"Hamza you sit here and play with your toy. Mama will be back in an hour. She has to go and sell these with grandma Asiah." She told her son gesturing to a pile of earthenware. The kid was strong and tall for 7 year old . He was as captivating as the moon. Large black eyes full of intelligence and mischief , a thick mane of slightly curling black hair ,eyelashes so long that they created little shadows on his face, and full lips that were pouted right now for the boy was scowling at his mother making him more adorable.
"Why can't I come with you and grandma ?" he asked obstinately .
"You will get tired child and the donkey has to carry the pottery . He may not be able to carry you both" the old woman standing with her replied gently with a smile to the sullen little boy
"But mother I can walk. I don't want to sit here all alone" he replied.
"Now Ameer. Be a good boy and listen to mother. And You won't be alone. I am leaving him with you" she replied as she handed the boy a soldier made out of clay adorned with a little sword and shield, along with a battle horse of the same size. The thing was painted in such colours, that made them look real. Ameer held out his hand in interest.
"Grandfather Aristo made this himself" she told him with a smile.
"Fine mother. I shan't be bored now" the little boy sat down on the ground to play. "We will be back after a while. Don't wander off boy" his grandmother called back to him as she and his mother entered the city gates. The boy already busy with his new plaything hardly looked up .
All three of them had travelled from their cottage in the forest crossing the tiny village to sell pottery in the city. The little donkey they had was already a little tired from carrying the boy and the load both. So they had to stop for some time to give the poor creature some rest. When the donkey had recovered they decided to go through the city gates without Hamza so as not tire the beast again.
The boy was so busy playing with his toys that he paid no attention to his surroundings. He did not see the other boy standing near by.
That other boy was now trying to move closer to him inconspicuously, his eyes fixed on the toys as well.
"Where did you get those.?" Unable to contain himself he finally asked Ameer.
"My grandfather made them for me," replied Ameer Shortly without looking up.
"If I were to buy these what will you take for them?" asked the other boy.
"Nothing. I won't sell them" replied Ameer still not looking up.
"But I want these toys" insisted the boy.
"Well you can't have them. They are mine" replied Ameer Shortly.
"You won't sell them?" Asked the boy.
Ameer looked up. The boy was thin and slender. He had delicate and slightly feminine features. His silk brown black hair tied back in a little ponytail. He was as tall like Ameer although not as Strong but he was just as captivating. He was dressed in fine clothes. Better then Ameer's anyway.
"Not even for a 100 gold coins " replied Ameer obstinately.
"What if I were to give you a magic lamp?" the boy asked.
"A magic lamp? What will it do?" asked Ameer now interested.
" It will make you wise" replied the other boy.
" Will it get my mother a beautiful dress?" asked Ameer
"When you become wise you can get the dress yourself" replied the other boy.
"Fine show me this lamp of yours and we will talk" Ameer got up clutching his toys.
"Follow me" the boy said gleefully.
"My mother told me not to wander" said Ameer hesitating.
"We won't go far. Now come on" said the boy excitedly
He lead Ameer to a street nearby with big houses.
"Wait here" he said as he entered one of them.
Ameer waited patiently. The boy returned after a few minutes. He was now holding a brass lamp. The lamp looked worn and black.
"This was what you were talking about?" asked Ameer looking doubtful.
"Yes. The very same. Come now let's exchange " he said excitedly.
Ameer held out his toys and the boy handed him the lamp.
"This does not make me feel any different" Ameer said holding the lamp. The boy had the soldier in one hand and the horse in other
"You have to close your eyes and rub it as hard as you can ,for it to work" replied the boy shaking his head. " now close your eyes and count to ten" he said
Ameer closed his eyes and started counting loudly while rubbing the lamp. He reached to ten. Nothing happened. So he opened his eyes to tell the boy. Only the boy was nowhere in sight.
"The cheater. He tricked me" Ameer cried looking around. He couldn't see the boy anywhere. Feeling dejected he turned to go back. He had walked only halfway when he saw the boy again. This time however he was on the ground ,and in tears. Three older boys were standing above him clutching the toys that he had just exchanged with the lamp.
"Please give them back . They are mine" he wailed.
"Give them back? Why? I think we will keep them. They are different from any other toys that we have" replied the bigger of the three boys with a laugh.
The boy on the ground cried harder.
"That's right. Wail like a girl. We all know you are nothing but a cry baby" sneered the second boy
"Give them back." Ameer went straight to stand behind the fallen boy" or else".
"Oh look , our cry baby has a friend. What will you do if we don't give them back huh?" asked the bigger one laughing. The other two nodded as well.
"I will make you" he replied holding out his hand to the boy on ground. The crying boy was now looking confused , but he took Ameer's hand and stood up.
"Fine go ahead. Let's see what you can--- " stared the big boy but he stopped short as Ameer's fist made contact with his nose, resulting in a loud crunch. He doubled up howling in pain , as blood flowed freely from his nose. He sat down on the ground, clutching his nose.
"What are you two waiting for, get him" he snarled. The other two began to move towards Ameer , clenching their fists in a menacing manner, but were stopped in their tracks by a punch to the stomach of one and kick to the shins of the other. They both joined their howling companion on the ground. Ameer snatched the toys out of their hands and turned away from them.
"Come" he ordered the crying boy who's mouth was now hanging open in amazement. He quietly followed him to the city gates.
"Why did you help me? I was so bad to you" he asked confused.
"Because my mother says good people help everyone. Even the bad people . That's what makes them different " replied Ameer. The boy Stared." That's an unusual thing to say" he said amazed.
"Doesn't your mother tell you not to cheat?". Asked Ameer
"I don't have a mother . I only have father. And he never has much time for me" the boy replied shrugging.
Something stirred in Ameer's heart. It was suddenly filled with warmth for the other boy . He smiled.
"Here ,you can keep them. I am sure my grandfather can make me some more" Ameer told him holding out the toys. The boy made no move to take them.
"No it was wrong of me to cheat you" he insisted.
"Well . You didn't cheat me exactly . The lamp did make me wise. I am now wise enough never to fall for such a trick again" he laughed.
The boy joined in looking amused. He still made no motion to take the toys.
"how about we both share ?" asked Ameer.
"Really. You would share them with me?" asked the boy incredulous.
"Yes I will. This way we can both play. I don't live that far off" replied Ameer.
The boy's face broke into an actual smile. " I would love that."
" I am Ameer Hamza." Said Ameer holding out his hand
" I am Omru" the other boy took it
And they both sealed the fate of their friendship with that handshake.