"Ahhhh...This is the life, little brother," Doubar drawled as he stared up at the cloudless, sapphire blue sky.

Sinbad, who was lying beside him on the sand, concurred. "But I don't think I'd want to sleep my life away, Doubar."

Doubar shook his head. "Your problem, Sinbad, is that you don't know how to be still for longer than five minutes at a time. Relax....we've got nothing but time on our hands for the next three days."

"I know." Sinbad sat up and shrugged out of his vest. The golden rays of the sun would feel good soaking into his bare skin. He had just pulled the tail ends of his shirt from his trousers, when Dermott soared over his head. Sinbad was surprised to see the Hawk, for he and Maeve had wandered off over two hours ago to explore the island. "What is it, Dermott?" Sinbad asked, jumping to his feet.

Dermott perched on a nearby piece of driftwood and began to chirp. A moment later Sinbad caught his breath as a vision of Maeve appeared in his mind. She was trapped in some kind of web-like cage. "Who did this to her?" Sinbad asked the hawk. And in a flash he saw a beautiful face. Turok's daughter. Sinbad felt anger simmer deep in his gut. "Show us where to find her, Dermott," he ordered. Then Sinbad turned where Firouz and Rongar were lounging. "Come on, men!" he shouted. "We have to rescue Maeve."

Firouz came running over, with Rongar right behind him. "What are you talking about Sinbad?"

Sinbad swallowed an impatient sigh as he tried to tuck his shirt back in to his trousers.. "Rumina has trapped Maeve in some kind of cage."

Doubar grabbed Sinbad's arm and spun him around to face him. "And just how would you know all this, little brother?"

"Dermott told me," Sinbad replied. As if that explained it.

Firouz had noticed the hawk soaring over head. He squinted at Sinbad. "You talked to him...to Dermott. Didn't you?" Firouz questioned. "Like Maeve does."

Sinbad nodded, although it wasn't an easy confession to make. "I guess it's the same. Sort of. He puts pictures in my mind. Arrgh!" Sinbad muttered curses as he struggled with his sash. In his concern for Maeve he had become all thumbs. "I think Dermott does that on occasion to annoy me." Ignoring his vest, which he had pretty much trampled into the sand, Sinbad grabbed his belt and saber. "Come on! Maeve's in danger!" And so saying he waved at Dermott who glided over their heads then headed south. Sinbad ran off after him.

Doubar looked at the others and grinned. "Here we go."

***************************************************************

Dermott led Sinbad and his crew to the hidden entrance of a cave. They found branches that would serve as torches and entered single file. It didn't take them long to reach the central cavern, where Maeve was.

Sinbad ran over to her. "Maeve!"

"Sinbad!" She smiled at him, gratefully. "I knew Dermott would lead you to me.

Firouz was studying her prison. It was dome-shaped and only four feet high, which meant that Maeve couldn't stand upright. The bars were gossamer fine, like the strands of a spider web. In fact, that's exactly was they looked like. Firouz grabbed hold of the strands but they resisted his touch. They were as tough as steel. "What kind of magic is this?" he asked.

Maeve sighed. "That's exactly what it is, Firouz. Magic. I can't touch...it zaps me of my power. As it is, just being enclosed by it is draining me. It's like a live thing...a constant hum, or vibration, of...negative energy."

"Fascinating...." Firouz muttered.

Doubar scowled at him. He grabbed two handfuls of the webbing and put all his might into trying to break it. It didn't tear..or break. He looked at Sinbad. "Now what, little brother?"

Sinbad shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe if we all try together?" he suggested. For team work had often gotten them out of tough spots.

Firouz grinned. "A sound, if not exactly scientific, proposal," he acknowledged

"Firouz," Doubar sighed. "Couldn't you just say ' good idea', and leave it at that?"

"Sorry," Firouz apologized, sheepishly. Then he grabbed the webbing. "Shall we?"

Sinbad moved in beside him. 'We shall."

On the count of three, the four men began to pull. A moment later, however, they paused and gasped as Sinbad was suddenly flung across the room in a flash of light, and a cry of pain.

Doubar ran to him, where he'd crumpled to the ground. He hauled Sinbad to his feet, and held him steady as he swayed dizzily. "What happened, little brother?" he asked, concern darkening his eyes.

