Here at last!

Last night I awakened as if from a dream...I dreamt that I had been wandering along the Silk Road, looking for my companions, but they were no where to be found. I got up, quite disturbed, and made myself a cup of tea. As I sat sipping it in the kitchen, a raven landed upon my windowsill and tapped twice at the window. I immediately opened the sash and she came in. I noticed a small tube fixed to her leg, and as I examined it more closely, found that there was a note inside. Written on an ancient scrap of parchment, it said, simply: "Go look in the closet."

I rushed to my closet, and within it found quite an extraordinary costume--skirts, robes, scarves, golden cuffs and anklets, and a traveling bag. Next to these items was a large rolled carpet. I thought for a moment. Suddenly, the carpet rippled, causing me to step back in alarm, as it slowly shuffled itself through the closet door into the bedroom, and began to unroll. Once fully unfurled, it continued to ripple and eventually rose a few inches off the floor, hovering there. I knew now what I must do, and whom this gift was from--Enchanteur was calling me!

I quickly brushed my teeth, set the house in order, gathered a few things for travel, and dressed in the robes and jewels. I led the carpet out the back door, and looking about so no one would see, I hopped on.

Immediately, we were airborne, and passing rapidly over the earth--the view below was a blur of mountains, trees, lakes, and oceans, and it was magnificent! I lay face down on the carpet, my eyes peeping over the fringed edge, and watched my home planet pass below. After what seemed like minutes, yet also days, the carpet began to descend, and we circled slowly down to what appeared to be a port city--ancient stone buildings and a bustling marketplace. No one took notice as I lightly touched down and rolled the carpet, stashing it for the time being in a corner of a dusty abandoned stall. I looked about, getting my bearings, when a voice behind me said, "It's about time you got here!"

I turned around to see Enchanteur, who swept me into her arms for a great hug.