Unaware of these happenings about him, Jafar al-Sharif continued to badger Zargov. “Now,” he told the blubbering king, “get back on your feet and lead me to where you’re keeping my horses. My friends will meet us there, and we’ll leave your accursed kingdom in peace.”
King Zargov rose shakily from the floor, and Jafar jabbed him with the knife just to remind him of the danger that still threatened. Slowly and carefully, with Jafar behind him every step of the way, the king walked out of his inner chamber and past his guards. Some of them wanted to accompany him as a matter of course, but he hurriedly told them not to, saying he preferred to be alone for a few moments—a sentiment that was truer than they realized.
The royal prisoner led Jafar along a series of tunnels slanting upward towa
