet keeps me from injury...
- how can we trust it? - Until I translate...
the second legend, we shall not know.
Meantime, beware.
As wielder of the sword, I can only obey its interpreter.
Leave the sword with me, the second tracing proved faint...
I'll have to make another.
Until later, friend.
Still here, son?
I thought you'd be gone by now, getting your belly full.
I couldn't. This is a coin of Basra. Not acceptable in Baghdad.
Why, so it is.
I have an idea. You and I shall dine together.
- Thank you, kind master. - And after that...
- we shall go wenching. - Tha...
- Wenching? - Yes.
We shall get two pretty wenches, a young one for you...
and a slightly older one for myself.
Kind sir, I have no desire for a wench.
- You what? - I mean...
- You see, I'm still a beardless youth. - A beardless youth.
With skin as soft as a woman's cheek.
But at your age, I had already tried the nectar of a pretty damsel's kiss.
Well, let us only dine tonight.
Next time, I shall bring my own wench.
Your own wench? Well, spoken like a man!
You!
I knew you were a girl, but I had no idea.
The last time I saw you, the guards were taking you away.
If they recognize me now, they'll be taking me away again.
Then my horse isn't the only thing you've stolen.
- Stolen? Why... - Stealing?
- Who speaks of stealing? - It was said in jest.
In jest? We shall see what a search will yield.
Guards!
Move, move.
What is written in your book of faith that brings riot wherever you go?
- You're angry with me. - I should be.
Yet if heaven knew of my desire to find you.
I cannot be too angry if it grants my desire.
You mean you wanted to find me?
Well, yes.
I even bought you a present.
It's beautiful. It's the most wonderful present I've ever had.
You'd better put back your disguise.
If you, a girl, were found here with me...
we'll rot here in jail forever.
Is this indeed a jail? It's a paradise to me.
Still I best think how to escape this paradise.
Escape it? Why? Don't you like being here with me?
Must I like being here with you in jail?
What difference where?
If, as you say, you were happy to find me.
- I was happy to find you. - You said you wish to escape!
- Is there no end to your folly? - So now you think me a fool?
What else shall I think when you speak like a fool.
Perhaps it would have been better if you hadn't found me.
- Perhaps. But I wouldn't be in jail. - Fool. Jail's better than you deserve.
This is my reward for pitying you.
So now it's pity. When all I asked for was a little protection.
Protection? I wouldn't protect you for all the gold in Baghdad!
- You haven't the brains. - Stop screaming. I don't want trouble.
- I won't stop screaming! - What is this riot?
Why heaven. It is a woman.
The lash for you! Betrayer of women!
I will not be bargained for like a litter of sucklings.
A lame excuse for ignoring my orders and running away.
Cavorting in male clothing with a Basranian enemy!
- He's not my enemy. - A jackal who abducted my betrothed.
I'm not your betrothed.
You who can be whipped by any passing traveler.
- I can defeat any man in the land. - Laying helpless without your sword?
- It was an accident. - Accident?
Father, have I grown so distasteful that you want me to marry an accident?
I can bear this no longer. My son has been dishonored.
I shall redeem myself in her eyes. Name but the manner of it.
Let there be a great joust for my hand.
If you should become victor, let that be your redemption.
- Only then shall I marry you. - I accept.
- Is this truly your wish? - Yes, it is.
Let him whom I marry earn my consent.
- It's done then. - Since Hadi is on of my suitors...
- he cannot remain my guard. - True. It would not be proper.
I shall choose my own. The Basranian, Harun...
- Basranian! - I'm sure it would promote sympathy...
and understanding between Basra and Baghdad.
Excellent idea. Let it be so arranged.
- Have I gone mad? - So, you refuse to protect me?
In Baghdad, we keep our promises.
Behold him, Bakhamra. Victor over Hadi...
- rescuer of the Princess Khairuzan. - I admit that was a mistake.
You have important business in Baghdad. I wish to know what it is.
It is not for a willful girl. By business is with the Caliph or the Vizier.
It isn't now. You see, you fought with the Vizier's son...
and you've abducted the Caliph's daughter.
Abducted her? No one in Basra would be gifted with her.
It was difficult to preserve your head on your shoulders.
I managed, however, to reduce your punishment.
- More suitable to your purpose, no? - You shall serve in the guard...
- as my personal attendant. - I would rather lose my head.
That can be arranged too, at some other time.
Now settle your affairs and report in the morning.
Didn't I handle him well? Isn't he wonderful?
But yes, princess, he's handsome.
