Chapter 18: The Mysterious Knock and the History of the Poisonous River
In the previous chapter, you read:
Ali and Junaid are shocked to learn that the mysterious man is none other than Sheikh Hamza. Sheikh Hamza mentions a secret tunnel to cross the poisonous river.
They are all discussing this when suddenly there's a knock on the door...
---
The Mysterious Knock
(A loud knock on the door...)
Sheikh Hamza (with caution):
"Ali and Junaid! Be alert! Someone is knocking at the door!"
Junaid (startled):
"Yes, I can hear it too!"
(The knocking on the door becomes more insistent.)
Junaid (slightly anxious, to Ali):
"Ali! Who could it be, knocking so loudly again and again?"
Sheikh Hamza (in doubt):
"It could be an enemy!"
Ali (seriously):
"I'll open the door, but you all stay alert!"
Junaid (uneasy):
"But I can't stand up, you know how weak the poison from the river has made me!"
Sheikh Hamza (comforting him):
"Don't worry, Junaid! I'll stay close to you."
(The knocking continues, louder and louder, followed by a heavy voice echoing...)
Mysterious Voice:
"Open the door! There's no need to panic, I've come to help you!"
Sheikh Hamza (in doubt, to Ali):
"Ali, open the door carefully! This could be a trick!"
(Ali holds his breath, slowly takes the sleeping pins from his pocket, and tightens his grip.
As he approaches the door, he feels like the entire room has suddenly turned cold.)
Ali (softly):
"Stay ready! This could be a deception!"
(Sheikh Hamza nods, signaling 'We're ready.')
(Ali slowly opens the door and steps aside. As soon as the door fully opens,
the faces of everyone are filled with astonishment upon seeing the person standing in front of them!)
Ali (in astonishment):
"You...!"
(Standing at the door was none other than the mysterious old man!)
Mysterious Old Man (smiling):
"Recognized me, Ali? Or have you forgotten?"
Ali (in shock):
"You're here...? Am I seeing things?"
Mysterious Old Man (laughing):
"No, Ali! I'm the same old man you came to for answers to your questions.
But time was short, so I had to send you on this journey without giving you the full answers."
Ali (respectfully):
"Please, come inside!"
(The mysterious old man enters with a smile, and Sheikh Hamza watches him in surprise.)
Sheikh Hamza (politely):
"Master, you're here? What brings you here?"
Mysterious Old Man (seriously):
"I've come to tell Ali and Junaid some important things about their journey and to warn them. I also have another way for them to cross the poisonous river."
Junaid (curiously):
"But how did you know we were having trouble crossing the poisonous river?"
(The mysterious old man takes a deep breath and speaks...)
Mysterious Old Man:
"First, everyone sit down, then we will talk."
(Ali, Junaid, and Sheikh Hamza sit nearby. Now, the real conversation begins...)
---
The Special Sword 'Al-Amaanah' and Amir Tahir's Secret Path
Mysterious Old Man (in a deep voice, his eyes showing concern):
"Ali and Junaid! Time is slipping through your fingers. In four days, Amir Tahir will set out in search of the special sword 'Al-Amaanah.' If he succeeds, it will mean that we've lost this battle... forever!"
Junaid (in his defense):
"That's not true! The reason we're moving slowly is because of the difficulties we've faced in our journey!"
Ali (in a serious tone):
"Junaid, speak respectfully! We have the elder here with us!"
Mysterious Old Man (smiling):
"No, Ali, Junaid isn't wrong. I know all the challenges you've faced during your journey.
I also know that the same two soldiers of Ameer Tahir who attacked you again are the ones who attacked my house as well."
Ali (bowing his head):
"You're right... but some of the delay was on our part as well."
(Ali apologizes to the old man.)
Ali (with determination):
"Please forgive us. Junaid and I will reach Amir Tahir's stronghold in two days!"
Mysterious Old Man (nodding in satisfaction):
"If you reach there in two days, you'll only have two more days to find the map to the special sword 'Al-Amaanah'!"
Ali (with passion):
"Ali keeps his word, no matter what!"
Mysterious Old Man (smiling):
"Very good, Ali! That's exactly what I expected from you!"
The Mystery of the Poisonous River
Sheikh Hamza:
"Master! Please tell Ali and Junaid about the history of the poisonous river!"
Junaid (excitedly):
"Yes, please tell us!"
Mysterious Old Man:
"Do you know, this river was not always poisonous?"
Ali (astonished):
"Is that true?"
Mysterious Old Man:
"Yes, once upon a time, the water in this river was clear. Many years ago, the water was so clear that people could see their reflections in it.
But when Ameer Tahir arrived, he poisoned the river in such a way that the water became undrinkable.
Slowly, the water turned black and poisonous fumes began to rise from it."
Junaid (shocked):
"Amir Tahir did this? But why?"
Mysterious Old Man:
"Because he didn't want anyone from Azamgarh to reach his hideout."
Ali (thinking deeply):
"But Amir Tahir himself comes and goes from Azamgarh! How does he cross it?"
Mysterious Old Man:
"Amir Tahir has created a secret path to reach Azamgarh, which he crosses in no time and reaches Azamgarh safely!"
Junaid (astonished):
"Ah, so that's the secret!"
Ali (thinking):
"If we reach his hideout and find out about this secret path, it could make things easier for us!"
Mysterious Old Man (with a slight smile):
"You are heading in the right direction, Ali!"
Junaid (in a worried tone):
"But how will we find out about this? It seems really difficult!"
Mysterious Old Man (with excitement):
"I know a way to find out about this secret path!"
Before the old man could finish his sentence... thud! thud!
Suddenly, loud footsteps echoed at the door. It felt like a huge danger was standing on the other side of the door!
Ali's palms became sweaty. Sheikh Hamza quietly drew out his dagger. Junaid's heartbeat quickened.
"Who could this be?" the old man whispered.
There was a great danger on the other side of the door!
Who are the two people knocking at the door?
Could they be Ameer Tahir's men?
Will Ali and Junaid be able to cross the poisonous river?
To find out, read the next chapter...
Chapter 19...
To be continued...