Chapter 5: The Secret of Al-Amaanah
(Ali and Junaid follow the mysterious boy to his grandfather's house, hoping to find answers from an elder.)
The Mystery of the House
Ali and Junaid walked alongside the boy as he led them toward his home.
His house was located in the dense and ancient neighborhoods of Azamgarh city.
When they arrived, the boy knocked on the door.
Within moments, an elderly man opened it.
As soon as his eyes fell on Ali, he said, "Come in, Ali! Welcome to our home. The last heir of the Azamgarh Sultanate and the rightful owner of the legendary sword, Al-Amaanah!"
Hearing this, both Ali and Junaid were shocked.
Ali immediately asked, "What… what are you saying? The last heir? And this 'Al-Amaanah'… what is so special about it that I must claim it?"
The old man smiled gently and said, "Will you discuss everything at the door, Ali? Come inside, and we will talk."
They all stepped inside the house.
The old man turned to his grandson and said, "Son! Bring water for our special guests, Ali and his friend. Also, arrange some food for them."
The boy quickly brought water and handed it to Ali and Junaid.
After drinking the water, Ali eagerly asked, "Now tell me, how do you know me? What is the mystery of the Al-Amaanah sword? And who is Ameer Tahir, the one who wants to rule the world?"
The old man pointed toward an ancient wall and said, "Look at the old picture hanging on that wall."
Ali and Junaid carefully examined the picture on the wall.
It was worn by dust and time, but the image of a shining sword was still visible.
Junaid, in amazement, said, "This looks like a royal sword..."
Ali immediately asked, "Is this the legendary sword, Al-Amaanah?"
The old man nodded and replied, "Absolutely right! This is a picture of Al-Amaanah. Though the image has faded over time, the real sword is brilliantly radiant and immensely powerful."
Ali's curiosity grew even more.
"What makes this sword so special compared to others? And how do you know all this?"
The old man spoke in a serious tone, "I don't know much about it. All I know is that this sword belonged to your ancestors, and you are its true heir. When it finally comes into your hands, you will be able to defeat Ameer Tahir and reclaim the Azamgarh Sultanate."
"Right now, a vizier is running the Sultanate, but he is failing to govern it properly."
Ali asked, "Who told you all this? And how can I learn the full truth about this mystery?"
The old man replied, "I learned all this from an elder who knows you very well. He has the answers to all your questions."
After a brief pause, he added, "Tomorrow, we will travel to Junagarh city. That's where he lives, in an old house."
The Wrath of Ameer Tahir
Meanwhile, Ameer Tahir had no idea that Ali and Junaid had escaped from Sheikh Hamza's house.
He looked at his soldiers and said,
"Let's go to Sheikh Hamza's house. I want to see this so-called last heir, Ali, with my own eyes!"
When he arrived at Sheikh Hamza's house with his men, Ali and Junaid were nowhere to be found.
Furious, he turned to his soldiers and asked,
"Where is the last heir, Ali, and his friend Junaid?"
One of his soldiers, trembling, replied,
"Sir! We had captured them right here. But it seems they have escaped."
Hearing this, Ameer Tahir's anger exploded like a raging storm.
"What did you say? They escaped?!" His voice thundered through the room. His eyes burned with fury.
"Do you fools even realize who Ali is? If he survives, our entire rule will be destroyed! Find him at any cost… search every corner of the city!"
The soldiers, shaking with fear, responded,
"Forgive us, sir! This mistake will not happen again."
Ameer Tahir roared in rage,
"Alert all spies and soldiers! Find Ali and Junaid no matter what!
I want them both, at any cost!"
As soon as his orders were given, his spies and soldiers spread across the city, searching for Ali and Junaid.
The Danger Grows
Meanwhile, in the room where Ali and Junaid were resting, a sudden knock on the door startled them awake.
Ali and Junaid immediately got up.
When Ali opened the door, he saw the boy's grandfather standing there. His face was filled with deep concern.
Ali asked,
"What happened, Grandfather? You look so worried."
The old man replied,
"Ali! Just now, Ameer Tahir's men were here. They were asking about you.
I told them I knew nothing.
We must leave immediately and head to Junagarh. We can't wait until morning!"
Ali and Junaid quickly agreed and thanked the old man.
However, Ali was still worried.
"If we leave now, won't Ameer Tahir's men recognize us?"
The old man smiled slightly and said,
"No! I know a secret route to Junagarh, one that very few people are aware of.
Ameer Tahir's men don't know about it."
After that, Ali, Junaid, the boy, and his grandfather set off toward Junagarh.
It was nighttime, and the journey was extremely difficult.
Slowly, they began approaching Junagarh.
By morning, they finally arrived in Junagarh.
The old man took them to a mysterious elder who lived in an ancient house on the outskirts of the city.
The house was surrounded by dense trees.
As soon as Ali laid eyes on the elder's house, his eyes widened in shock!
What did Ali see that left him so astonished?
Will Ameer Tahir capture Ali and Junaid?
Will Ali finally get the answers to his questions?
To find out, read...
Chapter 6...
To be continued...