He will joust for me, too. You will see.
- You think he can best Hadi twice? - Twice or a thousand times.
It was for him that I contrived the joust.
I have learned that he carries a magic weapon.
The invincible sword of Damascus.
A magic sword?
- You are certain? - Yes.
The prize goose is now beyond your selfish grasp!
So that's how I was beaten.
Is there no one to be trusted?
- Help me foil this scheme. - Help you to wed Khairuzan?
Marriage to her is only a convenience.
When I take the throne will I not have beside me the woman of my choice?
- If your words were heartfelt. - Help me obtain the magic weapon.
- If I do? - You won't regret it. I swear.
What foolishness is this?
This "foolishness" is getting me useful information.
The Basranian defeated me with a magic sword.
In truth, a magic sword?
- Or superstitious rumor? - Do not always brand me stupid...
I've seen this sword in action. If I don't have it, we may lose.
Leave such matters to me, tall son.
They cannot be attacked with the clumsiness of a bull.
But rather handled with the cunning of a serpent.
A prisoner in the Guard!
- My own purpose forsaken. - Calm yourself.
Being in the palace may suit your purpose better.
Look at this, I etched the first description here so you children...
- and your grandchildren. - I shall have no children.
Have you then given up the purchase of trinkets?
Having learned of women's mischief, yes.
But for such mischief, the race would soon end.
Well I refuse to share it.
You might just as easily refuse the embrace of a boa constrictor.
Is not the clutch of a reckless woman like the embrace of a snake?
From the day of our birth, we're ruled by their tyranny!
They beat us into dull submission when we're small and curious.
Then beat us in turn when we display no wit!
We submit, helpless, awaiting manhood!
And then what happens? A woman crosses your path!
Pretending helplessness, she traps you to guard, marry her.
The whole ghastly tyranny of childhood repeats itself!
Harun, spoken like a man, but a very young man!
Well, must I cross through the mud?
- Don't drop anything, clumsy. - My experience as a mule is limited.
Your experience in anything is limited.
- Is this where we stop? - These are my friends.
Aschia!
Now you see why I go to the city, at the dismay of my father and the Vizier.
Here. You see, I have not forgotten you.
Take this and buy that shawl about which we spoke before.
Is he your husband?
No, not yet.
Then why does he stare at you like that?
- I don't think he likes me. - I think so. He's just playing a game.
Well, we've many other places to visit.
"Hear, oh True Believers! It is my will as Caliph of Baghdad...
that a joust will be held to honor the Princess Khairuzan!
The victor will be given in marriage the hand of Khairuzan."
A moment more. A portrait to remember this day!
It is gratifying to learn that women exist who would permit themselves...
to be auctioned off for the price of a slit throat.
No doubt such a savage spectacle shall provide better amusement...
for the princess than my melancholy presence.
It will indeed, most stubborn of jackasses!
And if any throats are slit, pray Allay, it could be yours!
- Princess. - Thank you.
Achmed, Prince of Cathay!
Such opposition as I have seen this past hour...
I shall have no need of the magic sword.
Let not your might blind you to reality.
Be not concerned. My father shall see to Harun.
But why your father?
Why cannot we act alone?
Such words are treason!
Does treason exist among traitors?
But for me, you would be ignorant of Khairuzan's scheme.
I hope you remember it when your day of triumph dawns.
When victory makes me Caliph, it shall crown you also.
I rejoice at these words, for I should dislike to gain the Caliph's ear...
before the tourney is ever held!
Did I perceive threat in the harem wench's words?
She will hold her tongue as long as she trusts my purpose.
After the tourney, she won't matter.
At last your brain competes with your muscle.
Now, I have something to show you.
- The Sword! - Patience!
It is but a perfect copy of the magic weapon.
The serpent has devised a plan, oh father of cunning.
Son, you have neglected to honor properly our Basranian guest!
Tonight you shall be host at a party in his honor.
The princess seeks a word with you on the harem's terrace.
How did I get here?
I've been looking for you, but I didn't expect to find you drunk.
I don't understand.
I drank no wine. I smoked only a little.
The guard. We mustn't be seen here.
Come, help me return.
Have you seen those who compete for my hand?
- Is that of your own making. - Are there no men left in Islam?
What ails those that come to joust?
Illustrious princes who will provide you with a noble marriage.
A maid betrothed needs more than just nobility to fulfill her dreams.
Why do not others come forth?
Especially those who have proven their ability to win.
Perhaps such men are not of noble birth to aspire to a princess.
