Duel for Aladdin

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Zafar was deep in training, his sword clashing against those of other soldiers in the training yard. Each swing, each parry was a reminder of the mistakes he had made in the past, particularly during his fateful encounter with Yasmine. Memories of their last fight haunted him, fueling his determination to improve his swordsmanship. "I will defeat her next time," he muttered to himself, sweat dripping down his brow as he practiced relentlessly.

Meanwhile, within the castle walls, King Aladdin and Pravin convened to discuss a pressing issue. The king had summoned them both, his voice grave as he addressed the problem of the Black Thieves.

"I have reduced taxes and created new job opportunities," the king began, his tone earnest. "I've even established orphanages and shelters for the homeless. My ambition is for the people of Baghdad to thrive."

Yasmine, curious, interjected, "What is your ambition, Father?"

"The happiness and health of all subjects in Baghdad," he replied, his eyes glinting with hope.

Aladdin, ever the loyal companion, conveyed the king's sentiments to the Black Thieves at their base. As he relayed the king's message, he could see the expressions of his comrades change from curiosity to anger. They felt betrayed. Aladdin, sensing the rising tension, made a hasty exit before he could face their wrath.

The next day, Aladdin reported back to the king, "The Black Thieves refuse to disband. They believe their work is essential."

The king's face hardened. "I have no choice but to arrest them," he declared resolutely.

Aladdin and Yasmine exchanged worried glances. "Your Majesty, please listen! There must be another way!" they both pleaded. But before they could elaborate, the king gestured for the soldiers to move.

"Arrest them!" the king ordered, his voice echoing in the great hall. The soldiers advanced, demanding the Black Thieves leave their territory. When the gang refused, chaos erupted. Soldiers clashed with thieves, fists flying and weapons drawn. Sarah, always the peacemaker, stepped in, trying to calm both sides. "Please, stop! This isn't how we solve our problems!" she implored, but her voice was lost amid the chaos.

Just as a soldier reached for her, intending to pull her down, an arrow zipped through the air and landed dangerously close to him. "You should have obeyed me before," Sarah said with a confident smile, the tension dissipating momentarily.

A rumbling cart approached, and Pravin stepped out, his presence commanding. "Leave them," he ordered the soldiers, and they complied, knowing well the consequences of defying him after his fierce reputation in battle. He turned to the Black Thieves, "You all stay in your base until I return."

As Pravin caught Sarah's eye, he couldn't help but smile, leaving her breathless as he strode toward the castle.

Once inside, Pravin bowed deeply to the king. "Your Majesty, I couldn't stand by while my friends were attacked."

The king looked puzzled. "Why did you intervene?"

"I had no choice. You should have consulted me before taking such drastic actions. For eight years, we've worked tirelessly to support the families in Baghdad through their financial struggles."

The king's expression turned skeptical. "That doesn't make sense. What are you suggesting?"

"We can't just quit when we're finally making a difference. There must be a better way," Pravin insisted.

Yasmine, quick to add her thoughts, spoke up. "Father, after the war, our military is diminished. The Black Thieves could bolster our ranks if they join the army."

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