'Weaving Blooms'
HAVE A SAMPLE OF Book 1 π€
SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR AUDREY NEWTS ✨ππ€
( NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR ... THIS IS A DRAFT SAMPLE ... APOLOGIES FOR TYPO ERRORS )
FIND IT AT Amazon Kindle Edition
Direct Sales
https://a.co/d/3PA8RjI BOOK 1
Post By Editor : Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism
February 2025 Ms Izabel Langlais
Date: May 2021
Word count : 8500 words
Genre : Adventure, Historical, Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music & Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
Image: Is my first !
_______________________________
WEAVING
BLOOMS
The
route south from the Northern Wolves Countries, to the crossing point of the
Rub Al-Khali Desert in Arabia, known as “The Old Incense Route”,
was travelable by day with a usual guide. Only, to be safe at night or on
the road from the muggers, an armed escort, expert at swords battling; the word
had travel of fierce encounters were no muggers had returned, and none of their
weapons or body have ever been found by their peers ; so none, was ever attacking
anymore, the Caravans from the Northern Wolves Country.
But
coming the desert to cross, no guide was wishing to continue, and a new one
would be needed. Few armed escorts would be continuing with them, but most
would be staying at this crossing, waiting for them to return with the needed
supplies, guarding most of the equipment they had so far and the horses, which
they will leave behind, while enjoying the city many amenities and getting
needed rest.
For
the crossing of the desert, new equipment was necessary, with camel animals
better then horses, and very little equipment; a new guide, and few armed
escorts that were travelling with them already; ones from ethnic lineage that
had special skills for desert travel, and a like to be paid extra for the risks
and the longer trip.
The
city was busy, and accommodations arrangements was made quickly for the
Caravan members that were to stay there while the others would be continuing
the journey; in a traveller rest house that rented for extended period of time,
maybe few months; with place to keep the horses safe and roaming freely in a
fenced area, and the equipment locked in a secure garden shed at the back of
the house.
Once they found the guide who would
lead them to the other side of the desert safely and alive, they went for some
rest, letting him to organise what they will need for the trip.
***
After
few days of sleeping in soft beds, eating the delicious and abundant food made
by the wife of the rest house’s owner, and washing at the public bath house, all
members looked alive again. Scrapes had been cleansed, disinfected and bandaged
properly with ointment, aches had vanished with specially made tea’s,
hair and beard trimmed neatly with all the necessary grooming at the
public bath house, done from teeth, ears and nails.
Now
they looked more like gentleman then road thieves when they arrived, and the
service was definitely better. They now could go out to the city souk, and buy
personal needed belongings; like new clothes to fit better the city they were
in and the heat, or items exclusives to the area like swords, or these herbs so
miraculous for removing aches, the rest house owner had gently written for them
in Arabic, so they could find them for the return trip, or for the ones who
will continue.
The
souk was busy with colourful fabrics, piles of spices, baskets and other
necessities; live hens, goats and sheep for the eggs, milk, cheese and wool, or
for the meat, with sweets, tea’s, incense and henna. They bought a praying mat
each, which made the market shoppers at rest to know the new Caravan members
arrivals were with God, and so they were invited to sit in the cafe were men
were busy at a game of what seemed like backgammon, with tea’s in glasses
with snacks.
From
there, they could see the brouhaha in the market, and observe it better;
Women were shopping mostly, all busy to their own world; men were the market
sellers. Beautiful women of all ages it seemed, draped in all different colors,
with only their eyes to see, hands with designs on them, and feet coming out of
long skirt or dresses; their hair raven color would show few strands shinning,
coming out from under head scarves; their eyes with black eyeliner looked away.
In the cafe only men were present and they perceived the smiling attention of
their table, observing their admiration of the market and the women
shopping in it.
They were not married, or they
would not have made the trip, and so they had let their eyes linger more then
notticably to the beautiful attributes of this market. They wondered if this is
what had happened to few of the ones that had done the journey before them, and
were known to not have returned to the North; with the secret smile of the ones
who did, when they were ask where they were. Maybe they had found
wives and stayed here ? With all this delicious food and
beautiful poised and graceful women, who would not like to settled and stay
here forever to be pampered and forget about the harshness of the rest of the
world. Secret tales had made the men want to do the trip, and wish in secret
they would meet a women there; only unmarried ones had been permitted,
apparently because of the risk on the road...maybe it was for the risk not to
want to return... But the tales came with warnings, and the impossibility of
such success, which would had made them even more curious, and dreaming about
it !
***
The
few men to continue on the road were gathered together, organising their
supplies; the camels were lying calmly waiting, while water jugs and bags were
being tied to their saddles. The men staying were present to wish their best of
luck to the ones departing. With the proper ample clothing and head scarf for
the crossing, they were barely recognisable as Northern ones, except for their
fairer skin and lighter eyes.
Few
local men arrived, and asked the guide to talk to him privately; after some
conversation and greeting in Arabic, they started to gather together besides
the others, with a sort of covered cart, with sheers drapes coming out of the
windows on the sides; the men ready to leave were looking in disbelieved
astonishment, what was looking like this cart and extra men, were intending to
join their party; The cart was motorised. and their camels saddled more fancily
were gathered around it tightly; noticing that they also were wearing swords
and the 6 dressed exactly the same, made look like a prestigious escort of some
sort. Asking the guide what was this he replied that they would be joining them
for the crossing !
“But,
will this not be slowing us very too much ? The cart will be slow and not very
adaptable. “ tried the Leader of the Caravan expedition “...and it will make
noise and might attract unwanted attention ...”
“They
will be joining us for the crossing” stated the guide sharply...”as for
muggers, do not worry ... except for us ... there will be no one to ear
the cart or not...”
