When she arrived she silently entered the Faiyam, lifting the obscuring veil from around her face. Her dark eyes took in the sight: to her left were men who were drinking and gambling. She caught sight of her friend, Belo, a Babylonian hulk of a man, sitting at a table in a bout of an arm wrestling match with a Roman centurion. To her right were a troupe of acrobats tumbling and juggling; their performance captivating the fascinated, somewhat drunk onlookers. A cockfight was in progress in the pit area in the next room. It was a large circular ‘battlefield’ when the patrons alternately placed their bets on the battling fowls. On other occasions there would be wrestling – naked young men, or women, covered in liberal applications of oil. Nonetheless the Faiyam reeked with the smell of beer, sweat, and depravity. The trade in this place was whatever one’s dark desire craved, and the proprietor was happy to oblige whenever possible, but of course, for a very hefty price!
“Well now,” said a dark tousle-haired woman who was approaching Muna. “Look who comes to join with the common folk! Muna!”
Muna smiled to the older woman who now hugged her.
“Zaliki,” Muna acknowledged her. “Good to see you!”
“And you!” The woman, Zaliki, withdrew from hugging Muna. Still smiling, she then exclaimed, “You’ve come just in time!”
“Oh?” said Muna, removing her cloak now. “In time for what?”
“Aswad is looking for the best beledi dancers to entertain a patron.”
Aswad was grinning from ear to ear when he saw Zaliki approaching with Muna walking alongside her.
“Blessed be the gods! Muna!” he praised as he greeted her. He gave her a warm fatherly hug and kissed her on the forehead. “The goddess Isis must have heard my prayers!”
“Zaliki was just telling me you were looking for dancers,”
“Yes, yes…but I fear that they are entertaining other patrons…if you know what I mean.”
“Who all have you asked?” inquired Muna.
“Zaliki, of course, and um…the Greek girl…what’s her name…um…”
“Damita,” said Zaliki.
“Yes, Damita…” Aswad then began to name off the others, “Ipu…Naunet…Eman” and then he looked to Muna. “…and you…if you are willing to dance,”
“Of course, Aswad,”
“Ah good then! Zaliki, gather up the others! Quickly now!”