'MISS' Zanzibar and Jim stepped out of the portal onto a stone terrace adorned with built-up flower beds. The heady scent of roses, acacia and jasmine filled the air, their fragrances carried on a soft breeze around the walled enclosure. The sun was high, hot, agreeable, in stark contrast to the crisp winter chill of New York City.

Jim wobbled slightly at Zanzibar's side, somewhat disorientated from their cosmic journey. The passage through took a little longer than he'd anticipated.

Reading the young man's expression, Zanzibar smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, it took me a few minutes to pinpoint Yarko's location. The good news though, is that I haven't lost the knack of creating portals."

"Yeah, sure," Jim replied, rubbing the back of his neck to ease a dull pain. "I just don't like being stuck in those things for long; they kinda mess up my bearings."

"Well, that's understandable for one who does not possess the ability." Without allowing Jim a chance to respond, Zanzibar walked on ahead. She moved between the flowerbeds, her heels clicking on the stone slabs. As she passed the roses she inhaled their scent and smiled, appreciative of the fragrance.

Jim moved into step with the magician, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "Okay, so how did you know where to find 'The Great'?" he asked.

A small smile played on Zanzibar's lips before she answered. "We both underwent training in the City of Flames. There we honed our craft under the tutelage of the lamas. As conjurers, wizards - whatever you wish to call us - we have developed a link, a connection, through our magical abilities."

"Kinda like what they say about twins, then?" Jim volunteered, nodding, pleased with his analogy.

Zanzibar grinned. "Something like that, yes."

They approached a series of arches running perpendicular to the northern wall. Stretching beyond the arcade were windows and a large open doorway. Arabesque drapes rippled lightly affording the approaching men an occasional glimpse of a sumptuous interior. 

With only a few steps remaining, the fabric swept aside, and a turbaned gent stood before them. He looked upon Jim with intense eyes, their depths unfathomable, but remaining friendly.

 Then they rested on Zanzibar. 

At first, The Great seemed a little hesitant but quickly his mouth curved into a warm, welcoming smile. "My friend," he said, his voice deep, soothing. "Ah knew you would come."

"Yarko," Zanzibar replied, a slight tremor in her voice. She offered a handshake - her host cordially accepted.

"Welcome, both of you. Do come in." The sorcerer stepped aside, allowing his visitors entry. 

Jim's eyes widened as he took in the opulent furnishings. The terracotta decor was resplendent with tapestries and soft furnishings in shades of saffron, plum, turquoise and blue. Brass ornate light fittings hung low from the ceiling; their artful designs complex, delicate. 

His eyes then drifted to the right where a large, glass-fronted cabinet commanded his attention. He meandered over while the two sorcerers exchanged more polite greetings.

The cabinet was a treasure trove. Behind the glass, placed on decorative mounts were jewelled daggers of various sizes; trinkets -all shapes, origin and artistry- priceless; rings, equally exorbitant with a myriad of gems and intricate designs. 

But, in the very centre was the most beautiful thing of all - a ruby.  Almost half the size of Jim's palm, the multifaceted jewel was cut to precision; in a word, exquisite. An involuntary "Wow!" escaped Jim as he gaped at the gem.

Yarko suddenly appeared by his side. Jim looked at him, still agog by the cabinet's contents. The sorcerer pointed to the ruby, cushioned within its velvet mount. "This is Ada-La-Hoda. Within its beauty lies powers few can wield. Except for maself." The sorcerer smiled, enigmatic.  Then he continued, "The lamas of the City of Flames gifted it to me when ah was much younger."

"Gifted? Just like that?"

Yarko laughed softly and shared a knowing smile with Zanzibar. "The ways and teachings of the ancients are mysterious," the mild-mannered sorcerer countered. 

Jim nodded subconsciously; he still stood in awe of the ruby. "It's beautiful - somewhat hypnotic."

"Yes. It is enchanting."

Jim shook his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. "But, isn't this a bit risky, having all this on display? I mean, someone could break in and steal it."

Yarko's jaw set tight, and ripples of colour swam within his polychromatic eyes. "Try it."

"What?"