Feeling
suddenly worry about not seeing any possible muggers, and the sinister idea of
their journey, he tried insisting anyways “But, ... I think it would be
best that they travel on their own...” trying to seem assertive but not
provocative “It seemed a little fancy to travel with us ! “
“There
is little time for the crossing, and even less guide willing to do it.” The
guide replied “They are paying extra for my guiding services, and are bringing
their own water and equipment. The Tsar is awaiting his new bride with
anticipation for many months already, and few maiden female companions are
travelling with her for the trip, as her younger sister.” As he said
this, the Cart Escort warriors looked at the Caravan leader sternly, and the
Caravan men exchanged look of resignation.
“Yes,
this is great...” one of the ethnic armed Caravan escort intervened “...we are
pleased to have their party travel with us” and with a insisting stare to the
Caravan Leader, that pleaded for him to abandoned all argumentation about the
topic and just follow the new plan.
So
they left at dusk, as the sun was setting low in the distance, the air
still warm from the day. They were to travel by night when the desert cools
down, and to give respite from the heat to the camels and the men; then find
shelter for the day for some rest, food, and water refill.
The
guide knew the way and the halt to take, but he had explained that there were
few very specific stops, and also specific time to get from one to the other
before the heat, or the camels wouldn’t be able to walk under the sun for too
long , which could be fatal to all. So they had to listen to him in all, and
make sure not to be slowing down the paste for any reason.
Camels
were easy animals it would seemed; gentle in nature and knowing where they were
going; they seemed to be not easily distracted or fearful, and happy to follow
one another.
The
Cart was following them with the Escort warriors around it at a steady paste,
and no one from inside was to be ever seen or heard...they wondered if there
was even anyone inside at all. Only the sheer curtains would flow softly from
the windows, as the wagon travel behind them.
After travelling the whole evening
and night what seemed like days, following this guide that knew the way,
anxiety seemed to reach some of the men. It was a miracle this guide could
differentiate any trail at all, as there wasn’t any, and so, as they went
further and further from the city lights, engulfing themselves deeper and
deeper in the sand dunes, a doubt was crossing their mind...what if the guide wasn’t perfectly skilled, and what if they got
lost ? The warry look on their face wasn’t to reassure
each other, and the sharp stern look of the Cart Escort warriors was not
reassuring either...
The
sky was clear though, and the stars were making the ground more visible; the
camels seemed comfortable like cats in the night; true that the horses would
have not be good for this journey, and more likely would have been fretful and
walk even more slowly resisting the lead.
The city light disappeared behind
them, and the darkness engulfed them, all was to be seen was the camel in the
front, and the hoof on the ground...Were they mad ?! This surely
was the reason no one had ever returned...they would be lost in an hour and not
to be found for sure...
“Are
you sure you know the road or that there is one at all ?” asking the guide in
front of him, the Leader shout...
“Yes,
Yes,...no worries...Yallah, Yallah...” The guide replied...
They
stopped for about half an hour around a well ?! Out in the middle of this, was
a well ?!!! Unbelievable enough, cold fresh water was in it, and a string with
a pale to get in from down bellow...Astonished, the men started to laugh, and
half their worries left them as they knew now that he was truly a guide! They
all thanked him with a huge pat on the back and a wide smile, and it was like
he had given them each, a gold rock or diamond the size of a fist!
Still
no sound or movement from the Cart; the men looking in it’s direction were a
little bit wondering...but one of the Escort warrior brought the pale of water
to it, and came back with it emptied...so they knew now that there were
passengers inside...
They
ate few of the dried meat and some dates and cheese, with fresh pitas from the
market...and got back to the path as soon as possible, as the guide suggested.
The
air was cooler and they had to wear the jacket the guide had insisted they
bring...and thankfully they did.
The
sky started to clear to a lighter blue, and the stars were fading away, but
still there was nothing to see but sand and sand. The guide showed with a
pointed finger a place up ahead were you wouldn’t see there was something or
not, and then, knowing he had found the well with fresh water, they felt more
reassured that there would surely be something there if he said so...
And indeed, as they were walking
closer to it, the dune was caving in to a rock wall below, and there, was a
cave entrance! Again, they got down from their camels and giggled and cheered
to the guide in astonishment! This time, they were relieved like if he had
given them each, a whole bag of the same fist size gold rock or diamond
!!! Truly amazing! As
they walked inside, pelts were on the floor and a fire pit in the middle, a
well was on the side with water leaking from the wall in a small stream,
filling a man made basin to collect it; there was enough place for the camels
inside. They would eat here and sleep for the day, while the sun would be
burning hot outside, and the day get hotter and hotter. Here it will be cool
and they would have all they need.
The
Cart Escort warriors, moved some of the pelt on the floor on one end of the
cave, and installed a wall made of a thick curtain, to separate an area from
the rest. The Cart couldn’t go inside as it was too big.
They
heard some conversations and a female voice, then from around the edge of the
curtain, seen some movements coming out of the Cart, and foot walking from it
to the secluded area. There were some very low tone voices and some ruffling,
and then nothing again.
The fire pit was lighted to make
enough light on this side, and apparently the females didn’t need any on the
other side. The Escort warriors filled a basin, taken from the cart supplies
area, with water, and brought it to the women area with few trunks, as well
from the Cart luggage area. Then brought food and water to their camels.
Petting around the Cart, inside and out for a while, and organising their area,
secluded as well, but with a thinner material so they could see the to the
Caravan members side for safety the
Caravan Leader assumed. It would look like they
would not be exchanging much during the journey, and were not too trusty of the
Caravan men.