Then such men are fools...
for a princess knows that nobility does not come by birth.
Yet a man would be less than a man...
if he bestow naught but himself upon a princess.
And less a man if he deny her desire.
Would you wish to marry a commoner?
I would wish for a man to take what is his.
What a fool I've been! Had I but known her true self!
- The grip of the boa is tightening. - She is the fairest of the fair of Islam.
She has made me the happiest of men...
and yet, at the same time, the most miserable.
Only a woman can create such an improbable condition in a man.
- Come here, see what I have. - What is wrong with women?
Do they not save us from hunger and danger when we are young?
Do they not teach us good from evil?
Bear our children, serve our needs, weep in sorrow, exult in our joy?
Heaven is indeed merciful to have devised such a glorious fate.
Spoken like a man, but a much older man.
I must enlist in the joust, I cannot live without her.
Harun, if I had a son, he would have been one like you.
Yet I must say to you, do now joust.
Why? Does not the sword promise a crown as reward?
I have at last translated the second legend. Here it is.
"My true reward, shall given be, from grave to stone mysteriously."
It chills my blood.
I shall not forsake Khairuzan because of that.
I warn you, change your course from these to the princess now...
and the sword may fail you.
I came here on a mission that led me to the sword...
and from the sword to her. Each cause equally mine.
And by heaven, when that joust begins, I'll be there.
Harun is now on the list. Have you tested the magic sword?
- Seems like any other sword to me. - Should this Basranian triumph...
all will be ruined. Should the magic sword not work...
It is enough he is without it.
Khairuzan, come.
- The infant grows more comely. - Give me not fresh irritation.
When you are Caliph, you'll have a carpet of maidens.
You jest, Your Excellency.
My scarf, to carry to victory.
Hark ye! Hark ye!
"By proclamation of the Caliph, this joust shall be held...
in accordance with age-old tradition of Ancient Persia.
Each contestant will first choose a color, which
will determine the order of his fighting.
After the colors are chosen, each contestant will return to his tent...
to await commencement of the joust."
"Each contestant will now enter the ring...
as his chosen color is drawn and raised aloft.
All of the contestants will vie simultaneously.
The last man remaining on his horse, to claim the hand...
of the Princess Khairuzan."
The people cheer for your happiness, acknowledge them with happiness.
Khairuzan, we've given our word. Stand by it.
You should have seen it, my princess.
Hadi was so regal when he signed the matrimonial parchment.
It's best you have not seen him since the joust.
His yearning will be even greater when he sees you beneath the veil!
- What happened, Barcus? - Perhaps the sword knew better...
that your destiny was not with Khairuzan.
- But the sword led me to her. - Or it only appeared to.
Harun, have you forgotten the cause that brought you here?
In this, the sword was with you.
I've not forgotten.
I shall pursue my mission.
Barcus!
The inscriptions on the blade, they're gone!
Gone? Impossible.
- What black magic is this? - I smoked a little keefa.
I was drunk without drinking.
I dreamed of her taking it, yet awoke mysteriously before her.
- What are you saying. - This is why I lost!
- We've been robbed of the real sword. - Khairuzan? I cannot believe it.
We'll soon find out. Wait here for me, Barcus.
I shall learn if she's guilty.
It is said that your husband must eat these from your fingers.
To assure the early coming of an heir.
Behold how Hadi the Fearless must be carried...
to the raptures of his bride!
Think how my bride's rapture increases as I keep her waiting.
Are you mad to come here?
- You place is with your mistress. - Why don't I get part of the triumph?
Must I leave my friends to carouse with my wife's maid?
But for your wife's maid, you wouldn't not celebrate today.
My father will see to it that you are rewarded for your services.
Come wench.
Be gone from my chambers, or I'll summon the guards.
It's not in my heart to join him. I cannot
You are wed to him. You cannot betray your trust.
Why did not Harun win the joust? I felt so secure in that promise.
You must forget that passing fancy, daughter.
Remember, your life belongs to the people.
Your marriage to Hadi is important for the welfare of Baghdad.
You have always been given too much courage.
Use it now, as a woman.
Harun, wait.
It's the hand of fate that brings you here in time.
In time to return this, my wedding gift!
You know then?
I know this sword to be as false as her promise.
It's not Khairuzan that is false. Jafar and Hadi drugged you.
May Allah reward you.
Your sword.
Guards! Guards!
Guards!
"Let he who can unsheathe this sword...
claim any crown as his reward."
I'm indeed in the Almighty's favor. A most fortunate circumstance.