The sorcerer nodded, urging Jim to touch the glass. Jim looked between Yarko and Zanzibar who stood off to the right. The latter very subtly shook her head and mouthed 'No.'

"Erm, I think I will pass, thanks. I reckon some magical ward or something protects it, right?"

Yarko nodded. "Very good, Dynamo. You are correct; it is well gua'ded. As indeed is this entire place. Only those ah permit can come here."

"And where is 'here', if you don't mind me asking?"

The turbaned sorcerer held his gaze for a moment. "Wherever ah wish it to be."

With that cryptic reply, Jim inwardly admitted defeat - he was not privy to such information it seemed. These sorcery-types did like to keep things close to their chests. He exhaled audibly. "Fair enough."

"Would you like some tea?" Yarko asked with a smile, his face instantly softening.

"Sure," Jim replied. He crossed the room to join Zanzibar who had already taken a seat.

'The Great' duly poured the tea and offered it to his guests in china cups with matching saucers.  An arrangement of börek filled with jibneh Arabieh, also zaalouk and mechouia bruschetta lay on a silver platter. Date scones layered with pear and strawberry chilli jam sat on a tiered silver cake stand, with some citrus-flavoured lokum to finish off. 

"Quite the feast," the transformed magician commented as she removed her hat and accepted the tea from her fellow sorcerer.

"Ah thought to add some delicacies which you may particularly enjoy, my friend," Yarko responded, a considerate smile playing on his mouth. "All baked by maself, excep' for the lokum."

"Really? You didn't just conjure this all up?" Jim asked as he enthusiastically loaded his plate with a selection of the nibbles.

"No. Ah cook to relax."

Watching, incredulous, as Jim rammed a whole pastry into his mouth and chewed noisily, Zanzibar masked her disbelief by sipping some tea.

"So," Yarko began, effectively blocking out Jim's fervent munching. "Ah guess you've come looking for a remedy to your - situation?"

"Yes," Zanzibar agreed. "I expect you are the only one who can help me, as it is beyond my abilities for some reason." She took a bite of bruschetta, careful not to let crumbs fall on the Persian carpet.

"My friend," Yarko began, a note of remorse in his voice. "Ah'm afraid ah'm not able to reverse the spell."

Zanzibar's chest heaved, panic set in. She lowered the half-eaten bread onto the tea plate; her appetite instantly dulled. 

Jim halted mid-crunch. "What? You can't change him - I mean her - back? But you are The Great! A king amongst wizards..." He looked apologetically to his 'lady' friend. "...no offence, pal."

Zanzibar, unaware of Jim's unintended slight, remained silent, her face, beautiful yet sad. 

Jim soldiered on. "Yarko, c'mon! You have to able to help! Zanzibar's your friend for goodness sake."  

The turbaned sorcerer put down his cup. The chink of porcelain as it met the saucer seemed amplified in the impermeable silence which filled the room. 

"You were my only hope," Zanzibar murmured.

"Ah cannot undo what has been done.  Only one person can do that - and the Nimbus saw to her."

Zanzibar's eyes narrowed. She looked at Yarko from beneath her now-luscious lashes. "That bitch?"

Jim put down his plate. The tension in the air was now palatable. "So that's it?" He looked between the two magicians, his eyes finally settling on Zanzibar.  "I'm sorry, my friend. I thought Yarko would be able to -"

The mild-mannered sorcerer straightened in his seat, commanding his guests' attention. "Ah said ah could not undo the magic she used. Ah did not say ah couldn't help though."

"And how can you help, exactly?" Zanzibar asked, low, sullen.

'The Great' leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading over his lips. "By locatin' the Sorceress of Zoom."

******

A little slice of spice for you:

Börek - baked filled pastries of Turkish origin

Jibneh Arabieh - an Arabic cheese originated with the Bedouins and made from goat or sheep milk; however, the modern practice is to use cow's milk.

Zaalouk - is a Moroccan salad of grilled aubergine and tomatoes seasoned with garlic and spices.

Mechouia - is a grilled vegetable, tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic salad, that may also contain eggplant.

Lokum - Turkish Delight