8Nadir moaned and buried his face in his hands. Taking a deep breath, he sat up and regarded the offending objects on his desk. Inside the plain wooden casket, a dazzling array of gems shone forth: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, all of the highest quality.
This box, along with its precious contents, was one of the only two mementos he had of Erik. The other was a thin, lacquered leather-bound book filled with Erik's writings. He had found both of these stowed away in a secret compartment during his final sweep over Erik's property. It was a blessing from God that he felt compelled to re-enter the apartments after the final inventory, and that he rested his hand on exactly the right spot to uncover the passage. In hindsight, he should have expected this from Erik. The Trap-door Lover had one last secret tucked away.
Nadir took the gems and kept them, not out of greed, but because they were valuable to Erik. They were the remains of his beauty-loving soul. He could not bear the thought of his policemen digging their fingers into Erik's carefully chosen collection, each taking for himself his portion of the customary reward for such tasks. Besides, Erik had obtained some of the gems with less than legal means, and revealing they had been hidden away under his nose would reflect badly upon him as the Daroga.
Perhaps his dishonest act had invited a curse upon him, since now he could barely turn around without finding gems of all kinds. Some invisible hand placed them in his pockets, in his shoes, on his chair, in his drawers…He gathered them up and hid them somewhere even Darius could not access. He had seen enough of the royal court to be wary of a sudden influx of wealth. The stones were of such high quality that surely they came from some special place, and their owner must require some special favor from him.
The gemstones were worrying enough, but shortly after the banquet, the gifts increased in size and frequency. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even jeweled cufflinks appeared around his home. Finally, even the Daria-i-Noor diamond turned up in his pocket.
Fortunately, while the policemen and palace guards were occupied elsewhere, Nadir planted the diamond in a mynah's nest. Soon after, he pretended to discover it, presenting bird, nest, and diamond to the Shah. That was the end of the search for the diamond, though there was still a less urgent search for the lurking jewel thief. For now, he was safe.
He needed to know who was sending him jewels stolen from the royal palace, and he needed to know why.
In his mind, he combed through the web of convoluted alliances and agendas that ensnared the court. However, his thoughts were disturbed by a skittering sound, following by familiar, heart-rending sobs.
"Oh Daroga," Erik moaned, dragging himself across Nadir's desk. "I am the most miserable wretch in the world!"
Nadir was moved to pity by the scene, but hesitated in reaching out to comfort his little friend. He recalled when the original Erik had fallen into such moods. Once Erik stopped masking his pain with anger or stoicism, he became entirely unpredictable.
"It is a cruel God indeed that allows an existence like mine to continue." Erik flopped down, belly toward the ceiling, and raked at his awful face with his bloody claws. "Is it a joke to Him? Placing Erik upon this Earth, so he can suffer and never be free!"
"You shouldn't speak like this." Nadir scolded him, frowning. He was used to Erik's lack of both faith and morality, but he never failed to be bothered by moments of outright sacrilege.
"But it is true! Erik is a monster! He destroys everything good! He is made for misery!"
Not for the first time, pity overcame Nadir's caution, and he scooped the weeping rat into his arms. He noticed then that Erik was unmasked and wearing nothing except his blue silk coat. More worryingly, his small body was scored with a multitude of wounds. There were scratches along his back and legs, and teeth marks over his nape.
"Erik, what happened? Are you alright?"
Erik sighed wearily. "I shall live, Daroga. Live and continue to be unhappy."
Bandaging Erik's wounds was a difficult task. Nadir was no doctor, but thanks to his constant dealings with men wounded in the line of duty, he was well-acquainted with basic dressings. Yet his fingers were gnarled, thick and clumsy, while Erik, despite having impressive size for a rat, was small and delicate. Perhaps he should have asked Darius, with his keener eyes and steadier hands, to take over, but he knew Darius would not appreciate such an assignment. At least, Erik did his best to remain still and not instinctively snap his teeth at Nadir whenever the salve stung him.
During this long process, which continued into the final minutes of sunset, Erik explained the unfortunate events from earlier in the day. Nadir's heart sank as he listened. Erik had lamented before that he would never have a woman's love, and while his strange appearance gave him ample reason for these claims, Nadir believed he was merely suffering from youthful melancholy. Money and power, after all, could sway hearts. Now, though, Erik had been proven right by Erik the rat's misfortune. Even if bestial instincts could overcome the terror of Erik's ugliness, his deformity prevented him from receiving any affection. It broke his heart to know had Erik not died, both he and Erik the rat would be doomed to loneliness.
"Poor Erik," was all he could say as he blinked back tears. He hastily finished Erik's dressings and cradled the unhappy creature in an embrace.
