Zaynab, by Bahja Hassan

Long ago, King Hussien Ali built his vast castle on the edge of the village. His daughter, Princess Zaynab, was pleased with her father, who had finally built a stable to go with the castle. Every day, hoofbeats hummed through the warm afternoons. The villagers all rode their horses — all but Vexius, who had no invitation and roared with anger. Gradually, night fell, and Zaynab took one last look at the stables. The light from her lamp suddenly quivered as she walked by, noticing an ebony shadow beneath her feet.

In frustration, the king refused to enter the stable. It stood forgotten until Princess Zaynab told her father that she could save the horses. So, the villagers returned to the stables for their horses. The sound of hoofbeats and the roars of the crowd shook the ground like an earthquake. Finally, the villagers rode across the coast — all but Zaynab, who was left behind with the horses.

The night sky was filled with enormous black clouds. The light from the lamps flapped and cried. Like a silent field filled with sorrow, Vexius pulled its dreadful soul through the hall and up to the heavy metal door. Tearing at a sleeping guard, Vexius raised him to its mouth and ripped his skin. Then, it continued towards the gates, searching for Zaynab, who was crouching in the dark.

Zaynab clutched Vexius’s palm as it waited and grabbed at her. Awakening, the guards rushed to help the princess, but with every attack, they missed. It was as though Vexius had two extra eyes in the back of its head. After one last terrible blow, Vexius pulled away, hoping to escape. Zaynab’s clutch managed to reach its arm. Moaning in pain, Vexius fled back into the mountaintops.

Zaynab held up her glorious trophy in delight, and it lit up the day. The villagers and the princess rode with greatness and thanks. Little did they know, Vexius’s family had watched in terror as their youngest and bravest family member passed away. Now, they hated the kingdom…