Chapter Four- The Attack
Shortly after breakfast on the morning of the attack, Mozenrath transported himself and Jasmine to a dune outside of Agrabah. There were no guards at the gates so no one was expecting an attack. Everyone was going about their business.
"Jasmine, transform and announce your arrival." Mozenrath raised the cross high and the princess obliged. Shifting to wolf form, she ran into the city, howling her arrival. Her howl was enough to send the humans running for safety. She ignored them and continued to head for the palace, howling once more.
There were two guards at the front doors. She saw the terror in their eyes, could smell their fear rolling off them in waves. She didn't slow down in the slightest as she rammed a shoulder into the doors. Her strength caused the doors to burst open. There were two more guards, one on each side of a throne. On that throne was...
'Father!' Despite her wolf instincts and her orders, she stopped halfway down the carpet. Closing her eyes, she focused on reverting to her true form. She felt herself tingle as the change occurred. When she saw the scene again, her father was staring in astonishment.
As she got to her feet, tears came to her eyes. It had been nearly a month since she saw him. "Father," she said softly. She started walking towards him.
"Who said you could revert?" Mozenrath's voice froze her in her tracks. She turned to him as he ordered, "Get back here." With that familiar feeling of helplessness, she hung her head and returned to his side.
"What is the meaning of this, Mozenrath?" Sultan demanded.
"Haven't you figured it out? I changed your precious daughter into a werewolf. One that obeys me because the spell made me her master."
"I won't allow you to control her. Guards, seize him!" The guards drew their swords and advanced.
"Jasmine, transform and defend." The princess did so and stood before the sorcerer, sideways. Her eyes glowed as she growled at the guards.
They stopped. They couldn't get Mozenrath without going through Jasmine. They didn't dare attack her. She was the princess.
"If you value your life and that of your guards', you'll surrender Agrabah to me."
"I'd rather die than surrender my throne."
"I thought you'd say that. However, what if I threatened her life?" He inclined his head to the still growling werewolf.
"You wouldn't!"
"You think so?"
Sultan thought it over. His daughter's life was hinging on his response. Yes, she was a werewolf now and listening to this man's orders, but she was still his daughter. Shoulders sagging, he said, "Fine, Mozenrath. I surrender."
"Your Highness, you can't!" Razoul exclaimed.
"It's the only way to save Jasmine."
Mozenrath laughed a short, triumphant laugh before saying, "Jasmine, escort your father and his guards to the dungeon."
Jasmine stopped growling and stared at her father in shock. He gave up the kingdom for her. She knew he would because he loved her. She loved him, too and couldn't bear the thought of taking him to the dungeon.
"Take him to the dungeon."
"No." Her response was soft, yet defiant.
Fury sparked in the sorcerer's eyes. "You dare defy me!?" He drew his gauntlet back, magic crackling around it. Jasmine hunched back, tail and ears down and back, respectively. A whimper escaped her throat. Her submissive posture calmed his anger. Lowering his arm, he said, "Let's try this again. Take them to the dungeon."
Ears still drooped, Jasmine padded over to the throne. She gestured in the direction of the dungeons with her muzzle. Sultan slid off his seat, gave his daughter a forgiving pat, and motioned the guards to follow him as he followed the werewolf out of the room.
Mozenrath gave an exasperated sigh. "Damn princess. Her stupid emotions got in the way of her vow. I'll have to train her to suppress her emotions." Satisfied, he crossed the room and settled himself on his conquered throne, unaware that his conquest had been seen.
&&&&
Aladdin sat on Carpet, stunned. He had been about to land on the balcony next to the throne room, when he saw a black wolf burst in. Events afterwards were quick and confusing. At least until Genie supplied the dialogue. He was still shocked, however. Mozenrath had kidnapped his girlfriend and made her a werewolf. Apparently the control he claimed to have on her was not total as she had shown defiance earlier.
Leading Carpet from the palace, Aladdin said, "I still don't get it. How can she change like that?"
"Al, this is the supernatural we're talking about here," Genie stated. "And the realm of werewolves is very complex."
"There has to be a way to break it. Mozenrath said he used a spell, right? So, we need it get it and see about a counterspell."
"Weren't you listening?" Iago cut in. "This is complex matter. And besides, once someone's cursed as a werewolf, there's no cure."
"None?"
"Nope. But there could be a way to break Mozenrath's control on her. That's all you can do."
"I don't believe there's no cure. Every spell has a counterspell. We fly to the Citadel, grab the counterspell, and free Jasmine. Carpet, let's go." Carpet picked up speed and headed for the Land of the Black Sand.
&&&&
"I'm sorry Father," Jasmine said softly as the Sultan and his guards entered the cell.
Sultan knealt down and wrapped his arms around her neck. "I know, dearest. I don't blame you. We'll get through this."
"Just let me at him," Razoul demanded.
"No, Razoul. We can't risk her safety."
"Father's right. Besides, I have a plan. As long as he wears that cross, he controls me. But if I bite him, he won't be able to wear it anymore. I have to gain his trust in order to do so."
"You did a great job when you refused to listen earlier, didn't you?" Razoul mocked.
"Razoul, one more remark like that and I'll have you bitten," Sultan reprimanded. Razoul gulped but said nothing. Sultan turned back to his daughter.
"Listen dearest. Do what he says, regardless of how you feel. Your plan is the only one we've got. Once you're free of his control, come get us and we'll handle his imprisonment."
"There won't be a need to because I'll kill him."
"What!?"
"Father, look what he did to me! He must pay for that. Wouldn't you do the same if it was you?"
Sultan smiled. "Of course I would. All right. Kill him when you have the chance." Hugging her once more, he let her leave and close the door behind her.
&&&&
"You're back. Good." Mozenrath pointed to a pillow on one side of the throne. "You'll lay there."
Putting on a sad face, the she-wolf padded over to the pillow and laid upon it. She felt tired from all the training last month and this morning's conquest. With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes to relax them.
"I know it seems bad right now, princess, but it will get better."
"I feel guilty over how I behaved. I'm sorry."
Mozenrath could hardly believe his ears. The princess sounded very...submissive and truly sorry. His authority must be truly taking hold. Smirking he said, "You're forgiven. You won't do it again."
"I promise." Jasmine was horrified at what she was saying. She hadn't intended to say anything and the words just popped out on their own accord. Was Mozenrath's control strengthening?