[ IP ] Fit for a king .

The king looked over at the fine examples of luxury draped at his feet. Expensive carpets, animal furs ( *'is that a mongoose?'* he thought idly ), perfumes, fine clothing, and rare weapons decorate the cart of the traveling merchant. 
 
 `` Nothing but the finest materials for your majesty, and all for a reasonable price!'' exclaimed the merchant. He rubbed his hands in expectation as the king examined the goods. 
 
 However, the king walked to the cart itself. The merchant frowned inwardly. The items in the cart were by no means common, but his best goods were laid out in front of him, yet the king decided that they were worthless? 
 
 His curiosity was piqued further when the king rummaged through the cart, shifting items and objects until he could see the bottom. 
 
 *'Were my items all beneath him?'* thought the merchant. It was a blow to his pride. He considered himself one of the best merchants in the country, and yet the king, a famous collector, showed no interest in his goods? 
 
 But his annoyance turned to surprise when the king dusted off the carpet that covered his cart's floor. It was a very old and very common specimen, dating back from his early days as a merchant. Its material was composed of a common fabric used in ordinary carpets, and the design was not something to brag about. While it held some sentimental value, it was not something he was particularly fond of. 
 
 So why was the king taking his time to examine and appraise it? 
 
 `` This carpet would make a fine addition to my collection,'' remarked the king. `` How much for it?'' 
 
 `` That carpet is worthless, sire. It's very old, and very much at the end of its life. I am, in fact planning to replace it with another one when my business in this city is done.'' 
 
 The king just smiled. `` Then you would not mind if I bought it for a thousand gold, yes?'' 
 
 One thousand gold was nearly ten times the amount he paid for the carpet. 
 
 `` I would not, my lord. But if I may ask, what do you see in the carpet that is not in the others?'' asked the merchant. 
 
 `` Let us just say that I am interested in preserving both rare and common designs. Both are a staple of our culture, after all,'' replied the king. 
 
 `` Ah, well, let me just dust it off and wrap it then...'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 Later, in his personal room, the king unrolled the old carpet. Taking an old tome from his desk, the king spoke a few ancient words. 
 
 The carpet rose from the floor. 
 
 The king grinned savagely, like an animal that had captured its prey. `` Excellent. I knew it when I first saw you, that you would be the key to the ancient tomb of the fire djinn. You will take me there in due time, and I shall have the power to rule the world! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 Elsewhere, the merchant shivered, as if in dread that a great evil had been unleashed into the world. 
 
 -- - 
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 EDIT: Minor details and better wording. 