"I don't know, Doubar." Sinbad found it difficult to draw breath. And he stared down at his hands, which tingled painfully. "Whatever it was....it hurt."

Firouz was by his side in an instant, and guided Sinbad over to a rock. "Sit down and let me take a look at you," he ordered.

Sinbad allowed it, only because he was too dazed to argue. He put an end to the examination, however, when Firouz lit a match to stare into his eyes. "What are you doing?" Sinbad protested, pushing Firouz aside and jumping to his feet.

"I was checking your pupils, Sinbad," Firouz replied, as he extinguished the match. He bit his lip. "They were dilated."

Doubar frowned. "Meaning what, exactly?"

Firouz shook his head. "I'm not sure. But it's curious."

Sinbad glared at them both. "Curious or not, we have to find a way to free Maeve. Think, Firouz! There must be something we can do?"

Maeve called to him from her prison. "We've got bigger worries than that, Sinbad," she told him. "Rumina has found the Ibix stone. And it has to be destroyed before she can absorb it's full power. Otherwise she'll destroy all the good in the world."

Doubar was more than a little confused. "What, in Allah's name, is an Ibix stone?" he asked.

"It's the embodiment of evil," Maeve replied. Just speaking of it sent a chill rippling up her spine. "It's black magic and dark powers." Maeve looked at Sinbad, beseechingly. "If Rumina absorbs it's essence, then she'll be all powerful. And if that happens...at long last she'll be able to claim you for her own, Sinbad. And no one would be able to stop her."

Sinbad did not like the sound of that. "Where is this stone, Maeve?"

A different, female, voice answered. "Right behind you....dearest."

"Rumina!" Sinbad whirled around to confront the beautiful sorceress. She was standing beside a dug out section in the cave wall From where within a black stone, the size of Doubar's fist, resided. It was glowing with a shadowy light. Evil itself seemed to pulsate from it.

Rumina smiled at the Captain. "Hello, Sinbad. I'm so glad you could come. Of course, I knew you would." She walked over to Maeve's cage. "How could you resist my bait?"

Sinbad glared at the sorceress as he stepped forward to confront her. "I'm the one you want, Rumina. Release Maeve!"

"Oh no, dearest," Rumina drawled. "I'm no fool, Sinbad. If I did that, then she would try to destroy the Ibix stone."

"And what makes you think I won't?" Sinbad challenged.

Rumina shrugged. "You can't." She laughed softly. "You see, only white magic can destroy it. And for all that your innate goodness *is* a powerful weapon, Sinbad. It's useless in this case. So...I win. I get to have it all. Invincible powers...and you, dearest. What more could a woman want?"

Sinbad gritted his teeth, then smiled grimly. "Hasn't anyone ever told you, Rumina, that greed is an unattractive quality in a woman?"

"Now, Sinbad," Rumina drawled, stepping forward to let one fingertip trail down his bared chest. "Is that any way to talk to your future wife?"

Doubar yanked Sinbad back so that he could confront the sorceress. "Sinbad would rather marry a sea serpent than you, witch!" he spat.

Sinbad glided in front of his brother, as he saw fury darken Rumina's face. "Wait a minute, Doubar," he countered. "Don't be so hasty." Sinbad forced himself to smile at Rumina. "If I agree to marry you...Will you let my friends go free?"

Doubar was so angry that Sinbad would even suggest such a thing that he launched himself at Rumina before she could reply. He heard the sorceress laugh a moment before agony ripped through him and he found himself on his knees, and helpless. The others were in the same state.

Only Sinbad was untouched, and he was horrified as he realized that Rumina had disabled his crew with the mere flick of her little finger. Already her powers had increased because of the Ibix stone. Sinbad glanced over at Maeve and saw that she was barely conscious. "Rumina....STOP!" he shouted.

With another mere flick of her finger, Rumina released Sinbad's crew. Then she smiled at the handsome sailor. "Once I have absorbed the full power of the Ibix stone, I will be unstoppable, Sinbad. So...I suppose I can afford to be generous." She combed her fingers through Sinbad's luxurious hair. "Agree to marry me, and I will release your companions."

Sinbad eyed her with suspicion. He started to pull away from her but he felt her fingers tighten painfully in his hair. And she was strong enough now to yank it out by the roots. So he remained still and locked eyes with Rumina. "Including Maeve?" he countered.

