رواية المبدول محمد حسن الألفي

The Exchanged

He cast a scrutinizing glance at an exquisitely elegant figure, quickly realizing it was his father, master, and sultan, Iblis. Iblis appeared beautiful, with a rosy complexion… He realized he was on a mountain, and on the mountain was a cave. Inside the cave were candles surrounded by a crowd that had taken on spectral forms. Enchanted and dazzled, he could discern among them the elite of society: artists, politicians, athletes, and businessmen. He saw them, but they did not see him.

The Sultan appeared triumphant… and they applauded, blessing the Iblisian gesture. His father urged him forward and proudly escorted him through the crowds of arriving dignitaries, while Salim watched them.

He recognized them all, one by one, thanks to his profession and connections… And every time he recognized a colleague, a minister, a party leader, or an artist, his face lit up with joy, and he rushed to shake hands and embrace. But he shook hands and embraced only rays… and images of light… He turned to his father, Iblis, seeking clarification, sadly, and whispered, or rather, muttered:

“You saw them… these are a select sample… they call them beyond the elite… they won’t

see you now… later… you’ll gather together… and you’ll rejoice together.”