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"But which is the stone that supports the bridge?" Kublai Khan asks. "The bridge is not supported by one stone or another," Marco answers, "but by the line of the arch that they form." Kublai Khan remains silent, reflecting. Then he adds: "Why do you speak to me of the stones? It is only the arch that matters to me." Polo answers: "Without stones there is no arch." |
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So there I am, resting on some very comfy cushions and sipping on an after dinner cordial. Let's say it's a nice ouzo, since Genghis battered the Greeks a while back and got a great deal on several cases of Metaxa (as this is my fantasy, I see no need for historical accuracy). Genghis has asked about the arch, and Marco has proclaimed (a little too smugly I think) that "Without stones there is no arch." It's nearly time for the dancing girls. Perhaps I grow impatient. Perhaps it's the ouzo. "But Marco," I twirl my goblet for effect and raise only one eyebrow (the left is my best), "without the arch, the stones have no meaning." Genghis turns to me, nods approvingly, and smiles. He claps, and the sweet sound of a flute echoes throughout the palace. Soon there is the flurry of dancing girls. I lower my head in modesty, take a mild sip of ouzo, and glance surreptitiously at Marco over the rim of my goblet. He is noticeably livid, as he realizes who's getting Fatimah tonight. Oh, and look, she's wearing a lovely (and obscenely large) red ruby on her navel. How sweet of Genghis. I make a mental note to thank him in the morning." |
Go read a good book? Perhaps Invisible Cities?