"Poor Erik." Erik echoed his friend's sighs. He nuzzled against Nadir's chest, comforted that his human friend, at least, did not hate his ugliness.
With sudden horror, Erik realized he was smearing tears, phlegm, and blood against Nadir's shirt. He pulled away, ashamed at his repulsive behavior, but Nadir smiled patiently and cleaned the mess with his handkerchief. He handed the napkin to Erik, which caused the rat to burst out into tears again, this time from gratitude. It was several minutes before he could compose himself and wipe his face.
"Have you cried enough?" Nadir asked as Erik fell silent.
Erik weakly nodded and released the now filthy handkerchief. It was the second of Nadir's handkerchiefs that he had ruined. He had the decency to look ashamed.
"Let it be sacrificed for you." Nadir reassured him. "Now, are you in the mood to help me with a case?"
He knew that the best way to bring Erik out of his depression was to occupy his mind with work of any kind. He was sure this would work with Erik the rat as well. As expected, Erik's posture instantly grew more alert.
"You're slipping up more and more in your old age, Daroga. Isn't it lucky you have me around?" He spoke quickly, plunging himself into this new topic. "So, what's the mystery?"
"Well, do you see the gems before you?"
For the first time since his arrival, Erik noticed the casket on the table. He leapt down to the surface, standing on his hind feet so he could peer into the box. He was dazzled by the beauty of its treasured array. He reached in and pulled out one of the smaller gems, running his fingers over its cold, smooth surface. "I see you're quite wealthy for a Daroga. Good taste, too."
"No, these aren't mine." Though he gazed directly at the casket, Nadir's green eyes held a distant look. "They're Erik's. They're all I have of him now. Except for you, little friend."
Erik slipped the gem into his coat pocket. Since these beautiful things were rightfully his, he had no qualms about taking them and keeping them. "Ah, so the greatest thief in Mazandaran is the Daroga himself. No wonder you take every opportunity to critique my craft."
"I'm not sure who has found out about these, but they've seen fit to entangle me in their jewel thefts." Nadir beckoned at his recently acquired collection of jewels, which had been swept to the side when he treated Erik's wounds.
Erik regarded the pile with pride. He had been a good friend, making sure Nadir was well compensated for their dealings together. The old Daroga's confusion put him in an even better mood. With mock concern, he said, "Why, what is Mazandaran coming to, that even the Daroga's house has been burgled? Perhaps you should not keep so many valuables in a visible place, old man."
Nadir sighed and shook his head. "No, no one has been stealing from me. I wish it could be that easy. Rather, they've used me as a depository for their stolen goods."
Erik cocked his head, not understanding Nadir's frustration. "Well, what is the problem, then? Are you not grateful for these gifts?"
"Each of these 'gifts' is a death sentence." Nadir's mouth was set in a scowl, but his expression softened as he realized Erik was a rat. "Your world is much more innocent than ours, little friend. You take things whenever you want to, but we humans cannot do the same. The Shah is in a terrible rage over the theft of his jewels, and it is up to me to catch the criminal."
"He is a worse dolt than I thought," Erik scoffed, "if he cannot see that you deserve fine things more than he does."
Nadir smiled sadly, then closed his eyes and reviewed the facts of the mystery again. "What do you make of this thief, Erik? Does he want something from me? Or is he just trying to frame me?"
Erik flicked his tail back and forth, deeply chagrined by both the condescension and ingratitude. "You nincompoop! How can you think that? If he wanted to hurt you, he would have done something worse! You would be injured, or even trapped in a pit!"
Nadir looked toward his seething, hissing friend. "What's the matter?"
"I cannot believe how great of an old fool you are!" Erik huffed and puffed and spun his tail madly, resembling a walrus with his long, smooth body.
A shadow of suspicion gnawed at Nadir's mind. Erik seemed to take the case awfully personally. Perhaps…
He quickly squashed that thought. Even though Erik, as both a human and a rat, could be reckless, he trusted his friend. He knew Erik would never purposely endanger him.
"Forget about this case," Erik murmured. His initial fury past, he curled up, sad and exhausted next to Nadir's elbow. "Be happy with your treasures. I can tell you they were given to you with the best of intentions. If you don't like them, then trade them for something else…"
Nadir's suspicions returned with a vengeance. Yet, while he was annoyed with Erik, he was also touched that the fleet-fingered rat cared so much for him. Heaving a sigh, he reached to pick the unhappy little creature up. Erik attempted to dart away, but the added weight in his pocket held him down. He wiggled and squealed in protest as Nadir brought him up to face him.