The Caravan Leader went outside for
few minutes to check things out in the early dawn light; Already the air was
warming out, and still nothing in sight but sand ... If the guide didn’t know
exactly the location of this place, no one would have found it ! They had to be
thankful to him for their life from his skills. He would
deserve more then the agreed payment he thought and he would make sure of it when they will arrive, and reward him
fairly. He turned, and startled as he couldn’t find the Cart...then
noticed that the Cart Escort warriors had covered it with a fabric of sand
color and placed it against the rock wall beside the cave entrance, so it would
blocking the entrance from view, leaving only a small opening to get in the
cave...Thoughtful he thought reassured, these men knew what they were doing to keep safe...
Then he stopped in his thoughts and
wondered ... but if they were to be alone, as the guide had
stated ... and so few guide that they had to travel together ... why so much
precautions ?!
***
The
fire at been put off after they ate, refreshed and prepared for their day rest;
another detail the Caravan Northern Wolves countries Leader noticed, and
thankfully, as when he woke up after few hours of sleep, the cave was already
getting warmer, with the men gathered inside, and the hot temperature outside
climbing slowly with the hours passing toward the afternoon.
A ruffle startled him in one
corner. His eyes had acclimated to the refreshing darkness in the cave, giving
a sense of privacy in this cave full of men sleeping, and few women in the next
area just behind the curtains. He looked with a piercing stare in the direction
of the sound, thinking and hoping it was one of the men moving in his sleep,
but all was still...only some low breathing sound could be heard, and you would
not have guess from outside there was even any life inside the cave. He felt
still frozen and guarded, like he was being watched or observed, and there was
a feel in this air, or the stillness, that wasn’t right. He stayed few minutes
waiting, but hearing nothing he decided to try to sleep a little more. After he
had closed his eyes for few minutes, he heard it again...there in the
corner...or more in the centre this time; Had it moved, or was it some
sort of trick from the echo? He sat again and waited a little
longer, still nothing...everyone was definitely sound asleep, which made this
even more troubling since it had to be, from another source; not the water
either. He felt observed, this feel of stillness was getting through his skin
and was unsettling him...Lying down slowly and closing his eyes, just to wait
for the sound and where it was coming from, he waited and waited, the heaviness
started to get to him; just as he was falling in this half sleep
stated...the sound again...he jerked and sat upright and looked intensely...he wasn’t imagining this ! This whatever it was,
wasn’t any of the men, or even the women on the other side of the curtain
division...something was moving there, between his men sleeping, and the guide
along the wall ... the sound seemed to move toward the other side where the
women were sleeping...this time there wasn’t any stillness in the air, but
something predatory, or excitement, could be felt...He couldn’t see anything
moving, and didn’t know how to act without creating a chaos in the tight
cave...He didn’t want to startled the creature...doesn’t matter what it could
be...a rat, a snake, a scorpion ??? None was a good
idea, and he could lose one men in minutes if he was to attack one of them...even
worst, if he wasn’t to do anything and it was to attack one of the precious
women travelling with them...he could imagine arriving with a missing Bride for
the Tsar, or a Lady Companion, and probably all losing their heads ! He reached
slowly for the foot of the guide, making a hush gesture with his finger on his
mouth...why was he sleeping his head toward the wall, and not his foot
instead with his head in the centre, like the rest of the them?! In
a spark second, as his hand was approaching the guide foot, the guide arm moved
like a thunderbolt, and in a split second, too fast to even see what was going
on, he sat with it in his hand ... a snake !!!
Then in a tirade of Arabic
words...even more incredible then what had just happened, the guide stood up
and showed proudly his catch, not in disgust or terror, but looking like he had
just found the most amazing treasure ?! Gesturing for him and the other
men to see it, with a grin of amazement ...He is not going to want us
to eat it I hope...He thought to himself... As the guide
insisted with a huge grin to come and look at it, the other men woke up, and
while some commotion happening, he did as the guide continued his tirade in
Arabic pointing toward the snake hanging from his hand, and holding it from his
stretched arm so they could see it closer... He approached slowly, and yes
indeed it was a snake, but what was he saying with such admiration ?!...One of
the men seen and pointed too to the snake, and then he understood...from the
point where the guide was holding it bellow the head, a huge buldge was
showing, and he realised that it wasn’t the skin the way the guide was holding
it, but because he had something in his mouth?! The guide was still pointing
close to the snake mouth saying “leg...Leg...” he understood that he wasn’t
referring at the snake legs of course, but at the tiny bug leg that was coming
out of his mouth...the men exchanged incredulous stare, and then he explained
“He
catch something ...he catch ... this was going to bite me...he saved my life
!!!” The guide said ...
“What
is it ?” one of the men asking
“A
scorpion ...!!! ” he answered “He saved my life...” He repeated proudly
And
then they all started to laugh, and they all wanted to see this, and even the
most stern Escort warrior was having a pat on the back of the guide, and a half
grin on his face...
***
After
the commotion had passed, and everyone returned to most wanted rest, for the
little bit of time it was still cool in the cave and waiting impatiently for
the cooler air to come outside for the night travel, the guide had brought the
snake outside, and freed him with some sort of ceremonial as a thank you for
saving at least his life from the deadly scorpion’s bite.
***
Hours
later, they woke up slowly, and after eating again some dry meat, cheese, pitas
and dates, they got the extra treats they had brought of baklavas; with some
fresh water from the basin, they refilled their jugs and started to pack to
leave for the night travel as the air seemed to cool down outside. The Escort
warriors had uncovered the Cart and the women were inside by the time the men
even woke up...as they removed the curtain to fold it, side looks in the
direction from the men, curious to see at least the face of those mysterious
female travelling with them, but the area had already been cleaned and empty,
without a sound.
