What's A man to do
Anson walked into the room nervous, but trying to hide it. He wanted to show no weakness with which to give the council something to use against him. These men were held up on a pedestal in the village as their word was law, and having power like that was heady and dangerous. Any weakness perceived by them would disgust them and guarantee that they would not listen to his petition. He had to show the proper respect and humbleness without being overly obsequious. This was a delicate balance, but Anson having grown up in the village, knew the game that had to be played or hoped he did. Anson tried to read the panel of four men to see who was the dominant one. It seemed from his posture and direct stare at him that the man facing him on the right was the leader. The others posture seemed to indicate this to be true. Especially the younger man on the left at the end. He was looking at the leader as if to get a cue how to proceed. The other two were looking at him unsure of what they were going to do.
The man in front of Anson, the leader is Abdul-Hamin. His name means servant of the praised one. His name suited him as his father had been an elder of great standing in Al simhara, and his son served him in his business until he died. His father was beloved by the people, and his passing was mourned greatly. While his father was a kind, generous, caring man who always put the people first, this did not garner his father great wealth. Abdul-Hamin always craved the standing his father had, but he craved power and riches more. That is why Abdul-Hamin sold his soul to Abdullah, and why Abdullah rewarded him with this superior position on the council. It is true, he was Abdullah's puppet, but only for now. Someday when he was wealthy and powerful enough he would bring Abdullah down and take his place. Being ambitious, there was nothing too horrible, or cruel that he wouldn't do. The people of Al simhara feared him just as much as they did Abdullah, maybe more, as Abdullah was cruel only if it furthered him in his business, Abdul-Hamin was cruel to prove himself, because he had a name to make for himself. Truth be known, he enjoyed the fear that people showed toward him. It made him feel powerful.
The man to Abdul-Hamin's right is a colorless blob of a man named Al Safi. His name means clean and pure. He fit his name ad Al Safi was on the council believing he could help others. His intentions were clean and pure. He just joined the council 2 months ago. If it wasn't for Abdul-Hamin every person that walked in here would get their way. Al Safi was appointed by Abdullah as he was his sister's kid. Abdul-Hamin had tried to protest, but Abdullah just folded his arms and gave him a cold stare. That stare still sent chills to his heart thinking about it, and he acquiesced graciously having no choice. Yet he constantly had to stop Al Safi treating every petitioner like a stray pet, wanting to help all. Abdul hated Al Safi. This dolt actually thought the council was here to help people. What a laugh that was. Yet a few times, after refusing to grant a petition, Al Safi got a back bone and went to his Uncle Abdullah forcing Abdul-Hamin to give in to Al Safi and help a few unworthy people even though it made him appear weak and hurt the council's ruthless reputation. Abdullah was the silent head of the council and his word was law. Abdul-Hamin thought it was disgusting how Abdullah caved to his nephew's wishes. Personally he would never let relations dictate to him. Abdul-Hamin knew though that the few times Al Safi did so, it had taken a lot of courage as everybody feared Abdullah, especially his family, who had been the brunt of his temper most of the time.. Al Safi didn't have the back bone to keep running to Abdullah Uncle or not. So he could wait. Sooner or later he would be supreme leader of the council, and eventually the leader of Al Simhara like Abdullah.
The man's name on the left of Anson at the end is Ghassan. His name means ardor, vigor of youth. He was appointed by Abdullah, because he was the son of a loyal henchman who he wanted to reward. Ghassan was in awe of Abdul-Hamin, and considered him to be a mentor to him. Abdul-Hamin was pleased that Ghassan was on the board. He could always use a toadie. Ghassan could always be counted on to side with Abdul-Hamin for the most part. Ghassan was ambitious like Abdul-Hamin, so having him on the council suited him so he could keep an eye on him. If he wasn't careful with his connections to Abdullah he could rise above him. Well he could always plan some unfortunate accident if he got too much in the way. Ghassan was no dummy though like Abdul-Hamin thought and was well aware that he had to tread carefully. He was in awe of Abdul-Hamin it is true, but he was aware that he was dangerous. Ghassan admired Abdul-Hamin as he had taught him so much. He wasn't cruel like Abdul-Hamin, but ambitious. He wanted to be respected by the people and in a position to really help them. Although he didn't like the tactics that Abdul-Hamin used, he was learning the things he would need to accomplish this.
