Chapter 3: The Lost Map and the Deadly Ambush
Ali and Junaid entered a room inside Sheikh Hamza's house.
The room was completely engulfed in darkness; nothing was visible. Junaid had brought a torch with him.
As soon as he lit it, Ali and Junaid's eyes widened in shock.
Torn pages from books were scattered across the floor. The wooden cupboard's door was slightly ajar, as if someone had forced it open.
The air carried the scent of old paper, and everything was in disarray, as if someone had desperately searched for something!
Looking at the state of the room, it was clear that someone had rummaged through it.
Junaid (in astonishment):
"Ali! The way this room looks, it's obvious that someone has tried to find something here!"
Now, Ali and Junaid were convinced that Sheikh Hamza's words were true.
Ali (in a serious tone):
"You're right, Junaid! The way everything is scattered around, it's clear that someone was searching for something.
Now I truly believe that what Sheikh Hamza said was true."
Junaid (thinking deeply):
"Ali! Could this be the work of the same people who attacked you?"
Ali (with suspicion):
*"That's possible! Maybe they were looking for information about the legendary sword, Al-Amaanah."
We should thoroughly search this place as well. We might find some clues here."*
With that, Ali and Junaid began searching the room meticulously.
Meanwhile, Ameer Tahir's Spies and Men
Ameer Tahir's spies and men had also learned that Ali and Junaid had arrived at Sheikh Hamza's house.
One of Ameer Tahir's men quickly ran to inform him.
Ameer Tahir's Man:
"Sir! That boy Ali and his friend Junaid have reached Sheikh Hamza's house."
Ameer Tahir (smirking):
"Ali…! This boy dares to stand in my way? No matter… Capture him alive… I will deal with him myself. And if he tries to act smart… he will meet the same fate as his ancestors!"
*"But do not attack them yet. Let them find something valuable first—perhaps a map or some other important clue.
As soon as they get their hands on something, ambush them, take whatever they have found, and lock them up in a room.
I will personally handle them later."*
Ameer Tahir's Man:
"Yes, sir! As you command. Won't you come with us?"
Ameer Tahir (in a firm tone):
*"No! I have more important matters to attend to. You just capture them and lock them up.
Later, I will come myself—I want to see this so-called heir with my own eyes and then decide how to 'welcome' him."*
With that, Ameer Tahir's men set out and explained the plan to their fellow spies.
According to their plan, one of the spies entered the house and began secretly keeping an eye on Ali and Junaid…
Meanwhile, Ali and Junaid...
Ali and Junaid were still searching the room, but they had not found anything significant so far.
Suddenly, Ali's eyes fell on a small chest placed in a corner of the room.
Ali and Junaid's Discovery
Ali (excitedly):
"Junaid, look over there! That small chest! Maybe this is what we were looking for."
Both of them quickly moved towards the chest. But it was locked.
Junaid (worriedly):
"Ali! This chest is locked. What should we do now?"
Ali (examining the chest carefully):
"Junaid, look closely! There's something written on it in a strange language. This might be a clue to opening it."
But neither Ali nor Junaid could understand the language.
Junaid (frustrated):
"We can't read this language… What do we do now?"
Ali thought for a moment, then wiped the area where the strange language was written.
To their shock, as soon as Ali wiped it, the text disappeared!
Junaid (astonished):
"Ali! How did that happen? How did those strange writings vanish on their own?"
Ali (thinking deeply):
*"This must be some kind of magical trick by Sheikh Hamza to protect the chest from those who came searching for it.
He must have done this to keep it safe."*
Junaid (agreeing):
"You're right, Ali! Look, something else is appearing now—'To open the chest, turn it over and look underneath.'"
Ali and Junaid turned the chest over and found a small hole underneath, exactly in the shape of a key.
The most surprising thing was that a key was already there!
Ali carefully picked up the key.
As soon as he inserted it into the lock, he felt a slight vibration.
A 'click!' sound echoed, and
the lid of the chest lifted slightly on its own, as if revealing an ancient secret...
The Secret of the Chest
As soon as Ali turned the key, a clicking sound was heard, and the lock opened.
Inside, they found a map and a letter.
Ali unfolded the letter and began reading—
*"If you are reading this, Ali, then know that this special sword will not be found so easily.
An elder will reveal the secret of this sword to you.
When you find yourself locked inside a room, you will discover the path to him.
Take good care of this map…"*
The next few words were blurred and unreadable.
Ali and Junaid Under Attack!
Meanwhile, Amir Tahir's men had also found out that Ali and Junaid had obtained a map and a letter from Sheikh Hamza's house.
Four men sneaked inside, preparing to attack Ali and Junaid, while the rest surrounded the house from the outside.
Ali (alertly):
"Junaid! Someone is coming. I can hear footsteps. Hide quickly!"
Ali quickly took cover behind an old cupboard, while Junaid hid behind the door.
As soon as Amir Tahir's four men entered, Junaid suddenly shoved one of them hard from behind, making him stumble.
Ali, moving with lightning speed, struck the man in front of him. But just then, another enemy lunged at him from behind!
Ali ducked, and the attack missed! But now… swords were flashing all around them!
Ali and Junaid were surrounded from all sides.
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What will happen next?
Will Ali and Junaid fall into Amir Tahir's trap?
Will Ali be able to protect the map?
Who is the elder mentioned in the letter?
Will Ali find the answers to his questions?
Find out in Chapter 4!
To be continued...