Feeling
gentlemanlike, one of the men asked if they were not to eat...and the guide
replied that they already did and that they were waiting in the wagon already.
Leaving
the cave, the air was still warm outside; They could see better the
surrounding, with the sun just setting...Dunes and dunes of sand of all
highs...of all shades of sand...but nothing else that looked alive, except
themselves. There has been some wind, so the wagon wheels were buried a little
and some shoving the sand from it was necessary. The camels outside were
waiting and drinking the water given in their own pales, with some food. The
cave was cleaned from their staying, all wastes were placed with some type of fuel
in the fire pit and burned; the human wastes buried outside in a dune, burned
with the same fuel first, then covered. And it was like there has been no one
there.
The guide left a package on one of
the rock and a parchment with it. “For the next person that will come here...”
he explained, and looked away before anyone could ask more questions...again
the North Wolves Countries Caravan Leader was wondering...there wasn’t anything when they arrived this morning left for them
?! ...So it wasn’t left for their Caravan return, or for the next one
coming?!...for who then would have they brought this
package especially to leave it here in case someone finds it ? ... And how superstitious one could be to even think someone could
even get here to find it ? And thinking about it...who had left the pelts on the floor for them to find...and the
receptacles for the water and the soap, since they didn’t bring them?... and
the sheets were clean and fold for them when they arrived this morning ...
As they were travelling, the mind
was going. Looking in the distance, as everything was silent, except for the
camels hoofs and the sound of the Cart motor...they did left their sheets
behind on a pile dirty and used ?!... He had seen the guide do it...So, how
were they fold and clean when they had arrived, if they were left like this
when the previous Caravan had left ?!
***
Still
no sign of a sound or life, in this infinity of sand dunes, except for
themselves. They were following the guide in some trail that seemed only to get
lost between more sand and dunes, engulfing them even deeper in the silence and
isolation of this place...But today, he wasn’t having tremors of worries with
shortness of breath, like yesterday when they had left...Even with the night
sky closing on them, and the darkness enveloping them, to see only the hoofs of
their own camel and the traveller in front of them...After what the guide had
provided for them in finding this cave shelter, that could only be out of an
Arabian Night tale...and the snake that saved their lives...He felt stronger
then he would ever had imagined, and he couldn’t possibly been scared of
anything anymore...
He
settled on the saddle of his camel, and waited patiently that his eyes could
see further.
***
The Trail was moving sinuously between
dunes, but not too close, as the camels hoofs would sink in the fresh sand
accumulated at the dunes bottom by the Harsh wind.Tonight indeed there was wind,
and the Caravan expedition was slowed by it. The Cart could get it’s wheels
stuck, and so it was even more important to check for the “trail solidity” the
guide has explained...trail solidity ?!... another desert
information that didn’t seemed to make any sense to the caravan leader, until
some unfortunate events was to happen, to prove him right of course... the Northern wolves countries caravan
leader thought to himself...
Slowly
they were following each others, with their scarves up to their eyes, to see
the path in front of them, and to protect themselves from the sand the wind was
blowing; the camels didn’t seemed to really be bothered, except for the
occasional sneeze to clean their nose.
The wind was everywhere, closer to
the dunes, on any side of it, it was blowing from over and around them. Where would they be able to stop for some rest ? He
couldn’t talk to the guide in front of him as the noise from the wind was too
loud, and they had to just hope the ones following behind were still there;
checking once in a while behind them to make sure, and having a special whistle
each in case they loose one of the
member, as the guide had explained and requested when they had left the cave.
He
missed now yesterday’s night journey, when he was so terrified but that the
night was clear and bright by the stars...tonight he was even more terrified.
After
few hours, the guide stopped in front of them and came by the Northern Wolves
Country Caravan Leader and explained that they would not make a stop to eat and
drink because of the weather, and that they were to drink from their own filled
gourds and eat from their own travel pouch supplies, right sitting on their
camels. They would just stay here in line as they were, and wait for him to
hold each camel for few minutes if they needed to go relieve themselves; Which
he did, grateful to the guide that his camel was still there when he came back;
he climbed back on, and ate and drink as best he could, with the head and face
scarves, and the wind blowing sand everywhere; thankfully for the heavy jackets
as it was now about only 10*C or probably less. The guide went to each members
and camels, and came back as they went back to continue on the trail.
After
some time, probably only half an hour, the guide camel was slowing down, and
his, almost bumped into him; now he was stopping totally and seemed to refuse
to go further...As he was wondering what was going on, and imagining the worst
like an embush, desert muggers, the end of the trail, or what else...he felt
suddenly jerked forward and almost throwned out of his camel saddle; His camel
was sanking forward on his front legs; thinking he had decided to stop and lie
down folding his front leg under his body as camels do, he start to yell,
because of the wind, to his attention “NoNoNo!”; going close to the camel ears
to say it, in total horror, he realised that the camel legs were not folded
under him, but disappeared to the knee !!!
Looking
behind him, the legs of the camel behind him where also sanking into the trail
cracking; his, trying to step out of it with pushing on his left front leg,
only made it sank more deeper, and now he was to his knee into what was the
trail ! The eyes of the caravan member on it, where enough to get him being as
terrified as himself...
The
guide ran pass him, his camel still stuck there, to tell the ones behind to
stay where they where, and not to walk further; he pulled on the camel that was
still safe, and brought him out of the trail few steps away, and all the others
where to follow the detour he just made; he then brought one camel with his
passenger, besides the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader. The camels were
calm as if nothing was really going on, just staying like this until
rescued...which was actually a benediction, as if it had been horses, they
would have panicked, and stuck themselves deeper and deeper...