Last, but not least, the man on the other end to Anson's right is Labib. His name means sensible, intelligent. Unfortunately that is not what Labib was, but what his parents maybe hoped he would be according to Abdul-Hamin. Parents in this part of the world named their kids what they hoped their child would be, or what they perceived they would be. Labib never wanted to be on the council, but was forced to by his father. His father was good friends with Abdullah, if anybody could be considered a friend of his, and had wanted better for his son than working in a museum. Labib had loved working in the museum and never wanted to do anything else. He resented being forced into this position, as he didn't like anything the council did or stood for. He was powerless to change things and that was the main reason among many he didn't want to be on the council. His father made it clear though that once granted such an honor you could not go back on it without offending Abdullah, and Labib knew that would be extremely foolish to do so. Labib, was very shrewd, and played dumb so as not to be perceived as a threat. He was biding his time hoping that Abdullah would find someone else he wanted to appoint to the council so he could be released. He knew being on the council was an honor, but he couldn't help it their practices disgusted him.
The man in front of Anson, the leader is Abdul-Hamin. His name means servant of the praised one. His name suited him as his father had been an elder of great standing in Al simhara, and his son served him in his business until he died. His father was beloved by the people, and his passing was mourned greatly. While his father was a kind, generous, caring man who always put the people first, this did not garner his father great wealth. Abdul-Hamin always craved the standing his father had, but he craved power and riches more. That is why Abdul-Hamin sold his soul to Abdullah, and why Abdullah rewarded him with this superior position on the council. It is true, he was Abdullah's puppet, but only for now. Someday when he was wealthy and powerful enough he would bring Abdullah down and take his place. Being ambitious, there was nothing too horrible, or cruel that he wouldn't do. The people of Al simhara feared him just as much as they did Abdullah, maybe more, as Abdullah was cruel only if it furthered him in his business, Abdul-Hamin was cruel to prove himself, because he had a name to make for himself. Truth be known, he enjoyed the fear that people showed toward him. It made him feel powerful.
The man to Abdul-Hamin's right is a colorless blob of a man named Al Safi. His name means clean and pure. He fit his name ad Al Safi was on the council believing he could help others. His intentions were clean and pure. He just joined the council 2 months ago. If it wasn't for Abdul-Hamin every person that walked in here would get their way. Al Safi was appointed by Abdullah as he was his sister's kid. Abdul-Hamin had tried to protest, but Abdullah just folded his arms and gave him a cold stare. That stare still sent chills to his heart thinking about it, and he acquiesced graciously having no choice. Yet he constantly had to stop Al Safi treating every petitioner like a stray pet, wanting to help all. Abdul hated Al Safi. This dolt actually thought the council was here to help people. What a laugh that was. Yet a few times, after refusing to grant a petition, Al Safi got a back bone and went to his Uncle Abdullah forcing Abdul-Hamin to give in to Al Safi and help a few unworthy people even though it made him appear weak and hurt the council's ruthless reputation. Abdullah was the silent head of the council and his word was law. Abdul-Hamin thought it was disgusting how Abdullah caved to his nephew's wishes. Personally he would never let relations dictate to him. Abdul-Hamin knew though that the few times Al Safi did so, it had taken a lot of courage as everybody feared Abdullah, especially his family, who had been the brunt of his temper most of the time.. Al Safi didn't have the back bone to keep running to Abdullah Uncle or not. So he could wait. Sooner or later he would be supreme leader of the council, and eventually the leader of Al Simhara like Abdullah.
The man's name on the left of Anson at the end is Ghassan. His name means ardor, vigor of youth. He was appointed by Abdullah, because he was the son of a loyal henchman who he wanted to reward. Ghassan was in awe of Abdul-Hamin, and considered him to be a mentor to him. Abdul-Hamin was pleased that Ghassan was on the board. He could always use a toadie. Ghassan could always be counted on to side with Abdul-Hamin for the most part. Ghassan was ambitious like Abdul-Hamin, so having him on the council suited him so he could keep an eye on him. If he wasn't careful with his connections to Abdullah he could rise above him. Well he could always plan some unfortunate accident if he got too much in the way. Ghassan was no dummy though like Abdul-Hamin thought and was well aware that he had to tread carefully. He was in awe of Abdul-Hamin it is true, but he was aware that he was dangerous. Ghassan admired Abdul-Hamin as he had taught him so much. He wasn't cruel like Abdul-Hamin, but ambitious. He wanted to be respected by the people and in a position to really help them. Although he didn't like the tactics that Abdul-Hamin used, he was learning the things he would need to accomplish this.
Last, but not least, the man on the other end to Anson's right is Labib. His name means sensible, intelligent. Unfortunately that is not what Labib was, but what his parents maybe hoped he would be according to Abdul-Hamin. Parents in this part of the world named their kids what they hoped their child would be, or what they perceived they would be. Labib never wanted to be on the council, but was forced to by his father. His father was good friends with Abdullah, if anybody could be considered a friend of his, and had wanted better for his son than working in a museum. Labib had loved working in the museum and never wanted to do anything else. He resented being forced into this position, as he didn't like anything the council did or stood for. He was powerless to change things and that was the main reason among many he didn't want to be on the council. His father made it clear though that once granted such an honor you could not go back on it without offending Abdullah, and Labib knew that would be extremely foolish to do so. Labib, was very shrewd, and played dumb so as not to be perceived as a threat. He was biding his time hoping that Abdullah would find someone else he wanted to appoint to the council so he could be released. He knew being on the council was an honor, but he couldn't help it their practices disgusted him.