"Hmph..." Rumina sighed. She was tired of always hearing about the flame-haired woman. "All right, dearest. Including the pesky, peasant wench. Happy now? Do we have a deal?"

"We do," Sinbad confirmed. He could feel the eyes of Doubar and the others burning into his back, but he ignored them.

Rumina clapped her hands together in delight. "Wonderful. I'll go make the necessary preparations. I don't see any reason to wait. Do you?"

Doubar stepped forward again. "I can think of a thousand --"

"Doubar!" Sinbad cut him off. He glared at his brother, then turned to smile at the dark sorceress. "No, Rumina," he said. "There's no reason to wait. Do what needs to be done."

"Oh, Sinbad.!" Rumina was more than pleased. She raised up on tiptoe to give him a kiss, and she was surprised when he responded. Perhaps he had finally learned that they were destined to be together. She pulled away then smiled at the others. "Of course you all know that you'll be my *guests* until after the ceremony. So don't waste your time trying to leave. You can't." Rumina stepped away from Sinbad, preparing to mist out, when a thought occurred. "Oh...one more thing."

Sinbad watched as she waved one hand, then he gasped as he suddenly found himself attired in cream and gold. Cream colored leather trousers and thigh boots. A cream silk shirt, and a gold satin vest. And a gold band encircled his forehead. "What the....?"

Rumina gazed at him in delight. "Hmmm... Much more suitable for my future husband. Don't you think?" She laughed softly and disappeared.

"Great..." Sinbad muttered. He was not at all pleased with the new clothes.

Doubar wasn't pleased...period. He grabbed Sinbad by the arm and slammed him up against the wall. "Have you taken leave of your senses, little brother?" he roared. "What in Allah's name were you thinking?"

Sinbad tried to pull away, but Doubar wouldn't give. He sighed and tried to explain. "I was thinking that I've bought us some time, big brother."

"To do what?" Doubar challenged. "Make you a wedding gift?"

"To find a way to destroy the Ibix stone," Sinbad countered, making a more concentrated effort to free himself of Doubar's hold.

Firouz was puzzled. "But, Sinbad. Rumina said that only white magic can destroy the stone."

Sinbad, still locked in Doubar's clutches, looked over at the Celtic sorceress. "Is that true, Maeve?" he asked.

She nodded. "I'm afraid so, Sinbad." She buried her head in her hands. Because of the magic web that trapped her, and drained her, she felt frustrated by her weakness.

Firouz sensed what Maeve was feeling and he wished that he could comfort her. But he saw no hope for their situation, and no reason to pretend otherwise. "Then...we're all doomed. Maeve is the only one of us who can do magic. And we can't free her."

Doubar finally released Sinbad. There was no point in being angry with his brother when there was nothing to be done to change their situation. "So...that's it then."

Maeve was weak, and exhausted, but she refused to give up so easily. "No," she said firmly, pushing herself to her knees. "There is one other who might be able to destroy the Ibix stone."

In unison, Sinbad, Firouz and Doubar replied, "Who?"

"Sinbad," Maeve whispered.

"What?" Sinbad went to her and knelt down so that they were on eye level. He shook his head, and his eyes mirrored sadness. "Maeve...I'm afraid that this cage has drained more than your powers. It's drained your wits as well. I'm a sailor...not a sorcerer."

She scowled at him. "You don't have the training, Sinbad. But you *do* have the gift."

Doubar stared at Maeve as if she had suddenly grown a second head. "What are you talking about, woman?"

Maeve looked at the inventor. "Firouz...you know what I'm talking about. Don't you?"

Firouz was silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then, suddenly, he smiled and nodded. "I think I do. The Rune stones."

"Yes." Maeve was pleased.

Sinbad was simply confused. "Hah?"

Firouz patted his shoulder. "Serendib's rune stones," he replied. "You remember, Sinbad. You used one of them to stop Rumina. In the City of Mists."

"Right." Sinbad did remember. "But, Firouz... I simply got lucky."

Maeve shook her head. "No Sinbad. Only someone who has the gift can manipulate sorcery. You've always had the magic within you.. You just didn't know it because you've never needed it before. You've always relied on you wit, your charm, your athleticism and your skill with a sword to get you out of any rough spots, or dangerous situations." Maeve laughed softly. "That...and a healthy dose of luck."