"Erik," the Daroga said solemnly, "I can't do that."
He would have said more, but was cut off by Erik whipping the stone out of his pocket and hurling it at him. It fell far short of striking the Daroga, tumbling harmlessly into his lap. Still, that distraction was all Erik needed to get away.
By now, it was time for the Salat al-Maghrib, the sunset prayer. As much as Nadir was concerned for Erik, right now his religious duties called. He hoped that until he and Erik met again, al-Ghaffar, God the Ever-Forgiving, would watch over the little creature and keep him safe.
As Erik dashed across dingy alleyways and clambered over dusty ledges, he cursed the terrible fortune that always followed him. Not only was he forever denied love from his own kind, but now his only friend had also rejected his hard-acquired gifts.
He stopped in his tracks, ducking behind some discarded pottery fragments to avoid roaming predators. For a moment, he considered running away and leaving everything behind. He could carve out a new life for himself. No more royal cats, or treacherous females, or ungrateful old men. It would not matter where he went, so long as it was free of painful memories.
He craned his neck to look out toward the road. He was forced to shrink back as the movement caused a twinge of pain. In his anger and grief, he had forgotten he was injured. He reached up to check that his bandages were in place, and recalled the care Nadir had taken in treating him. Suddenly, remorse stabbed at his mind. How could he even consider leaving, when he again owed Nadir his life?
Letting his nose lead him, he made his way back toward the palace. One more heist; the greatest heist of his life. He would find a treasure so magnificent that not even the self-righteous old Daroga could refuse. Then he would leave, if Nadir no longer wanted to see him.
Today had proved to be a rough day for Nadir. After a sleepless night worrying over his wounded friend, he had been called to the Shah's side to report on his investigation. Knowing that he was essentially on a wild goose chase, the Daroga could only confess his lack of progress. The King of Kings had been very displeased at the news. The politically astute women of the harem had all found ways to turn the current misfortune to their advantage; each hurried to accuse her rival of theft, as well as bemoan their affliction before their beloved monarch. As a result, the Shah had no peace day or night, and was impatient to see the case resolved.
After repeated apologies and promises to rectify his mistakes, Nadir was finally released from the Shah's presence. He paced the halls of the palace, unable to find an answer for his conundrum. He could not reveal Erik as the perpetrator; even if the Shah could believe his story about the larcenous rat, he would be implicating himself as the beneficiary of Erik's crimes. However, his conscience would not allow him to blame an innocent person, not for a case of this magnitude. He was so caught up in his ruminations that he almost tripped as something rubbed against his foot.
"You great booby!" Faster than his friend could notice him, Erik scrambled up Nadir's leg, until he was clinging to the fabric of Nadir's shirt collar. "Stop being so imprudent! You were just about to take a tumble, and you know what would happen to your old bones then!"
Nadir's initial relief at seeing Erik quickly turned to irritation as the rat admonished him with huffs and hisses. As he lifted Erik off his shirt by the scruff of his neck, his troublesome little friend felt oddly heavy. He realized the reason for the increased weight when he saw light glisten off a large, circular green gem tied to the rat's belly with dirty, used bandages.
He almost dropped Erik in shock. This was no ordinary emerald. It was one of the greatest treasures within the realm, rivaling, perhaps even exceeding the Daria-i-Noor diamond. This king among emeralds, with its great weight and vivid color, usually sat in a special golden belt, to only be worn on the grandest of occasions.
Staring at the rat and the jewel, Nadir pondered if he really was cursed. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand, then asked as calmly and quietly as possible, "Erik, what are you doing with that?"
Erik unwound the bandages and held out the emerald with his stubby rat arms. "My final gift to you. Take it, Daroga."
"No!" Nadir's refusal came out louder than he intended, and he slapped a hand over his mouth when he heard his voice echoing through the corridor. After looking around to ascertain there were no interlopers, he hissed to Erik, "Put it back. Before anyone sees you."
Erik's teeth chattered in anger. He thrust the gem at Nadir again. "Do you know how much trouble I went through to get this? Take it!"
In truth, it had not been much trouble at all. The guards stationed in the museum watched carefully for suspicious humans, but not for rodents. Erik had coaxed the story of the emerald out of Sultana by amusing her with his tricks. When his keepers were momentarily distracted, he made his way to the museum room, where he quietly plowed through the wooden bottom of a display case and claimed his prize. It had been too large and heavy to carry the usual way, but, fortunately, his injuries had healed to the point that he no longer needed all his bandages. He had taken a moment to admire his own reflection on the polished marble floors. He was still hideous; there was no helping that, but he looked very elegant, even if the emerald was strapped to him with dirty bandages and not a golden belt.
