Chapter 1.10

Chapter 11

The big game

The exultation in the aduar after the return of the travelers was both huge and lasting, and served in part to heal the psychic wounds caused during the attack carried on by Ahmed ben Assaff and his henchmen.

In particular Abdullah, still appalled by the murder of his wife Alima at the hands of the traitor celebrated the reunion with the only person of real value left in his world so that the old Sheikh had no qualms about shedding tears produced by the emotion of the event.

“I must confess that I had already lost hope to have you back with me. Now revenge is not the only reason for my life, although I have not given it up.”

Farrah told his father the miserable way in which Ahmed had killed Alima, had wounded Fadilah and abducted her. Abdullah broke to mourn bitterly and the other people present felt it prudent to leave him alone with his daughter.

The next Farrah´s activity was to visit Fadilah, who was still confined to her bed, but was fortunately experiencing a sustained improvement in her injuries. When she entered her tent Faisal was already there taking the hand of the girl between his.

“How much damage and suffering that damn traitor has caused.” Said Djamba in a conversation while he was alone with Garnier. “A large part of the population, whether Arab or native, has perished in the attack.”

“I'm afraid that that was not the end of this gloomy story.” Answered the Frenchman. “You've seen the preparations that are underway in the north.”

After receiving the newcomers Abdullah called a meeting of all clan chiefs and the leaders of the native village. Some rumors had reached their ears about troop movements observed by the three men who had traveled to perform the rescue. All attendees were sitting on rugs and cushions placed on the floor in the middle of the most spacious tent in the aduar, which had been cleared of other objects to that purpose.

“In the first place I want to express my eternal gratitude to the three heroes who dared to enter the lair of the beast to rescue my daughter. I will always be their debtor for this great gesture of courage, fortunately accompanied by success.”

A murmur of approval followed his words.

“Now it is necessary that these heroes tell us what they have seen during the time they were watching the boma of the Kamba and their allies.”

Due to his better command of Arabic Faisal took over the narration from the moment they had left the aduar until their return. He was often interrupted by questions from Abdullah and the other elders requesting further details. Alain appreciated the fussiness and objectivity with which the young man recounted the lively adventure.

A long silence stretched at the end of the story. It was evident that all attendees were expecting Abdullah to make the key questions.

“You said that among the Arabs arrived in the Kamba village there was an imposing figure dressed in black. Could you please describe him?”

“It was as tall as Alain but much more portly.” Faisal replied. But let me ask him to describe this character since Alain has seen this man from much closer than us.”

“Not just his outfit was black but also his horse, a magnificent Arabian steed.”Started speaking Garnier. “ His men also wore black clothes. Their attitude toward their boss was that of a deep, almost religious respect. He was carrying a scimitar that from afar seemed embroidered in gold.”

Abdullah nodded in affirmation with his head, an unmistakable sign that he knew who the man was.

“Is there something you want to share with us?” Asked Alain to the clan chief.

“I fear that the Sheikh you saw is the emir Abboud al Kader, a native of Arabia. He is one of the richest and most influential men in East Africa, from Egypt and Sudan to Madagascar.”

“What may his presence in the Kamba village imply?” Asked Faisal.

“This man makes a move when there are big stakes, and sets up huge resources. The colonial powers fear him for his ability to unite tribes and clans and throw them over his enemies.”

The Sheik stood up, stepped until he was situated in the middle of the meeting and expressed in a serious tone.

“The Presence of Abboud al Kader in this part of the world can only mean that the big game has begun.”

The Sheikh´s words made a deep impression among those attending the meeting. While the elders nodded approvingly the rest of the presents tried to digest the statement made by the head of the clan and his previous explanation and then try to individually assess the situation in the light of that information. Alain asked politely.

“ Sheik; for the benefit of foreigners and younger people could you please clarify what you mean by the term "great game?”

The Sheikh sat back down and stirred in his pillow as if he was in the search for words to express his thoughts, though he had doubtless been expecting the question.

“Until now we have been fighting against small native wrens and petty Bedouin merchants, and our resources have barely allowed us to survive in this environment. Ahmed al Assaff is only an infectious pustule but still belongs to that category.” Abdullah made a pause and then went on.

“Well, Abboud al Kader is something completely different. Born in Arabia, in the bosom of one of the aristocratic families of the peninsula he has always been surrounded by princes and bandits. He has access to all the bazaars in Arabia, Persia, and his trade links reach as far as India and China. He represents ivory buyers from the Far East who rely on him for obtaining their supplies and also provides slaves to the mines and plantations in the Middle East and farther away in Asia. Abboud has links with both the agents of the British Empire in India and their Afghan enemies in the Hindu Kush. He can mobilize mercenary armies formed by the scum of Eastern Africa and the Middle East and march with them against those who oppose him.”

“What is such a powerful character doing in this godforsaken place in the company of wretched men as Ahmed al Assaff and his Kamba allies?” Insisted Alain.

“I cannot explain it right now, not even to myself but I'm afraid we'll find that out soon enough, at our expense. Undoubtedly, unlike Ahmed al Assaff, al Kader is not behind the miserable amount of gold and ivory we have hidden in our aduar, but he is pursuing greater interests than those.”

Another elderly attendee asked.

“Abdullah, although Ahmed´s actions have put us in front of Abboud al Kader maybe we could try to negotiate with him to avoid becoming enemies of such a powerful man.”

Apparently pleased the Sheikh stroked his beard, then meditated the answer for a moment as was his habit and answered.

“Wise words Mohamed.” He paused again. “We would need to find someone to represent us before him. I could go myself.”

“Abdullah, in no way can we allow you to expose yourself and expose the clan to be decapitated and left without a guide.”Expressed vehemently the elder called Mohamed. “I'm offering you to go myself to talk to Abboud al Kader on behalf of our clan.”

Abdullah's eyes lit up while the other elders nodded their heads muttering.

“There is no better ambassador than Mohamed el Amin to represent our interests in front of the powerful emir. Old friend, I appreciate your offer. If there is consensus we will approve it.”

The approval was complete and the younger members of the clan approached the elder el Amin to express their congratulations and offer to accompany him.