Abul was an ambassador. I imagine the meals for the diplomat must have cost a fortune, for he must have eaten more than any other diplomat in the Empire. Yet he was a well liked guest at the Imperial court, and an important one as well. For who else could claim to have served two of the greatest kings that ever lived?
Abul was a living symbol of peace between Christianity and Islam. He was the link between two legendary emperors. And wherever he came, crowds gathered to see him, for he was impressive and exotic.

He had come all the way from Baghdad to serve the magnificent king of the Franks. By foot and by ship had he reached the emperor's court, where he was welcomed. And he was beloved by the great king, who even wanted him to join his war in the north. The ambassador must have impressed the Vikings, I'm very sure.

In 810 AD Abul died of pneumonia, and the world lost a huge diplomat. The elephant which Harun al Rashid had given to Charlemagne had gone to a better place.