Tension was brewing between Frank and Rodrigo. Both of them had their reasons for the mutual dislike, but it was even funnier in the fact that both had women in their respective corners. Frank, in all fairness, had many more, probably because of the years he spent grooming them.
Rodrigo, the newcomer and aspirant to the throne was of the persuasion that the tribe needed a new leader. Simple as that. He was willing to demonstrate that throughout history, only the young and strong prevailed and recommended all camels join the public library and check that fact.
Frank, on the other hand, ever the wise one, supported the same premise and told the audience present that young bloods to the contrary, led their people to an early doom for the sake of their own interest: Power blindness.
Those two words were so powerful that indeed caused the crowd to gasp and nod in approval, generating standing ovations every single time.
Frustrated, Rodrigo opted for a different strategy. One that will decisively make the Camel masses choose him once and for all. But if it backfired, there would be no comeback for him. He decided against it. Yes, you read that right, against it. Instead, he opted to bring Frank down with small gut punches, so many, in fact, that eventually, the old guy will just throw in the towel.
“You can beat Frank, baby. Don't you worry, cuz you got this!" his closest girlfriend and advisor whispered in his year.
“Yes, I will. By the blood of Tut, I sure will!”
"The plan is simple but you must follow it precisely. It's all about the future, generations into the future and the proclivity of the Great Semen Men, baby. “
“Who's the greatest?” She asked, intruding into his space with her larger-than-average nose.
" Cassius Clay?” he responded unsure.
" No, you fool! You are!”
Instances like that happened all the time to the point that Nadia, the girlfriend, was afraid he could blow his whole strategy with one untimely scoop.
But the more Rodrigo learns about Frank and his amazing life and accomplishments, the less he thinks he can come ahead on a one-on-one challenge for the crown and the title of "King of Camels, Arabian Sector “. He did have youth and looks on his side, but he lacked history, wisdom, and resolve. Could he really measure up to stand such a calling? He doubt himself, so why would anyone trust his leadership?
Maybe this whole thing was a very bad idea, he thought to himself.
After all, there will be many years ahead. Many chances for him to collect points toward an eventual kingship. In the meantime, he could discreetly court the dames of the tribe and gain influence. He could prove his stamina and manhood by creating healthy and good-looking offspring. Why not take the easy road instead?
But Nadia wouldn't have any of it. And she was hardcore. And possessive. And ruthless. Beyond ambitious. There must be something he can do.
A would-be king can't be sequestered by a mere girlfriend. With a big nose to boot.
Unacceptable! he said to himself. In that crazy moment of desperation, he even thought of asking his very rival what course of action he should take.
Defeated, he went to the Camel Saloon for drinks and to drown his sorrows. That move, little did he know, would change his life forever, for that evening, in that saloon, he would meet the best con artist in the history of Arabia. A man by the name of Aladdin, the Twelph.
(To be continued…)
Love and light 🎩🗽
René
@ René Volpi
I loved this! ♥️