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Written by andrew perry
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A long time ago in the town of Cártama there lived a beautiful Moor called Jarifa. Her father was the mayor of the town, rich and powerful. While young, she met and fell in love with the handsome Moor Abindarráez much against the wishes of her father. Abindarráez had to leave and it was some years before he returned, though he never stopped loving Jarifa who had been prepared to abandon her parents, wealth and honour because of her love for him.
On his way to Cártama, where he hoped to see his childhood sweetheart again, he was ambushed by a band of Christians who had set out from Álora in search of adventure. Abindarráez fought bravely but finally, weakened and wounded, he was taken prisoner by the leader Rodrigo de Narváez. Rodrigo was known as a chivalrous man and a brave soldier, one who had been involved in the taking of Antequera. He was taking his prisoner to Álora when he noticed his prisoner sighing deeply and asked him to tell him why. Abindarráez told Rodrigo the story of his love for Jarifa and how he had been on his way to marry her. Rodrigo was so moved that he granted him three days leave on the understanding that he would return to the prison in Álora. Abindarráez was overjoyed and promised to return.
In Cártama, he met with Jarifa whose father was out of town. They made their marriage vows in front of her maid. Jarifa noticed how sad her husband seemed and he told her of the ambush and his promise to return. At first, she made light of it saying that her father´s gold would pay his ransom. However, Abindarráez was an honourable man who always kept his word so he returned to Álora accompanied by Jarifa. On their way, they met an old man who told them a story about Rodrigo de Narváez. He had fallen in love with a woman who was already married and, although she too loved him, he respected the husband and would not take her from him.
On arriving in Álora, Jarifa insisted on staying with her husband in prison. When Rodrigo heard this, he gave them their freedom. Moreover, he wrote to the King of Granada to intercede for them with Jarifa´s father who had been violently opposed to the marriage. So, all ended well and, with her father´s forgiveness, Jarifa and Abindarráez were able to live happily ever after.
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Andrew Perry |
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