He recalled the story of Harban and the treacherous ferryman, and smiled. Digging his blade deeper into the king’s ribs, he said, “What trick are you trying to play on me? That’s not the Crystal of Oromasd.”
“Yes it is, O wizard,” King Zargov squeaked in panic. “The very same one, I swear it.”
“It looks not right to me. I think you’re lying, and for that you’ll die.”
King Zargov dropped instantly to his bony knees and began weeping like an infant. “Please don’t kill me, O powerful wizard. This is the only crystal I know of. If what you seek is different, I know not where it is.”
Finally convinced the king was not lying to him, Jafar said sternly, “Very well, I’ll accept this one—for now. I give you warning, though: If it turns out to be false, I’ll return to you in dead of night and tu
