The Ring of Solomon

you.’
    Asmira felt the colour come rushing to her cheeks. Her fists clenched against her side.
    ‘Got to get these little things sorted out, haven’t we?’ the djinni said. It winked at her, and leaned casually back against a rock. ‘Now, what is it you wanted?’
    Asmira regarded it. ‘Tell me about the Ring,’ she said.
    The djinni gave a start. Its elbow slid sideways off the rock, and it was only with a bit of hasty scrambling that it avoided toppling out of view. It adjusted its wings with much ruffling of feathers, and stared at her. ‘What?’
    ‘I’ve never been to Jerusalem before, you see,’ Asmira said artlessly, ‘and I’ve heard so many wonderful tales of great King Solomon! I just thought that since you were so eminent and so experienced , and since Solomon relies so heavily upon you, you might be able to tell me more.’
    The djinni shook its head. ‘Flattery again! I keep telling you …’ It hesitated. ‘Or was it sarcasm?’
    ‘No, no. Of course not.’
    ‘Well, whichever it was,’ the young man growled, ‘let’s have less of it, or, who knows, I might just go along with Faquarl’s little suggestion.’
    Asmira paused. ‘Why, what was Faquarl’s little suggestion?’
    ‘You don’t want to know. As to the object to which you refer, I know you’re only a simple girl from the backside of Arabia, but surely even there you must have heard—’ It looked cautiously up and down the gorge. ‘The point is, in Israel it’s best not to discuss certain subjects openly, or indeed at all.’
    Asmira smiled. ‘You seem fearful.’
    ‘Not at all. Just prudent.’ The winged youth seemed out of sorts now, and scowled up at the dark blue sky. ‘ Where’s Khaba got to? He should have been here long since. That fool Faquarl must have got lost or something.’
    ‘If Faquarl’s the name of the other djinni,’ Asmira said lightly, ‘then your name—’
    ‘Sorry.’ The djinni held up a resolute hand. ‘I can’t tell you that. Names are powerful things, both in the keeping and the losing. They should never be bandied around, either by spirit or human, since they are our deepest, most secret possessions. By my name I was created long ago – and he who learns it has the key to my slavery. Certain magicians undertake great trials for such knowledge – they study ancient texts, decipher the cuneiform of Sumer, risk their lives in circles to master spirits such as me. Those who have my name bind me in chains, force me to cruel acts, and have done for two thousand years. So you can perhaps understand, O maiden of Arabia, why I take good care to ensure my name is kept safe from others that I chance to meet. Do not ask me again, for it is forbidden knowledge, sacrosanct, secure.’
    ‘So it’s not “Bartimaeus” then?’ Asmira said.
    There was a silence. The djinni cleared its throat. ‘Sorry?’
    ‘Bartimaeus. That’s what your friend Faquarl kept calling you, anyway.’
    There was a muttered curse. ‘I think “friend” is putting it a trifle strongly. That idiot . He would insist on having a row in public …’
    ‘Well, you keep using his name too,’ Asmira said. ‘Besides, I’m going to need to know your name if I’m to intercede with your master, aren’t I?’
    The djinni made a face. ‘I suppose so. Well, let me ask a question now,’ it said. ‘What about you ? What’s your name?’
    ‘My name is Cyrine,’ Asmira said.
    ‘Cyrine …’ The djinni looked dubious. ‘I see.’
    ‘I am a priestess of Himyar.’
    ‘So you keep saying. Well, “Cyrine”, why all this interest in dangerous things, like small pieces of golden jewellery we can’t discuss? And what exactly are these “great matters” that bring you to Jerusalem?’
    Asmira shook her head. ‘I cannot say. My queen forbids me to discuss them with anyone but Solomon, and I have taken a sacred vow.’
    ‘ Aren’t we prim and proper, all of a sudden?’ the demon said. It regarded her sourly for a moment. ‘Strange that your queen should have sent a lone girl on such an important mission … Then again, that’s queens for you. They get ideas. You should have heard Nefertiti when the mood was on her. So …’ it went on idly, ‘Himyar. Never been, myself. Pleasant spot, is it?’
    Asmira had not been to Himyar either and knew nothing about it. ‘Yes. Very.’
    ‘Got mountains, I suppose?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Rivers and deserts and things?’
    ‘Lots.’
    ‘Cities?’
    ‘Oh, a