Persian Pandemonium

As the sun begins to set over the ancient city of Persepolis, it casts a glow across the patchworked rooftops of the bazaar. Brightly coloured fabric tents line the narrow passageways, patterns and stripes clashing and contrasting in turn. Cockatiels and wild birds squabble and sing overhead, their cries drowned out by the vibrant hum from the streets below them. The air is heavy and hazy with powdered spices and dyes, and the potent sounds of the market fill every cavity. From carpets and baskets to lanterns and silverware, shoes and hats to herbs and dried fruits, everything is available from the bustling market. Yet, in the midst of the dusky pathways, a small, unassuming tent contains the most valuable commodity of all: exotic and fearsome animals. Once captured for their power and prowess, a status symbol for any ego, the mighty creatures now lay tethered to the ground, weak and listless in the heat, their spirits broken by the hardship they have suffered at the hands of mankind. They have been lashed and roped, beaten and starved, denied any dignity in their distress.

Two courageous street dogs pass by the stall, searching for scraps and avoiding trampling feet. Upon seeing the sorry plight of their fellow creatures while they themselves still roam free, they know they must act fast to help them. After a hasty exchange of yaps and growls, they daringly sneak into the market tent with a plan; While one distracts the merchant with a few tricks and twirls, the other dashes the keys from the seller’s belt with one swift nip. Masters of evading capture, a lifetime’s work, the street dogs toss the keys between them while leading the angry merchant on a merry dance around the souk. They leap and dive through the crowds, skilfully losing him in the commotion before rushing back to the tent to unlock their comrades.

As the chain drops from his neck and feet, the magnificent leopard slowly realises his freedom, and like a balloon filling with air, the life and vibrancy surge back into his body. With a quick wink to his emancipators, he launches himself into the streets, tearing through market stalls and slashing at tents as he goes. Explosions of colour punctuate the sky as he tosses jars of powdered spices and pigment dyes into the air. As the mischievous street dogs continue their quest, they release the great ostrich from his shackles, making sure to stand well back once he is free. The ostrich bends down to earnestly thank his new friends with a swift nod of the head, scuffs his powerful foot in preparation and bursts from the tent in an eruption of feathers. He hurtles down the path, weaving and lacing his way between stalls, smashing glass and crashing silverware as he goes. By this time, the wily street dogs are nowhere to be found. Delighted with their success, but not free of danger in this treacherous environment, they may also have found several powerful allies when they need them most.