Hindbad, the porter was excited since he was back at the home of Sindbad, the sailor, for another feast and another story. Sindbad, one of the richest men in Baghdad, came by his wealth during his voyages by sheer grit, determination and luck.

The previous days, Sindbad had told Hindbad the adventures during his first six voyages. Today, Sindbad was going to describe his seventh and last voyage.

After returning from his previous adventure, Sindbad had decided never to leave Baghdad again. In addition to not being young anymore, he did not want to tempt fate again, getting lost in the sea.

One day, the Caliph called Sindbad and said, “I require your service. I was hoping you could take my response along with some gifts to the King of Serendib. I need to let him know his friendship has been well received and returned.”

Worried about rejecting the Caliph’s command, Sindbad replied, “I will do anything you command, your majesty. But I do not want to go on another voyage. I request you to reconsider your decision. I have always encountered the gravest of dangers in each of my voyages, and I took a vow never to leave Baghdad when I returned from my sixth voyage.”

Sindbad then went on to describe all his adventures to the Caliph.

After listening patiently, the Caliph responded, “I understand your hesitation, but you must agree to go on this voyage for me. You need to go only to Serendib and can come back after meeting the King. The King knows you, so it will be easy for you to meet him. I do not want to feel obligated to the King, which I will unless you take my gifts to him.”

Having no choice, Sindbad agreed. The Caliph gave Sindbad gold to take on his journey and a ship filled with gifts for the King of Serendib. The Caliph also gave Sindbad a letter to be given to the King.

Thus started Sindbad on his seventh and final journey solely to go to Serendib and come back. When he reached, Serendib, he met the King who gave him a royal welcome. The King was also delighted with the letter and rich gifts given to him by the Caliph.

After meeting the King, Sindbad started back to Baghdad. The ship was in the sea for barely a few days before pirates attacked it. The pirates robbed the people in the ship. They then took the men to an island and sold them off.

Sindbad became a servant to a wealthy merchant and started working for him. After a few days, the merchant asked Sindbad, “Do you know how to use a bow and an arrow?”

Sindbad answered, “I am proficient in archery. It was one of the past times of my youth. “

The merchant took Sindbad deep into a forest. He said, “Take this bow and arrow and climb on this tree. Herds of elephants pass this place. Shoot as many elephants as possible and report back to me tomorrow in the morning.”

Saying so, the merchant left. Sindbad sat on the tree, waiting for the elephants to pass. That day, Sindbad shot an elephant and went back to the merchant to let him know. The merchant was pleased since he planned to take the ivory from the elephant.

Sindbad continued this for two months. One day, the elephant herd instead of passing by Sindbad, stood in front of the tree upon which he sat. One of the elephants pulled the tree and threw it while Sindbad was on it. Expecting death, Sindbad was amazed when one of the elephants put him on his its back and carried him for sometime before putting him down. Then the elephants left Sindbad and went back.

To his amazement, the ground which the elephants left him on was a burial ground filled with tusks and teeth of dead elephants. The elephants were intelligent animals who had realised Sindbad was killing them only for ivory. So by showing this place, they were putting an end to the needless killing.

Sindbad went to the merchant and narrated the full story. The merchant was ecstatic at having got such an unexpected treasure. He shared half of it with Sindbad and also allowed him to sail back home.

When Sindbad returned to Baghdad, he met the Caliph who said, “At last. I was feeling uneasy when you had not returned for so long. I had forced you on this voyage and was hoping God was with you to protect you from harm.”

Sindbad replied, “Your majesty, I had started immediately, but some pirates had attacked our ship. I was made a servant to another man who just recently granted me my freedom.”

The King was amazed, “Each of your adventures is more enthralling than the previous one.” The King then gave gifts to Sindbad and sent him home.

With this, Sindbad completed the description of his adventures to Hindbad.

Addressing Hindbad, he said, “I have now faithfully recounted everything I went through during my travels. You must have understood that I didn’t easily obtain the wealth that I have. It was the result of so much pain and suffering. Do you not think at least now, I deserve to be happy and lead a comfortable life?”

Hindbad responded, “I completely agree. Forgive me for having spoken without knowing the truth. Not only do you deserve a peaceful life after everything you have suffered, but you are also deserving of all the riches. You are such a kind and generous man. I hope you live in happiness and good health always.”

Sindbad once again gave a hundred gold coins to Hindbad.

Hindbad, with the money given by Sindbad, began leading a comfortable life. He never had to work as a porter ever again.

Hindbad regularly came to Sindbad’s house as a guest, and they both became good friends.