Sinbad smiled back at her. "You forgot a little help from my friends."

"Agreed," Maeve allowed. Then she grew serious again. "But now you have to rely on magic, Sinbad. You have to use it to destroy the Ibix stone."

"Maeve..." Sinbad stared at her with concern. He felt she must surely be losing her mind to even suggest such a thing. "Even if I did believe you...I wouldn't know how."

Maeve wished she could reach through the webbing to shake some sense into him. Why did men always have to be so stubborn? This one in particular. So all she could do was try to reason with him. "It doesn't matter if you believe me or not, Sinbad. You only have to believe in yourself. And that's something that you have always done." Maeve caught her breath as she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She was getting weaker. But she forced a smile so that Sinbad and the others wouldn't worry. "Please..." she beseeched the Captain. "You have to try."

Firouz nodded. "Maeve's right, Sinbad. You have to try. And not just for our sakes, but for the future of the world. Just imagine what it will be like when black magic rules."

"That's right, little brother," Doubar interjected. "Especially if Rumina is controlling it." He took Sinbad by the arm and hauled him over to where the Ibix stone glowed in the shelf in the wall. "Go on, Sinbad. Try."

Sinbad looked at all of them and shook his head. He wanted to destroy the stone. The thought of Rumina possessing invincible powers turned his stomach inside out. But he had to make them see that he was not the one to save the day. Not this time. "I'm sorry," he told them. "I don't even know where to begin."

Maeve wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. "Magic is energy, Sinbad. It comes from your lifeforce. Just focus inward and let yourself feel it. Your lifeforce is strong."

"Right," Sinbad muttered. But he closed his eyes and tried to do what Maeve had said. Strangely enough, he could feel a tingling...as if in his blood. That had to be what she meant. Sinbad swallowed hard and his eyes flew open. "Now what?"

"Now...tap into it," Maeve directed. "Then point your hand at the stone and let the energy flow out."

Sinbad took several deep breaths. Then he raised his hand and...mentally...shoved. He jumped about ten feet when a blast of red light...energy....left his hand.

Doubar laughed, nervously. "You did it, little brother!"

"I did," Sinbad replied, turning to smile at Maeve. "I really did. I don't believe it."

Maeve laughed at the expression of bemusement on Sinbad's handsome face. "Well believe it," she told him. "Now do it again. And really concentrate. It's going to take alot of energy to destroy the stone."

Sinbad expelled a sigh as he turned back around. "Okay. I can do this," he said, trying to psyche himself up. "No problem." Sinbad raised his hand, focused inwardly and tapped into the flow of energy that tingled in his blood. He sent it flowing out through his hand, and this time he held it in a steady stream. Letting it slam into the Ibix stone. Only to find himself flung off his feet a moment later as a bolt of energy slammed into his chest.

Rumina glared at him from across the cave. "What trickery is this, dearest?" she purred. Since when have you had the gift of magic?"

"It's...a hidden talent," Sinbad shot back, as he allowed Doubar to help him to his feet.

"Indeed." A smile curled Rumina's lips. "Just think of how powerful our children will be?"

Sinbad shook his head. "Not in this lifetime, Rumina." And so saying, he flung out his hand and zapped her. Sinbad then returned his attention to the Ibix stone. Time was running out. He sent power surging into it, and this time it's dark glow began to change."

Maeve was thrilled. "It's working!" she shouted.

"Yes!" Sinbad cried. Then he cried out in pain, as Rumina zapped him off his feet once more. This time it felt as if he had been kicked by a mule, and Sinbad found it difficult to draw breath.

Rumina stepped forward. "You fool, Sinbad. Do you think I will let you destroy it? I will destroy you first. Reluctantly...I will admit. But a woman has to have her priorities straight." She raised her hand.

Maeve screamed. "Sinbad...look out!"

Without thinking, Sinbad lashed out at Rumina. He rose to his feet and moved forward, forcing the sorceress to retreat.

Firouz was concerned. "Sinbad....the Ibix stone!" he reminded his friend.

"The stone.." Sinbad whispered. Without releasing his hold on Maeve, Sinbad lifted his other hand and sent a second flow of energy into the Ibix stone.