Nadir, well used to Erik's displays of skill, recognized the lie as soon as it was spoken. He shot Erik a disapproving look. "Stop this."
"Why will you not accept it? You will not be rid of me until you do!" Frustrated, Erik dashed the emerald toward the ground. Nadir was forced to catch the green stone before it could fall.
His heartbeat pounding his ears, Nadir checked the stone for damage, only daring to breathe when he found it smooth and whole. Once he collected his wits, he began speaking. "Rid of you? What are you talking…"
Just then, snippets of conversation drifted down the halls. Erik had designed the palace so that, standing in certain corners, one could hear others speaking throughout the place, no matter how quietly. Right now the guards were in a panic, discussing the disappearance of the prized royal emerald. Still holding both Erik and his pilfered gem, Nadir ducked behind a pillar in case the guards decided to come searching this way.
"Do you know how much trouble you've gotten us into?" Nadir snapped, shoving the stone back at Erik. "I don't want this, and even if I did, it's not worth my life, or yours!"
"You saved my life! And you won't even let me repay you? What am I to you?" Erik wailed indignantly and flailed his tail as the pain of betrayal set in. Was Nadir only pitying him? Were they never truly friends?
"Is that what this is about?" As Nadir recalled his first meeting with Erik the rat, realization hit him like a heavy stone. The next moment, he fell to his knees, cradling Erik and sobbing.
Erik was his friend, yet he forgot a key part of Erik's character. Erik was never one to stay in another's debt. Anyone who did him a service could expect a fair payment. The unhappy life the young man led left him unable to believe that kindness could be its own reward, so he always made sure to repay those who gifted him with the slightest bit of respect or compassion, whether with expensive gifts, or favors done in the nick of time. It was no curse that plagued him, only Erik's friendship.
Drying his tears, Nadir did his best to explain. "Oh, Erik, you don't need to repay me with these baubles. Your friendship is reward enough."
Erik stiffened in confusion. Then, in a daze, he looked up at Nadir and murmured, "I am…enough?"
"Yes. I enjoy being with you, Erik. That is all I need from you, your time and your company."
Erik whimpered, then curled into a ball and cried. He was ready to die of happiness then and there. For these few seconds, he knew more love and kindness than he had ever known throughout his life. His friend would stay with him, while asking for nothing from him in turn. However, it did not take long for his elation to die down. He thought of himself, and how terrible of a creature he was. He was ugly, he was rude, he existed to get his friend in trouble…He was almost angry at Nadir for having such terrible taste in friends. Stupid kindhearted old man...
Nadir gently stroked the weeping rat's back. When Erik had sufficiently calmed down, he suggested, "Well, right now, there is one thing you can help me with. Can you give all the jewels you took back to their owners?"
Erik raised his head and scoffed. "Why should I? Those fools need a lesson about properly caring for their precious objects."
"I would say the lesson has already been learned." Nadir laughed and bit back a thought that Erik, too, had learned a much-needed lesson today. "So, will you return them?"
"Of course I will. To help my friend." Erik replied, growing increasingly vexed over the amused glint in Nadir's eyes. "Do you doubt my abilities?"
"No, I know you can do it." Though he kept a straight face, Nadir's green eyes sparkled with mirth and affection. In Erik's opinion, they shone brighter and looked more beautiful than the renowned emerald in his hand.
"Wait and see, Daroga!" Erik exclaimed, snatching up the emerald and springing out of Nadir's arms. "Wait and see!"
He was gone by the time the guards arrived, calling for the Daroga to come lead an investigation. This time, none of his monarch's orders or reprimands could rattle him, for he knew that Erik was at work, setting things right.
Peace gradually returned to the royal court over the next several weeks. Starting with the emerald's re-emergence in its case, jewels thought missing began appearing within piles of laundry or lining the bottoms of drawers. Even the Russian dignitaries' cufflinks turned up inside a soup tureen. The various owners retracted their accusations, lest they now be accused of carelessness by their rivals and humiliated before the Shah. Some still suspected the presence of a clever prankster, but never spoke their theories aloud. While the Daroga faced some criticism for not properly keeping the peace, neither his life nor position was endangered.
Erik enjoyed these relaxing days. He spent his mornings training in music and magic, and nights playing with his dear friend Nadir. He showed Nadir his best tricks and helped him review his cases, and Nadir in turn allowed Erik to curl up on his shoulder and shared stories with him about his human counterpart. They royal cats still annoyed Erik from time to time, but otherwise, he had finally found the happiness and respectable status that he craved.
Of course, this was but the calm before a storm.