“I’ve seen it happen many times,” said ibn Samman. “My people know it is one of the cruel tricks of the desert, obviously the work of Rimahn. It’s like the mirage lakes and oases that appear and vanish without warning. Such illusions could only come from Rimahn, the father of lies.”
“So you can’t solve the riddle, either?”
“My people have said it’s the work of the Afrits of the air,” ibn Samman replied jovially. “When they get thirsty they make it rain, and then drink up all the water themselves before it can reach the ground. In this way does Rimahn keep the deserts barren and thwart the plan of Oromasd.”
Despite the afternoon heat, Jafar suddenly shivered. He remembered all too well his encounter with the tall, powerful Afrits of the air, and how they had taunted him and knocked him f