The
guide gave the camel leach to the passenger on the rescuing camel, and
told the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader to get down, but told the one
behind to stay on his camel and not move, with a sign of the hand when he was
going to get down too. Climbing down, the Leader sanked to his ankles in a
puddle of mud !!! Busy trying to get what was this happening, with the
incredulous look of the Caravan member behind him, still on his camel observing
him... he stepped away out of the puddle, and didn’t even dare make a move. The
guide helped his camel to step out of the mud, by pulling him with the other
camel, which didn’t actually seemed difficult as the other camel was pulling to
give him strength and so his legs were free to climb back on the side trail,
like getting out of water, not pulled from thick mud or quick sand...It wasn’t very deep then and more solid
ground was to the camel knee level. After his camel was parked beside the other
ones, further, the guide gestured to him to come and hold his camel, as he was still
frozen on place disbelieved... he stepped and jumped as best he could over the
puddle, and came holding the camel’s leach; the guide patted him on the neck,
and instructed him to do the same; he did, as he watched the guide repeating
the same maneuver with the second camel stuck, with some sort of admirative
curiosity, now that he knew he was safe, and that the guide was able to do this.
Then at last, he went to rescue his own camel at the front, which hadn’t move a
inch...but that is why he was the leader camel !
Once
they were all out of the trail, and on safe ground, the guide instruct to
imitate him, and bring the camel to drink some refreshing water from the ground
where the trail had broke ... that is why
his camel seemed agitated and seemed to be pulling in that direction back...he
realised.
Which he was first to thought of a nonchalant and too docile
animal, was now to him a life saver; bright, brave and reliable in this
harshness...a gifted friend from God to survive !
They
went closer, and the camels drank plenty of the water; he could see the trail
cracked, and 3 big puddles of water now replaced the trail that was.
Trail solidity ... he remembered the guide saying...and now he
knew what he meant by it...
This
guide, once more had saved their life all; and in only 2 days of travel, more
then once... surely he will buy him a precious gift when arrived at
destination...and give referral for him in the whole Northern Wolves Countries
when returned...
***
The
wind dropped a little towards the middle of the night, and they started to see
some colors in the sky and even stars through clouds shape. The journey had
been exhausting, and every more minutes, the Caravan members where praying that
they find refuge for some food and rest.
The
guide at one quick stopped, explained that they had lost too much time, and that
they had to continue like before, eating and drinking on their camels;
“If we do not get to the next
shelter’s place by the end of the night, we will be in more trouble then what
has happened in the last 2 days together !” the guide said “Yallah, Yallah!” he
added firmly
***
Finally,
after more of few hours, the dunes were lower, and some herbs and plants were
seen here and there. They brought the camels to eat at these miraculous fresh
food. They waited so they would find where they were. Only the guide could tell
of course. He was looking in all directions, and to the sky, and afar in the
distance...all looked exactly the same as in the last 2 days, except for these
herbs and the shorter landscape...but how
was he able to differentiate the trail and where they were !
Finally
to the relieve of all, he pointed excited in a direction, and jumped on his
camel, who didn’t resist. Wonderful
animal, the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader thought again ... and they
started to follow this place he was pointing to...
There,
they found another cave...bigger then the one before, with a bigger entrance and
a door, big enough that the Cart could be brought in also in the first section,
after the door; a made stable for the camels, and lots of hay for them still
fresh, with buckets to fill water for them. Astonishing!
they thought. Pleased and delighted, they were coming inside, leaving their
camels to the fresh treat left for them, and before to attend to them, continued
exploring this incredible shelter they came to. The guide seemed releived and
nervous...like he was suspicious of something...or maybe it was just the
exhaustion or the worry of not having found the shelter in time, that was still
showing in the crease of his front head. He had the life of them all with the
precious female to his responsibility, and not finding this shelter in time,
meant his life on the line.
Further in the cave, was an already
draped section, with soft pelts, piles of linens for beds, clothes and washing
items; pillows and some female utilities on a sort of dresser with brushes and
soap; a pitcher and basin to wash; a table with necessity for food and to eat, with
glasses, plates, bowls; and more even to the miraculous doing of some
benefactors, was different food of all sort in serving trays, like roasted meat,
some vegetables, fresh buns, bowls of fresh fruits, baklavas and sweets, and some
drinks in pitchers ! On rudimentary beds where lay a pile of dresses and ribbons
!!! With wide open eyes and watery mouths, the men were looking
Incredulous ... Maybe this qualified for
an oasis ?! Who could have set and prepare
this for them ?!
Then their wide smiled faded away as they started to
think and looked like the guide and his wary look...what if
this was for some habitants and they were trespassing ?
The
Escort warriors looked pleased and satisfied. The Northern Wolves Caravan
Leader asked the guide what was all this...and from who ?... “Is this the
lodging of a family or tribe...? “ He asked stern “Me and my men are not bugglars,
and will not steal from these peoples,
even if this look like a dream happening” He insisted proudly ... His men had
almost tears in their eyes of having to abandoned such meal and shelter, but
stood beside their Leader sternly as well, insisting that they wouldn’t took
from others, and would find another spot for their rest if so...
The
guide reassuringly “It is left for the Tsar Bride and her Escort and Lady
Companions...This is the shelter that is used by the Caravaners, and we are
welcome to stay; as you see we were expected with the Tsar future Bride and her
Escort, and as part of it and keeping her safe with her Lady Companions, we are
welcome as part of her escort. As I see there is plenty of food for us too ...”
He stated with a smile, and continue to the other side of the cave.
