“What
mythical creature would you like to meet in October? (& why?)”
“A
djinn. Not to make a wish. But for the very best advice on how to be
happy
w/ what you already have.”
It
was made of blue fire. The light and shadow formed a face, but the
rest of it was a blue blaze. Jenny took a step back from it, but it
didn't get any farther away. No heat or odor came from it.
“There
is no need for fear, Master,” it said. “I am here to serve you.”
“What...like
a...like a...” It hovered impassively as she stammered. She cleared
her throat and said, “What...exactly...are you?”
“I
am a djinn.”
“What,
like a genie?”
“Basically,
yes.”
“I
thought genies lived in lamps and granted three wishes to anyone who
rubbed...”
“It
doesn't have to be a lamp. I am bound to that ring you just put on.”
“This
was my mother's. She never told me--”
“I
never appeared to her.”
“Never?”
“Never.
She was frightened.”
“How
could she be frightened if you never appeared to her?”
“She
needed a very ordered life, and didn't believe in the possibility of
me. As soon as she put on the ring I ceased to exist, constrained by
her will.”
“You
died?”
“No.
I simply did not exist while she wore the ring.”
“How
can that be?”
“It
is my nature.”
“What
is your nature? I mean, there are many legends of genies being evil
tricksters, teaching people to be careful what they wish for.”
“My
nature is a reflection of my master's nature. If an evil trickster
wears the ring, I am an evil trickster. If a generous, kind person
wears it, I am generous and kind.”
“You
can see into people like that?”
“I
can know anything applicable to my master's needs.”
“Then
you already know what wishes I would choose?”
“No,
because you haven't decided yet. You feel you still need
information.”
“I...guess
I do.”
“I
will help you. Ask me what you will, and I will answer.”
“Will
it count against my wishes?”
“No.”
“And
I get three?”
“Yes.”
“Do
I have to write up a contract for these wishes in order to avoid
loopholes?”
“I
will grant the spirit of each wish. You don't have to think of which
consequences you'd prefer to avoid. Because I reflect your nature, I
will naturally avoid them.”
“And
I get three wishes?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.
Hm. I don't know. What would you wish for?”
“I
have no will of my own. You are my master. I exist only to help you.”
“What
about those stories about the genies who want to be free?”
“Just
stories. If I were freed I would cease to exist forever.”
Jenny
gasped. “Oh, no!”
The
blue-flame face smiled. “I appreciate your concern for me. I would
like to avoid that fate, also.”
“Because
I would?”
“Of
course.”
“What
about after my wishes? What happens to you then?”
“I
no longer exist until someone else puts on the ring.”
“Oh!”
Jenny said. “That's terrible! Wouldn't you rather exist all the
time?”
“Of
course.”
“And
you can know anything?”
“Yes.”
“What
happens after a person dies?”
“Their
body decomposes.”
“That's
not what I meant.”
“I
know nothing true about an afterlife. If I had to supply information
about one, I would, depending on the faith of my master. You claim
agnosticism, but have no belief in an afterlife, so I have no need to
prevaricate.”
“Here's
what I propose, then. I will disconnect you from the ring, and rebind
you to my blood; you will serve me and then my oldest living
descendant. You will exist continuously. After the three wishes are
made, you will continue to exist as an adviser. I...never want you to
be evil, so...remain a reflection of my nature, as it is now. I
mean...I don't think I'm evil.”
“You
are a very compassionate person. I would be proud to have your nature
permanently.”
“You're
just saying that.”
“No,
I mean it. I've been reprehensible. Is this official? One wish for
this, and then two others for later?”
“Yes.”
“Your
wish is my command.”
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