Doubar's jaw dropped open and he looked at Maeve. "Can he do that?"

She shook her head. "I guess he can." But Maeve was stunned to see it."

Sinbad suddenly realized that the energy he was expelling was taking it's toll. He felt his knees weaken. Though he tried to lock them, a moment later he fell to his knees. But the energy flow never wavered. Still, he knew he had to make a choice, so he dropped the hand that had targeted Rumina. No matter, he discovered, for she toppled to the ground, unconscious. "Maeve..." he whispered a moment later. Sinbad felt a haze of darkness and pain begin to wash over him. He strained with every fiber of his being to ward it off. "I....can't....do it!"

"Yes you can!" Maeve shouted. She saw that the shield of the Ibix stone was pulsating. Sinbad was so close. Too close to give up now. But only she knew how weakened he truly was. She also knew that what she was about to ask of him could endanger his very life. But they had no choice. The Ibix stone had to be destroyed. "Reach deep inside yourself," she beseeched him. " Find the magic that is Sinbad. The goodness of your soul, and the love in your heart. That will give you strength you need!"

Sinbad looked over at Maeve for a moment. For what seemed to be a heartbeat in time. Then he did as she asked. He reached deep inside himself. Tapped into that place that held his love for her, then he pulled out more power and sent it into the stone.

Maeve felt tears fill her eyes as she watched the energy flow brighten. Sinbad was doing it. The Ibix stone began to pulse, and suddenly there was a flash of blinding light. A hurricane wind swept the cavern as the Ibix stone shattered. And then there was silence.

Doubar cried out as he saw that Sinbad had collapsed. He ran to him, cradling the limp form in his arms. "Little brother," he whispered, as he stared down at Sinbad's pale face.

Firouz was about to go to them when he realized that the cage holding Maeve had vanished. As he went to her, he also noticed that Rumina was gone. But that was the least of his concerns. "Maeve, are you all right?" he asked, as he helped her to her feet.

She swayed for a moment, but nodded. "Sinbad!" Maeve ran to him and Doubar. She fell to her knees beside them and reached out to touch Sinbad's face. He felt cold, and a chill rippled through her.

Doubar looked at Maeve. "Sinbad is going to be all right...isn't he?"

"We have to get him back to the ship," Maeve countered, bluntly. "There are energy particles floating around from the Ibix stone. Negative energy. I can feel it. It'll weaken him."

"All right." Doubar stood up and lifted Sinbad into his arms. "Let's go." He headed out of the cavern without waiting for the others.

Maeve was about to follow when Firouz grabbed her arm. She met his eyes and answered the question he couldn't ask. "It's not good, Firouz." Maeve blinked back tears. If Sinbad died there would be no one to blame but herself. "Come on. We have to hurry."

Firouz felt tears blur his own vision as he followed Maeve out.

****************************************************************

Once on back the Nomad, they put Sinbad to bed. And there he remained for the next two days, with Maeve beside him. Doubar charted a course for them to return to Baghdad. If Sinbad died, he wanted to bring his brother home. But Doubar tried to keep his faith as he entered Sinbad's quarters. He moved to the bed and stared down at the pale, beautiful face. Then he looked at Maeve. She was white as marble, and he was beginning to fear for her health as well. "Any change?" Doubar asked.

Maeve shook her head. "None." She laughed softly as she reached out to smooth Sinbad's hair. "He looks as if he were sleeping and having sweet dreams." Maeve shook her head. "Doubar..."

"No Maeve.." Doubar knew what she was going to say. Knew that she blamed herself. "Sinbad did what he had to do. You're not at fault. No one is. Except maybe, Rumina." Doubar had to force down his anger as he reached for Maeve's hand. "If Sinbad dies...Then it is Allah's will. And he will have died a hero. And his legend will live on...as will Sinbad. In our hearts."

"I know, Doubar." Maeve sniffled then forced a smile. "It's just that... there are too many adventures left to be lived, too many lands waiting to be explored. Waiting for Sinbad the Sailor. It can't end like this. It's not fair."

"Didn't anyone tell you that life isn't fair, Maeve?" a soft voice questioned.

Maeve gasped. "Sinbad?" She watched in delight as his eyes slowly opened. "You're alive!" Maeve shouted. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled Sinbad into her embrace.