Following
him, they found this second part to be more simple, with only the pelts and
pile of clean and folded linens, with soaps and blades to shave and cut nails;
utilities to brush teeth, hair and clean ears; buckets for wastes, and a fire
pit in the corner with some rocks beside it, of what looks like the same as in
the other cave...dry grass for fire, as wood is nonexistent here.
Further
they could hear a humming; as their ears were still buzzing from the wind of
the night, they walked and discovered that the sound was, a nice soft
waterfall, with a small pond with rocks and clear water; buckets were
available to fill. Their eyes wide open, and smiles under their scarves, of their
only dream of a natural bath. One touched the water “Freezing !!!” he said...
And
they knew they would certainly would go for a bath, even if the water was
almost ice, after all the night journey they had.
***
The
guide explained the plans of organizing the camels first, while the Escort warriors
were to bring the females to the pond to wash and bathed, and guard the
entrance for them; so no one was to go close to that cave part, or theirs
either, during this time. After the female done with their bathing, they would
go to their section and get organised together, eat first, while the Escort warriors
would wash at the pound second. After they would be done washing, the females
done eating, and all the camels unsaddled, feed, water to quench their thirst,
the Escort warriors would then bring the food, and eat in the men section while
the Caravan men could go wash at their turn at the pond. No One was to look in
the Cart as it would be attended by the Escort warrior when they would be done
eating.
The
guide left after his directives were given, and made a fire. Then brought
buckets of water for the camels, and the basin from the Cart, filled with fresh
cold water, for the females section, with the help of few men.
After
the water was brought from the waterfall ... The Caravan men were asked to go
outside for few minutes, while the Females travellers where coming out of the Cart
and going to the pond to wash. They did, and going outside, their eyes squint
from the sun. They had removed their head and face scarves, and keep them on
their shoulders. Jackets were laid inside in the stable, on rock shelves for
all their equipments and bags.
The landscapes was different
here indeed there was a difference, the Leader thought; the
dunes lower with the sand more like clay and rocks through it, not in fresh
piles like yesterday. Some herbs and plants growing here and there. Still the
air was more clear and fresh; less humid maybe. Something moved on one spot, between
the herbs, very fast...a rat or field desert mouse maybe. Here you could
sense there was life, but where...nothing in sight.
Looking
at the dunes...something got their attention, and one men pointed slowly in a
direction; Looking deeper in the distance in the pointed direction, all what
looked like sand and rocks, something moved very slowly, the same color as the
sand almost... a big animal ?! Some
sort of Elk or Deer with antlers was liking the rocks ?!
“What
is it doing ?” one men asked, fascinated
Looking
closer to them, the Leader seen rocks on the ground between the herbs, and
bending down to touch it...it was wet !!!
Standing
upright he laugh, and told his men proudly...”He is drinking...!!! Drinking the
dew from the rocks !!!”
And
this was again like they had forgotten all what they had to go through during
that night...
In
this isolated and harsh world ... there was life ! Lots of it ! Plants, herbs,
small and big animals surviving here ?! Finding water, where even months could
go without rain...on rocks and under the ground...sources...
Resilience...
And
what of this feast and supplies some benefactors had left for them ?!
***
The
Escort warriors called the men back inside after the Females travellers were
done with bathing at the pond, and were settled in their area, separated by the
tick curtain. The Escort warriors were going bathing as well now, while the Females
had the first serving of the abundant meal left for them; and they were to
attend the camels in the small stable. The camels where tired and rested on
their stomach, legs folded under their belly, all close one from another. Their
food was left in a pile in one corner while the buckets of waters had been
brought by the guide already; they were to poor them in the big stone
receptacle for it in the other corner. The camels needed to be unsaddled and
patted and remove their leach from their head and mouth; The guide assured they
didn’t need it, and wouldn’t go anywhere. Some water poured on their head
gently to wash their eyes and ears, face and nose from the sand storm.
Brave animals that didn’t even complained about this terrible night.
They
placed their bags and jackets on rocks shelves, carved right into the rock from
the wall, shoes were left on the bottom; full of sand from the storm and dirty,
they were not to bring them inside the neat cave. Saddles and camel equipments
were placed on some sort of piled rocks making small walls, along the cave walls,
with the camels resting in the middle. They emptied their bags, and
brought only what they would need for the night; clean clothes to change,
papers, maps and personal belonging, like coins in their pouch, herbs for
reducing pain they got at the souk before to leave, and their swords or blades
for defense, to keep by their side.
The Escort warriors had brought
their belongings already, and all was left in order, on one of the shelf. Shoes on the floor clean … bags clean … not one trace of sand or
dirt on their belongings ?! That was odd … Their tick coats all
piled on top of each bag, and their scarves hanging from a string placed across
the stable with some room left for theirs…all clean and dry … The Northern
Wolves Country Caravan Leader came closer and smelling, found that their
belonging didn’t smell like theirs but some strong scent of incense, with some
type herbs sprinkled around and on top…Those men were certainly very
efficient and neat…how long have they been outside ??
He
looked at their pile, then at the Escort warriors one, then
realised that theirs made feel like forgetting about the harsh journey, they
had went through during the night.. it felt refreshing and ready for tomorrow
…so he decided he would have to come back later
and organise their belongings as neatly as theirs, and wash the sand from
it…maybe he could ask the guide for some of these herbs or incense to put on
it…Now he was too tired, achy and starving, and desesperatly wished for a bath…
The
Escort warriors were done at the pond, and were now bringing trays of food from
the Females area, still full, even after they had ate; smelling delicious and
fresh…they would eat first, while the Caravan men would be washing at the pond.
There, some of the men were already
in the water, sitting on rocks with the water to their waist, their
undergarments like bathing suits. The water was freezing, and you couldn’t stay
long before chills would get to you…but so refreshing at first. Soap was used
and rinse under the fall; fresh water rinsing all hair and ears from the sand.
