Chapter 11: The Junagadh Hills and the First Danger
In the previous chapter, you read how Sheikh Hamza discussed all the challenges of the journey with Ali and Junaid, and then departed.
Now, let's continue...
Sheikh Hamza had returned, and Junagadh's hills were now just a short distance away.
Ali, looking at Junaid, said excitedly,
"Junaid! Look, Junagadh's hills! Our real journey begins now."
After a short while, they arrived near the hills.
The tall and mysterious mountains stood before them like a challenge.
The golden rays of the sun touched the peaks, and from a distance, it looked as if the mountains were wrapped in fire.
Dust swirling in the air stung their eyes, and the strange silence all around seemed to signal an unknown danger.
Junaid: "We've finally reached Junagadh's hills. What should we do now?"
Ali (gazing at the mountains intently): "Look, this circular path leads to the top of the hill. We'll need to cross it.
There's a cave at the top, and it will take us forward.
We need to go through that cave, cross the poisonous river, and face even greater dangers ahead."
Junaid (nodding): "You're right. We shouldn't waste any more time. We need to reach the top of the hill today."
Ali: "Exactly! Let's begin our journey."
Ali and Junaid began their climb up the hill. The circular path seemed strange.
As they progressed, the sound of their footsteps echoed against the rocks. Strange marks were scattered across the stones along the path.
As they walked, Junaid whispered,
Junaid: "I feel something strange here..."
The path was becoming more difficult. Large rocks hanging above them seemed ready to fall at any moment.
Ali looked around cautiously and said,
Ali: "Junaid, this path seems dangerous. We need to stay extra careful."
Before Ali could finish, a sudden rumble sounded, as if an earthquake had struck.
Ali and Junaid looked up— a massive boulder was rolling towards them! A cloud of dust filled the air!
Ali (shocked): "Junaid! Move! A boulder is coming towards us!"
The boulder rapidly rolled in their direction. Both quickly leapt to the side of the path.
But as the boulder passed by Junaid, the ground beneath him crumbled!
The ground beneath Junaid's feet suddenly gave way! His scream echoed, and in the next moment, he was dangling in the air—holding onto the rock with just one hand!
Below was a deep chasm, disappearing into the darkness.
Junaid (panicking and scared): "Ali! I'm stuck! Grab my hand, or I'll fall into this abyss!"
Ali immediately stepped forward and extended his hand.
Ali: "Junaid! Don't lose hope! Grab my hand—I'll pull you up!"
Junaid gripped Ali's hand tightly. Ali used all his strength to pull him up.
Junaid (breathing deeply): "Thank you so much, Ali! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have survived today!"
Ali (smiling): "We are friends, Junaid! You've never left me alone in trouble, so I can't leave you alone!"
After this, Ali and Junaid embraced each other.
After resting for a while, they resumed their journey. A few hours later, they reached the upper part of the hill.
By then, it was night. The soft moonlight spread a mysterious glow over the hills.
Looking around, Ali said, "These hills seem calm, but they are just as dangerous. We need to stay vigilant here."
Junaid (in a tired voice): "Ali, what should we do now? Should we move forward or stop here? Traveling in the dark could be dangerous."
Ali: "Yeah, you're right. We should stop here for now. We'll continue our journey in the morning."
Just then, Junaid noticed something.
Junaid (excitedly): "Ali! Look, the cave you mentioned!"
Before them stood a massive cave, its dark and deep walls hiding some terrible secret.
Ali took a deep breath and said, "Yes, this is the cave... and beyond it, real dangers await us."
Junaid: "Who told you about this cave?"
Ali: "Sheikh Hamza. He mentioned the dangers ahead and also how to deal with them."
Junaid (laughing): "Forget about the dangers for now! I'm so hungry!"
Ali (laughing): "Junaid, your hunger is bigger than these mountains!"
Junaid: "I haven't eaten since morning! Aren't you hungry?"
Nearby, there was an apple tree. Ali smiled and said,
"Look, our dinner is here! We'll have to make do with apples tonight."
Junaid (laughing): "Alright, no problem! For now, apples will work!"
Both ate apples and began preparing to spend the night. Ali took out two large blankets from his bag.
Ali: "I brought two blankets—one for you and one for me. We can either spread them out or use them to cover ourselves."
Junaid (smiling): "Ali, your preparation is amazing! Give me my blanket."
They spread out their blankets and got ready to sleep.
Soon, they fell into a deep slumber. The cold night wind blew across the hills, creating an eerie rustling sound.
In the distance, the faint growl of an animal could be heard…
But Ali and Junaid had no idea that an unseen danger was slowly approaching them.
What was this danger?
Would Ali and Junaid be able to cross the cave?
Would they survive the poisonous river and even greater dangers ahead?
Could Ali truly retrieve the map of the "special sword" from Ameer Tahir's hidden location within a week, or would this mission prove impossible?
To find out, read...
Chapter 12...
To be continued...