ALADDIN FACTOR CONTINUED

Once in a far away land, a grubby child sat in the dust and gazed at the battered lamp he held between his knees. Dirty, old and dented, yet somehow still beautiful, the lamp warmed to his touch. Aladdin ran his fingers across an inscription in the side, barely legible because of the dirt. He spit on his shirtsleeve and rubbed the lamp so he could read the words.

Ask and it shall be given.

No sooner has he finished reading, than the lamp seemed to shake and turn in his hands. His skin crawled and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Aladdin heard a booming voice that seemed to come from every corner of the market place.

Who are you and why have you called me?

The dust around Aladdin's ankles swirled and rose, enveloping his small frame. The colours of the rainbow swirled before his eyes and he felt as if he were being lifted into the sky above.

"Where am I, and what is happening to me?" Aladdin shouted.

You are with me, the Genie, for you have called for me,"said the voice. "I am here to answer all of your questions and help you obtain all that you desire"

"I desire only to be recognized for who I truly am. I appear to be a poor begger, yet I know to be true is that I am the Prince. If only people could see this, then all the riches of the kingdom would be mine, replied Aladdin.

"Do you truly wish others to recognize your royalty?" asked the Genie.

"Yes and more"

"Then your wishes are my command. Sit at my feet, child, while I weave a tale of wonder and success about learning how to ask for what you want in life. I have brought many friends with me who will share their stories. Gaze into the lamp, my son and watch our tale of transformation unfold.

To be continued............