A cloths line had been place here as well, for clothes to dry, and so they
washed the clothes with soap as they washed themselves, and rinsed them under
the fall.
A curtain was hanging from another
line on one corner, creating a seclueded area to change into new and dry
clothes if needed, unless preferring to wear the wet one more refreshing, and
to wash private parts in private; a basin and pitcher left on a small flat rock;
on the floor, a basket with individual linen pieces, combs, many rudimentary
thoothbrushes, some sort of paste to wash teeth, and cotton wrap around
small stems to clean ears…a blade for shaving and trimming nails…thoughtfull... The Northern Wolves Country Leader
though to himself…also, a pale for the waste to relieve oneself in private.
After all this grooming, he thought
himself as neat as not to feel he was in a cave !
He went to empty the now filled pale
and basin from his grooming, to the pit left for it on one corner, then he rinsed
the pale with the basin soiled washing water and discarded it in the same pit
for the pale, then rinsed it a second time with fresh water this time and
discarded it in the pit again; then he discarded the wastes of hair grooming,
toothbrushes, nail trimming and soiled linens, with used ear cotton cleaning
stems, to the other pit for dry wastes; both pits would be burnt tonight and
tomorrow, before they would leave; finishing, he refilled the pitcher for the
next men to use the private area for his grooming turn, all clean and empty as
if he was the first one to use it.
After
they were done and felt like new men and smelled like the soap used and the incense
that was burning in corner bowls…they went to the men area for what looked like
a feast, starving as they were.
The
trays were still full enough, and they even forced themselves not to leave
anything as there wasn’t any place to keep it after; enjoying these delicious
tasty wonderful dishes of all sorts, grilled meat and sort of vegetables,
beans, pitas, tea’s, sweets and backlavas, candied treats with dates, fresh
fruits...
Full
from the tasty food, and clean…they all went to their area for sleep, on a pelt
with a linen from the pile and one for a pillow, and kept their belongings by
their side. The Escort warriors were attending to the cleaning of the Cart for
tomorrow, and so, with few men, the Leader went to clean their bags and jackets
and shoes with some fresh water brought in the buckets to the stable, and
hanged their scraves like the Escort warriors did. Some incense was burning
there too on the floor under the line, and this solved the problem to ask for
it; the guide came bringing a pouch with herbs inside and gave it to him…”It repels
insects”…he said … and so he sprinkled some on their belongings, and even just
to touch it, it felt like the pains and worries were melting away, and that new
energy was taking him but in a soothing way; It was fresh, and seemed like a
mix of some herbs that he didn’t recognised, but smelled sweet like citrus,
and shinny like salt.
After
he did so for his belongings, he decide to let the others do the same for their
own belongings, so they would have the chance to feel this too…
And
as they were busy doing this, he heard a sound, like a ruffles and whispers
from the Females area…looking only from the corner of his eye, he could
distinguished movements behind the curtain, the 5 women standing, whispering,
in a soft and fluid cascade, bending and rising again, and then bending down to
their knees, and bowing one after the other, still whispering softly…Shades
behind the curtain…the other men had stopped also on their track, and were
observing as they had finished their sprinkling of these herbs
preparation from the pouch…staring in some sort of trans…it was like time had
suspended itself, and the surrendering area vanished …
Then
they felt the lady turning their head in their direction whispering “ Assalamu
Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah” and holding the pose for few instants…the men froze
holding their breaths, as if they wouldn’t be noticed observing them through
the curtain … then turning their heads all at once in the opposite direction,
the female repeated their soft prayers in whispers…
The men left quickly, hoping
the female wouldn’t make complaints about their intrusions on their praying,
and went to sit silently around the small fire for few minutes, before to go to
sleep.
And they felt asleep soundly,
shortly after…
… a peaceful rest without dreams …
To Be Continued
_________________________
location: Desert “Sand Sphinx” Rub Al-Khali, Oman
Source: Landscapes of the World p48
by Sophie Thoreau
“…Old incense trade route…Dunes 650
feet high shaped by changing winds…Temperature up to 131F with years without
rain…stretches over 4 countries, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab
Emirates & Oman…”Rub Al-Khali” means “Empty Territory”…life is Bedouin
tribes, animals and plants that have adapted to the condition like the Oryx, a
kind of antelope that survive liking the morning dew…the desert is as calm as
the dromedaries that travelled these dunes in long caravans, carrying precious
incense until the black gold era…”
Author and writer : Ms Izabel
LAnglais
Date: May 2021
Word count : 8302 wds
Genre : Adventure, Historical,
Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music &
Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
______________________________________________
Chapter 3
Written September 18th 2021
Author and Writter: Ms Izabel LAnglais
After days of travel in the
same manner, only sand and dunes after dunes, and the moon lighting the way;
the city was getting noticeable from the light shinning from it afar; the men
knew they were getting closer to destination.
First they had to go through
the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan, before to get to the first city of India, were
they were aiming to; Nice low grass, rocks and wild flowers spreading between
them, the travel now was definitely easier for the camels and the men; no sand
or slipping through dunes, no wind; a beautiful sinuous river to follow, were
the camels could drink and were they could wash.
Tthey camped for few nights
on the open sky; here they could travel day and sleep night instead since there
wasn’t any place to hide for sleep, and since the altitude was higher, the
temperature during the day had dropped to be comfortable.
The night were fresh but not
very much colder, and so sleeping under the stars was in some ways much more
comfortable plenty of space between the men and a lot of fresh air; Very few
animals would come close as it was so open and only one men had to stay up for
the watch beside the camp fire. One of the Cart Escort Warrior would do it as
they were to watch for the female tent as well.
