The Magical Flight of Dodie Rue Read Free

and tossed a prayer heavenward.
    The thought to go was barely in his mind when the magic carpet responded and took off. He shot above the clotheslines and rooftops, then leveled out and zipped around a tower with an onion-shaped top. The carpet grazed a red-tile roof. Dodie looked down and his eyes crossed. He looked ahead at the village skyline and his chest tightened painfully. Below him he heard the crowd cheering, but he couldn’t go on. Clearly Binni’s potion was not working.
    He barely had enough of his senses to coax the carpet down with his thoughts, and he did so too abruptly. The carpet dropped like a stone. His stomach leaped into his throat, then plummeted down again. It felt like his insides were churning, then—
    He threw his head over the side and puked, showering the crowd with vomit. Everyone screamed and scattered.
    Just land, just land! Dodie pleaded, squeezing his eyes shut.
    Finally, it all stopped. His eyelids fluttered open, and he saw the ground a foot below him.
    Binni rushed over and grabbed him by the arms, trying to help him up. Dodie shook him off. Atallah laughed. Dodie stumbled to his feet and hastily wiped his chin on the back of his hand. He didn’t look Atallah in the eye.
    â€œDon’t know what to tell you, Rat Scat,” started Atallah as he knelt on his carpet. “Embarrassing—”
    â€œDodie!” Taj called as he slid to a stop beside them. “What was that all about?”
    â€œNothing,” muttered Dodie.
    Atallah shot off, and the crowd dispersed.
    â€œAtallah dared Dodie to prove everyone wrong,” Binni piped up.
    â€œProve everyone wrong about what?” Taj looked confused.
    â€œThat the village is embarrassed about Dodie,” continued Binni, “because he can’t fly.”
    â€œWhat?!” Taj jumped off Sand Surfer . “That’s not true. How would Atallah know how the whole village feels? You’re right—he is a creep! Ignore him. Remember what the Seer told you? Someday you’ll grow out of your fear of flying.”
    â€œThat’s right!” Binni brightened. “And when that day comes you’ll be laughing in Atallah’s face.”
    â€œIn the meantime, want me to beat him up or something?” Taj gave a lopsided grin.
    Dodie gave a small smile. “Nah, just make sure you beat him in the Grand Flyer.”
    Taj threw an arm around his little brother’s neck. “No worries there. You saw him, he can’t even thread properly!”
    Dodie chuckled as they headed back home.
    â€œHey, and next time you try out flying,” said Binni, “do it far away from people. No one wants to get puked on.” He waved and crossed the road toward his house.
    When Taj and Dodie entered the emporium, they found their father deep in conversation with a tall man in long emerald robes. Gamal Rue looked up at his sons.
    â€œAh, Taj, over here,” he waved the boys over to the counter where he and the tall man stood.
    â€œThis is your racer, eh?” the man turned to them.
    Dodie knew exactly who this stiff man was and his heart sank. Lord Hadi, Atallah’s father, had the same rare icy blue eyes as his son, and held his head up in the same haughty manner. He was dressed in rich emerald robes trimmed with gold thread. His face was narrow and clean shaven with a prominent nose that would have been a feature to make fun of if it was on anyone lesser. But on Hadi it looked regal, and gave him an excuse to look down it at others. He did so at Dodie and Taj.
    â€œMy son is excited to race against you, Taj,” Hadi said in a smooth voice. “He admires you greatly.” He ignored Dodie as he turned back to Gamal. “This will be a good fair bet. Shall we?”
    â€œWhat bet?” Dodie asked. “What are you talking about?” He looked from his father to Lord Hadi.
    â€œStay out of this,” Gamal said quietly.
    â€œI have the contract all