You wished to meddle in Khairuzan's life will be fully granted.
You'll be executed for the murders of the Caliph and the Princess.
No one could seek more prominence than that!
An enemy from Basra, caught in the palace. The Royal family murdered.
Think how Baghdad will rise to avenge such murder...
with bloody destruction against your homeland.
This is how you repay my faith and trust!
Arrest him!
Treason.
After them!
There they are!
Give me your cape, quickly!
Under the boat.
They must be here, somewhere. Seek them out!
There they are. After them.
Bring them back.
No, use this. One boat is enough.
Captain, it seems they've given their souls to Allah.
Back to the palace.
Our poor people.
What fate awaits them from the murderers of my father.
- And mine! - But we are together.
And if fate wills, we shall stay together.
Come.
Well done, Sherkan...
- But are you certain of their fate? - Have no doubt...
After our volley, no one survived.
Long live Caliph Hadi.
Whose courageous rule shall raise Baghdad's glory...
to undreamed of splendors.
Go forth and proclaim his reign. Rouse the people round Hadi's name.
Persuade them in devotion to our cause.
The harvest of our efforts now begins.
- Basra will be our first conquest. - My treasury will bulge...
- when Baghdad's new armies march. - Our treasury.
It was good fortune that sent the Basra fool here with this sword...
to reward us with the crown.
"Let him who can unsheathe this sword, claim any crown..."
No, no!
This cannot be so! It is but a horrible dream!
Fool, help me!
- It's to no avail. I cannot move it. - We must!
Do you not grasp the prophecy? We cannot claim the throne...
till first we wrest the sword from this accursed sheath!
I have not schemed and murdered to be foiled by that piece of trash!
Caliph you are, and Caliph you will remain!
Bring in magicians, strong men, fakira, thieves!
10,000 dinar to the one who can unsheathe the sword!
Who's there?
The city is in a turmoil.
It is said the Caliph and Khairuzan were murdered by Harun...
and he too was slain while escaping.
Hadi has reclaimed the throne and prepares to attack Basra.
- What of the sword? - It is still in the wall.
- None can move it. - The second prophesy, grave of stone.
- I must get to the sword. - Don't trust that prophecy of doom.
- It didn't fail me in the joust. - It's too dangerous for you alone.
Why not let me arouse the loyal among my people?
No, the patrols would discover you.
We must trust the sword. It has led me to Jafar and the amulets.
Then wait for tonight. Go to Bakhamra. I'll tell you how.
- We'll need disguises, Barcus. - Yes.
- We? - You would not desert me now.
The army is in readiness to move on Basra.
The men grow impatient.
Take him away. Bring on another.
That's enough.
We dare not move until this accursed sword is unsheathed.
Who goes there?
Second hand clothing for sale.
Be off!
Second hand clothing is gone.
You heard me, peddler. Now be gone!
Second hand uniforms for sale.
It is I, Harun.
- Where is my mistress? - Can you be trusted?
- I swear. I want only to serve her. - Lead me to the sword and I'll tell.
Come.
Halt, peddler.
- Did you not hear us? - What do you want from me?
Those are only goods. I am Barcus!
- Take him to the palace. - Please, don't take me!
I can't leave my shop. Who'll take care of my canary?
Alas. It can never be yours.
Jafar leaves naught to fortune.
Look yonder.
I must try it. Come what may.
Go to the princess Bakhamra. I'll tell you where.
Idiot! Imposter! Jackal!
Out of my sight! Clear off the throne!
Batter down the house!
Bring in the ram! Batter it loose.
Accursed sword! Can nothing move you?
Donkeys! imbeciles! Dogs! Out!
- Charlatan! Away with him! - Time. Excellency!
- Away with him! - Be gone!
Barcus, the slave. Friend of Harun!
- Murdered a guard, huh? - You are in trouble, sir.
Perhaps you will allow a poor Greek mathematician...
You are no killer of soldiers!
Could it be? Perhaps they're alive!
Fools, return. Search his house.
Meantime, take him to the torture chamber.
- I'll question him later. - The rack may loosen his tongue.
What beggar is this?
The Basranian murderer!
Guards! Cut him down!
After him!
Order the guards.
Archers!
Clear for the archers!
The palace is besieged.
Jafar.
Jafar, prince of treason, I claim my royal rights.
Strike down the invaders!
Behold!
With the sword of Damascus, we restore our lives to former peace.
Upon him who saved us, I bestow the title "El Raschid."
"He who follows the righteous cause."
Long live Harun, El Raschid!
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