He hugged her back, although he was starting to black out as she was squeezing the air out of his lungs. "Maeve..." he wheezed.

"Oh..." She gasped and released him. "Sorry."

"It's okay." Sinbad smiled at her. Then he looked over at Doubar. "Uh....I take it the Ibix stone was destroyed?"

Doubar clapped Sinbad on the shoulder. "Indeed, little brother. You blew it to pieces."

Sinbad was pleased. "What about Rumina?"

Maeve snorted. "Who knows? That....witch....has more lives than a cat."

"No matter," Sinbad said, as he moved to slide out of bed. He managed to gain his feet but swayed a bit. "Whoa...how long was I out?"

"Two days," Maeve told him, as she slid one arm around his slender waist to steady him.

Sinbad was surprised. "Oh." He looked at Doubar. "So...big brother. Where are we headed?"

Doubar shrugged. "To Baghdad."

"Why? We were supposed be heading the opposite way. to Azrul." Sinbad frowned. "Weren't we?"

"We were, Sinbad." Doubar offered an embarrassed grin. "But, when it appeared that you might not...I mean."

Maeve finished his sentence. "We thought you were going to die, Sinbad. So Doubar wanted to take you home."

Sinbad nodded as understanding dawned. "To bury me," he said. At Doubar's nod he smiled. "A noble sentiment, big brother. But, for future reference, when I die...I'd prefer to be buried at sea. If you don't mind."

Doubar grinned. "I'll try to remember that. But for now, I'm going to go tell the crew you're back! As well as change course," he added. And so saying, Doubar ran from the cabin.

"Funny," Sinbad muttered, as he watched his brother go. "I didn't realize I had gone anywhere."

Maeve was not amused. She punched Sinbad in the chest. "Don't ever do that again," she told him. "I thought I'd..." Unwilling to reveal the depth of her feelings.

Sinbad frowned at her. "You thought you'd....what?" he prompted.

"Never mind." Maeve sighed. "How do you feel?"

"Fine." Sinbad pulled away from her to stretch his limbs. "I'm a bit stiff but..."

"Sinbad!" Firouz shouted the Captain's name.

Startled, Sinbad whirled around and fell into battle-ready stance. His left hand swung forward and a beam of magic seared into the deck between Firouz's feet. "Whoa!" Sinbad yelled.

Firouz was too paralyzed by fear to speak. He simply stared at Sinbad.

Maeve stared at the Captain too. "Sinbad..."

"What just happened?" he demanded.

"Uh..." Maeve bit her lip. She had a fairly good idea, she just wasn't sure how to break it to Sinbad. "It's just....a power surge."

Sinbad glared at her. "A what?"

Maeve grimaced. "Well...You remember how I told you that you have a very strong lifeforce? Energy?"

"Yeah..." Sinbad conceded. "So?"

"So....It's unfocused energy." Maeve sighed. "Once you tap in to your powers, Sinbad, they don't just go away. And yours are deep. And...untrained."

Sinbad nodded. He could sort of...follow what she was saying. "Meaning...what...exactly?" he prompted.

Firouz thought he understood, although he had to swallow hard to regain speech. "Sinbad, I believe your present condition can be likened to a live wire."

Sinbad looked at Maeve, who shrugged, then they both asked, "HAH?"

"Oh...it's a hypotheses of mine," Firouz explained. "Simply put --"

"In other words my...powers...are out of control," Sinbad interjected bluntly.

Firouz nodded. "Exactly."

Sinbad sighed then looked at Maeve again. "So...how do I control them? I can't go around randomly zapping things."

A smile crossed Maeve's face. She remembered how Sinbad had teased her when she had first joined the crew and was learning to control her gift. Now the tables were turned, and she wasn't going to let him forget the past. "Well...Sinbad," she said brightly. "I'll guess I'll have to train you myself."

"Oh boy," Sinbad muttered, feeling the need to sit down.

Firouz felt the need to run for cover. He shook Sinbad's hand. "Glad you're feeling better. See ya!" He turned and headed out the door.

Maeve laughed. "COWARD!" she shouted after him. Then she turned to Sinbad and smiled sweetly. "Shall we begin?"

With a groan, Sinbad fell back onto the bed. This was going to be a long....long...voyage.

The end