Again they were brought to
the prepared tent the Cart Escort Warriors put together every night as soon as
they parked and back in the cart before any men could see they awoken. They
even had the door of the cart next to the tent door to avoid them to have to be
seen. Water was brought to them and food as always and the tent was cleaned and
cleared before to leave by the Cart Escort Warriors. Still only muffled voices
and whispers coming from their tent and the muffled sound of their prayers
every night before sleep...the sound that was putting him to sleep every
night...
One night a sound startled
him and he opened his eyes, as he had felt a ruffle passing by his side, the
closest to the edge of the female tent. There by the river he could distinguish
some movement, but because of the fire light, the river bank was very dark; he
could differentiate a shadow in the distance, one of the Cart Escort Warrior
was standing facing the fire with his arm extended on each side like a statue
and holding a cloth ,like a bed sheet open, from behind him, making a curtain
to cover behind him, and the sound of water... someone was in the water
washing...the females maybe...some piles of clothes were visible now that his
eyes were getting adjusted...and then the stern look of the Warrior on him, looking
away his look felt on the night watch
Warrior that was looking sternly at him as well...he turned away and pretended
to go back to sleep...but all he could ear now was the splashing in the river
and thinking of his longing from home...he didn’t had a women at home, but
many...and now those were there but never to be seen or talked to...so
sheltered...inaccessible...he wondered if they felt like prisoners of their
faith and destiny and all this pampering and body guarding ... or if they actually enjoyed it ... or maybe
just accepted it ... then again he ear the sound in the water and the ruffle
besides him walking by...a strange energy emanating from the two...he could
have swear that he felt that this female was delighted and giggly ... the sound
of the female went to the tent and the Cart Escort Warrior came by to the fire,
sitting he guessed...now he thought something was off ?! Nothing like these men
energy normally as he passed by and the first time with her he didn’t even
noticed him ... nothing terrifying ?!
“That’s is his wife...” the
watch said to him from behind his back, knowing of course that he wasn’t
sleeping...
**********************
Chapter 3.1
Slowly approaching, a sense of festivity and
excitement could be felt from the first city visible.
The guide ordered a halt
before to continue and get to the city...”This is India here...” The guide said
“We are now at destination to get the supplies we have came for and will stay
here for about a couple of week to get rested with plenty of food, and let the camels rest enough for the
return as well. Here you will find lots of life and very open...but be guarded
with the Ladies...even so more approachable then the female we have travelled
with...not less guarded by their male relatives, normally close by, and not
more for enjoyment only either. “ He added with a tone of warning “We also
arrived at the time of the festival of Diwali, the festival of light, you will
enjoy all the festivity freely as you pleased as soon as we will get to the guest
house that is expecting us, and get organised there.
*********************
Chapter 3.2
At the guest house they were greeted warmly and found it to be
very simple but the service and attention outstanding. Walking distance from
the main square area and the market were they will find the supplies they will
need, the area was decorated with colourful Mandalas draw right on the floor.
Smells of Incense was in the air everywhere. They could see people running and
screaming in delight, running after each other with colourful balls of powder
paint and throwing them at each other, everyone full of paint and a multi color
cloud floating over the square; Women in
colourful saris were also part of the game...here the genders were mix and
females seemed to have as much fun as their male friends if not more, observing
them from afar on the guest house porch while the camels were being settled and
feed and the rest of the men attended and organised...it seemed to be them that
were throwing the paint at a male of their liking and him to chase her in
return...Lost in his observation, he found himself starting to giggle by
himself and his spirit feeling lighter already...he realised few men had joined
him on the porch too and were looking more presentable already after the most
delicious meal they had in days and bathed properly with all the attention and
pampering of a bath attendant to wash their hair, massage their back and sore
limbs with aromatic scented oils, pedicure and manicure, a warm bathtub full of
herbs and flowers, candles everywhere...the bathroom itself was as big as the
guest house kitchen and an invigorating experience on it’s own...
Now they could go to the
square as soon as the camels had been attended by the guest house coach
provided, and all the men to have had the chance to eat plenty, organise their
room and belongings. The female Cart wasn’t there and the Caravan Leader asked
the guide were it was.
“They are at a different
establishment, more appropriate for Ladies of their rank, getting settled and
presentable for next week, when they will go to the Tsar Palace all together,
before the wedding.” The guide answered
“Very good” the Leader
replied “It’s been a long journey for them too in this Cart” he added.
Then evasive he felt strange
that this part of the party had vanished without a word or a goodbye...after
having travelled together the whole same journey as them...but never to have
seen them ?! What a strange feeling this was...and now he missed them...missed
knowing they were there with them... and not being there at the same time ?!
**************************
Chapter 3.3
To
be continued...
************************
Location Chapter 1 & 2: Desert
“Sand Sphinx” Rub Al-Khali, Oman,
Source: Landscapes of the World p48
by Sophie Thoreau
“…Old incense trade route…Dunes 650
feet high shaped by changing winds…Temperature up to 131F with years without
rain…stretches over 4 countries, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab
Emirates & Oman…”Rub Al-Khali” means “Empty Territory”…life is Bedouin
tribes, animals and plants that have adapted to the condition like the Oryx, a
kind of antelope that survive liking the morning dew…the desert is as calm as
the dromedaries that travelled these dunes in long caravans, carrying precious
incense until the black gold era…”
Location Chapter 3: Kaghan Valley,
Pakistan and India
Source: Landscapes of the World
p164 by Sophie Thoreau
Date: May 2021... Chapter 3 Written September 2021
Word count : 9865 wds
Genre : Adventure, Historical,
Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music &
Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
Post By Editor : Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism #1000478274