Chapter 26: Ali's Oath
In the previous chapter,
you read that Junaid and the mysterious old man also managed to cross the bridge over the poisonous river along with Ali and Sheikh Hamza.
Though the old man faced great difficulty, he eventually crossed the bridge successfully.
As the old man hugged Ali, suddenly Sheikh Hamza collapsed and fell unconscious.
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After the Bridge...
After crossing the bridge, the old man was drenched in sweat. His breathing was heavy, but a sense of relief was visible on his face.
Ali and his companions had pulled the rope together, allowing the old man to be pulled up safely without any injury.
The old man, upon reaching the top, took a deep breath and said,
"Saved! Honestly, I thought today would be my end!"
Saying this, the mysterious old man moved towards Ali and hugged him.
But as soon as he hugged Ali, suddenly Sheikh Hamza collapsed and fell unconscious.
Ali's heart started pounding loudly. He held Sheikh Hamza's shoulder anxiously and shook him,
"Sheikh Hamza! Wake up... What happened to you?
No... Please wake up!"
Fear was clearly visible in Junaid's eyes. He tried to check Sheikh Hamza's pulse.
"Ali, what should we do now? Has something happened to him?"
The mysterious old man said,
"Junaid! Quickly bring some water and sprinkle it over Sheikh Hamza!"
Junaid helplessly replied,
"But... I don't have water! What will we do now?"
Despite his panic, Ali gathered courage and said,
"Wait! I have water."
Ali quickly opened his pouch and took out a small vial of water. He poured a little into his hand and sprinkled it over Sheikh Hamza's eyes.
As soon as the water touched him, Sheikh Hamza's eyes began to open.
After a while, he fully opened his eyes and immediately got up to hug the mysterious old man.
The old man asked,
"What's the matter, Sheikh Hamza? Why are you so emotional?"
Tears welled up in Sheikh Hamza's eyes as he said emotionally,
"You have no idea... When you were about to fall into the river, it felt like my heart had stopped."
Junaid also took a deep breath and said,
"Ali and I were really scared too!"
The mysterious old man smiled and said,
"Oh, is that so! You all were really scared!"
Sheikh Hamza, showing a bit of annoyance, said,
"You're still laughing... It seems like you don't care about us at all."
The Elder smiled and said,
"It's not like that... You all are a part of my life. If something had happened to you, I wouldn't have been able to bear it."
Hearing this, Ali, Junaid, and Sheikh Hamza, with tears of joy in their eyes, hugged the Elder tightly.
The Elder smiled and said,
"If I was saved from falling into the poisonous river, it was only because of Ali.
If Ali hadn't thrown the rope in time... I would have surely fallen."
Sheikh Hamza nodded in agreement and said,
"I completely agree. Ali, you saved my master's life. For that, I'm truly grateful."
Ali smiled lightly and replied,
"There's no need to thank me... If I hadn't been of use to you, I would never have forgiven myself."
The Elder placed his hand on Ali's shoulder with pride and said,
"Ali! You not only saved my life but also kept my hopes alive. I am extremely happy with you.
When you reach Junagadh with the map from Ameer Taahir's hideout, a gift will be waiting for you."
Ali humbly responded,
"There's no need for that."
The Elder, in a stern voice, said,
"This is my command, Ali. You will have to obey it."
Ali bowed his head and said,
"I will accept your gift."
Junaid took a deep breath and said,
"If you were saved from the poisonous river because of Ali, then I too was saved because of you!"
Sheikh Hamza agreed,
"Master! Junaid is right. If you hadn't thrown him towards me at the right moment, he too would have fallen into the river."
The Elder smiled and said,
"I just did what was necessary at that time.
Junaid, will you also give me a gift?"
Junaid asked in surprise,
"What can I give you?"
The Elder, with a mysterious smile, replied,
"Both you and Ali must bring back the map of Al-Amaanah from Ameer Taahir's hideout. That will be my gift."
Ali, with confidence, said,
"I, Ali... swear on my friend Junaid that we will bring the map within three days!"
Sheikh Hamza said in a worried tone,
"Ali, you shouldn't have taken the oath!"
Ali replied firmly,
"An arrow shot from a bow and Ali's word never return. I will fulfill my oath, no matter what."
Junaid said proudly,
"I believe in you, my friend! You will definitely fulfill your oath. I am with you."
The Elder smiled and said,
"Well said, Ali and Junaid!
The Elder took a deep breath and said,
'Oaths of friendship are the strongest bonds. But remember, the longer the journey, the greater the trials will be.'
When you return with the map, I will reveal a secret to you that is beyond your imagination."
Ali eagerly said,
"I will be waiting for that secret!"
Sheikh Hamza looked at the Elder and said,
"Master, why did you only ask Ali to bring the map as a gift?"
The Elder, deep in thought, replied,
"Sheikh Hamza, every decision of mine is well thought out.
Asking for the map as a promise will make Ali and Junaid more committed to their goal."
Junaid smiled and said,
"Very well! But remember, we never break our promises."
The Elder smiled back and said,
"That's exactly what I want, Junaid! Return successfully soon."
Ali (excitedly):
"Now that we have crossed the poisonous river, what's our next step?"
Sheikh Hamza (with enthusiasm):
"Master! I feel that Ali has become more serious about his mission than ever before."
The Mysterious Elder (with a faint smile):
"It feels good to see your determination!
You are right, crossing the poisonous river was indeed a great challenge!"
Junaid:
"Elder! We know we faced many difficulties, but now we want to know what lies ahead!"
The Elder looked at Ali with a deep gaze and spoke in a calm voice,
"Ali... brave people like you are rare to find. But remember, the journey ahead is even more dangerous. Take every step with caution."
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What new challenges await Ali and Junaid on their journey?
Will Ali be able to fulfill his oath, or will fate present a new trial?
To find out, read the next chapter...
Chapter 27...
To be Continued...