Chapter 10: The Beginning of the Journey
Previously in the last chapter,
Ali and Junaid, along with Sheikh Hamza, set out to steal the map from Ameer Tahir's hideout.
They will face many dangers on this journey.
Now, let's continue…
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Ali, Junaid, and Sheikh Hamza had begun their journey.
The road was difficult, but reaching their destination was essential.
After leaving the Mysterious Elder's house, Sheikh Hamza asked Ali,
"Ali, do you and Junaid have the sleep-inducing needles the Elder gave you?"
Ali nodded, "Yes, uncle, we've kept the needles with us."
Sheikh Hamza smiled, "Good! They could come in handy at any moment."
Junaid eagerly asked, "Uncle, what kind of paths will we have to cross to reach Ameer Tahir's hideout?
And what kind of dangers will we face there?"
Sheikh Hamza answered in a serious tone, "Right now, we are on the outskirts of Junagadh.
The first thing we must do is cross the mountains. The mountains may look peaceful, but they are dangerous.
There may be ambushing robbers along the way. After the mountains, there's a direct path, but it's deceptive—new challenges will await us at every step."
Ali asked, "What kinds of challenges, uncle?"
Sheikh Hamza took a deep breath, "First, there's a poisonous river, then a dry desert, and finally, a maze."
Junaid confidently said, "As long as you're with us, we don't need to worry about anything!"
Sheikh Hamza chuckled lightly, "I will only stay with you till the mountains of Junagadh. Beyond that, you'll have to continue on your own."
Ali was shocked, "But uncle, why can't you come with us? Haven't you crossed this path before?"
Sheikh Hamza lowered his head, "I am now too old. The difficulties ahead are beyond my strength. That's why the journey beyond the mountains will be for you to complete."
Junaid asked seriously, "Uncle, please tell us in detail what these dangers are?" Sheikh Hamza explained:
"First, we must cross the mountains of Junagadh. This path may seem easy, but robbers might be hiding, so we must stay alert.
After the mountains, our first challenge will be—the poisonous river."
Ali asked, "What is this poisonous river like?"
Sheikh Hamza explained,
"Its water is deep blue, so beautiful that anyone would be deceived by it. But in reality, it's full of poison.
If even a single drop touches your skin, the poison will spread through your veins, and within minutes, your body will go numb."
Junaid anxiously asked, "What if our hand or foot accidentally touches the water?"
Sheikh Hamza took out a small vial from his bag, "This contains a special herb.
If the river's poison affects you, apply this immediately."
Junaid asked, "But how will we cross this river?"
Sheikh Hamza sternly said, "You'll have to figure that out for yourselves."
Junaid took a deep breath, "Alright, and after that?"
Sheikh Hamza continued, "After that, a vast desert awaits.
The heat there will be unbearable, your throat will dry, and there..."
Ali interrupted, "What will happen there, uncle?"
Sheikh Hamza warned, "There's a dangerous gang, just like Ameer Tahir, that is also after 'Al-Amaanah.'
They will go to any lengths to get it.
They wander in the desert, and if they catch you, they'll take you captive."
Junaid frowned, "Another problem!"
Ali calmed him, "Junaid, let him finish."
Sheikh Hamza continued, "After crossing the desert, you will reach a maze."
Junaid asked, "A maze? What kind of maze?"
Sheikh Hamza said seriously,
"This is extremely dangerous. If you take even one wrong path, escaping will be impossible.
The paths are interconnected, arrows may rain down from the ceiling suddenly, and if you take a wrong step, the ground may sink beneath you
It is said that once someone enters, they never come out.
There are many traps laid inside—like the sudden collapse of the floor and poison-tipped arrows. Be cautious of all these dangers."
Ali asked, "So how will we get out of this maze?"
Sheikh Hamza smiled,
"Only a wise and clever person can pass through this maze.
And Ali, I believe you can do it. You are both intelligent and wise. And you have your most trustworthy friend Junaid with you."
Junaid smiled,
"Thank you for your kind words."
Ali asked with concern,
"What if the poisonous arrows hit us?"
Sheikh Hamza took out another small vial,
"If a poisonous arrow hits you, apply this immediately on the wound.
Otherwise, the poison will spread through your veins and within minutes, your body may go numb."
Junaid took a deep breath,
"This journey is much more dangerous than I imagined."
Ali said firmly,
"But we have to reach Ameer Tahir's hideout!"
Ali then asked,
"What will happen after we pass through the maze?"
Sheikh Hamza explained,
"If you manage to pass the maze, you will face another desert."
Junaid immediately started complaining,
"Another desert? Isn't crossing one enough?"
Ali scolded him,
"Junaid! Don't interrupt, let Sheikh Hamza explain the rest."
Sheikh Hamza continued,
"After passing the maze, Ameer Tahir's hideout lies in the same desert. He often goes there."
Ali asked eagerly,
"But how will we find his hideout in such a vast desert?"
Sheikh Hamza took out an old paper from his clothes,
"Take this map. Use it after you cross the maze.
And one more thing—once you reach there, change your appearance,
because Ameer Tahir's guards patrol everywhere."
Ali took the map carefully,
"We will follow your instructions."
After some time, they reached the foothills of Junagadh.
Sheikh Hamza pointed to the mountains and said,
"From here, you must go alone."
Ali said,
"Uncle, you are old now. You shouldn't go any further. We will find our own way from here."
Sheikh Hamza smiled,
"Ali, I trust you. Now, I take my leave."
After that, Ali and Junaid looked at each other, then silently started walking towards the mountains.
The sound of their footsteps pierced the silence. Somewhere in the distance, the harsh cry of an eagle echoed, as if warning that this journey was not as easy as it seemed.
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In the next chapter:
Will Ali and Junaid complete their journey?
Will they manage to cross the poisonous river?
What will Ameer Tahir's hideout be like, and will Ali be able to obtain the map?
To find out, read Chapter 11…
...to be continued!