Anson walked forward and bowed. He was taken aback as the man he saw as the leader, had a scowl on his face. This could not be good. Anson hadn't even said a word, and he could feel the hostility from this man. The guy to the leader's right seemed almost indifferent.
Anson: All wise sirs. Most powerful ones, I have come to you today to plead my humble petition to you.
Abdul-Hamin: Silence! Were you granted permission to speak?
Anson: Pardon me my Lord.
Abdul-Hamin seeing the richness of Anson's clothes: Your petition is of little importance to us, but we would be willing to listen to it, even though our time is "Valuable" and we have many important matters to attend to.
Anson heard the man's emphasis on the word valuable, and realized he was telling him that they require some money just to hear his petition with no guarantees they would help him.
Anson: All wise sirs. Most powerful ones, I have come to you today to plead my humble petition to you.
Abdul-Hamin: Silence! Were you granted permission to speak?
Anson: Pardon me my Lord.
Abdul-Hamin seeing the richness of Anson's clothes: Your petition is of little importance to us, but we would be willing to listen to it, even though our time is "Valuable" and we have many important matters to attend to.
Anson heard the man's emphasis on the word valuable, and realized he was telling him that they require some money just to hear his petition with no guarantees they would help him.
Anson was floored. He never expected this. He after all the trips back and forth had no ready cash. All his worth was wrapped up in his businesses and house. The most he could scrape up would probably not suffice, but he had no choice.
Anson treading carefully: Sirs, I realize your time is valuable and would like to recompense you for your time. I can get you 10,000 simoleans.
Abdul-Hamin insulted: You dare to insult me with your pittance? Get out of my face! I have no more patience with you.
Anson desperate: Exalted one. I am a rich man, but I need time to come up with a sufficient amount. I promise you though that if you will hear my petition, I will be most generous and will get the money to you before two full moons have passed.
Abdul-Hamin smiling evilly this man really was desperate. This might be his chance to take a big step toward becoming rich.
Abdul-Hamin knew that he would have to as usual give Abdullah a cut, but that was no problem, but he would find a way to keep most of it.
Abdul-Hamin: Very well. I will listen to your petition, but for the delay in payment, I require 100,000 simoleans and I am being very generous in offering to let a man in your position pay such a paltry amount. Make no mistake though, although we cannot force you to make payment, God has repaid those who refused in a most unfortunate way. Poor Marid his body was never found. It is indeed too bad that he disappeared before he had the chance to pay.
Anson had heard of this Marid, he had disappeared from his house one morning, never to be seen or heard from again. Nobody had ever known what happened to him, but now Anson knew. The council punished him for his not paying their price. He could never prove anything against this council member, but the message was clear. Pay up as promised or die.
Abdul-Hamin smiled. No matter he was God and punished Marid, but he wasn't powerful enough to risk admitting to that fact, but he knew that Anson understood.
Anson treading carefully: Sirs, I realize your time is valuable and would like to recompense you for your time. I can get you 10,000 simoleans.
Abdul-Hamin insulted: You dare to insult me with your pittance? Get out of my face! I have no more patience with you.
Anson desperate: Exalted one. I am a rich man, but I need time to come up with a sufficient amount. I promise you though that if you will hear my petition, I will be most generous and will get the money to you before two full moons have passed.
Abdul-Hamin smiling evilly this man really was desperate. This might be his chance to take a big step toward becoming rich.
Abdul-Hamin knew that he would have to as usual give Abdullah a cut, but that was no problem, but he would find a way to keep most of it.
Abdul-Hamin: Very well. I will listen to your petition, but for the delay in payment, I require 100,000 simoleans and I am being very generous in offering to let a man in your position pay such a paltry amount. Make no mistake though, although we cannot force you to make payment, God has repaid those who refused in a most unfortunate way. Poor Marid his body was never found. It is indeed too bad that he disappeared before he had the chance to pay.
Anson had heard of this Marid, he had disappeared from his house one morning, never to be seen or heard from again. Nobody had ever known what happened to him, but now Anson knew. The council punished him for his not paying their price. He could never prove anything against this council member, but the message was clear. Pay up as promised or die.
Abdul-Hamin smiled. No matter he was God and punished Marid, but he wasn't powerful enough to risk admitting to that fact, but he knew that Anson understood.
Anson threw his head back and bunched his fist in agony. This was a nightmare. It couldn't be happening! He came to the council for help, and to get that help, it would cost him everything he had!