Sahara Crosswind by T. Davis Bunn

Author:T. Davis Bunn [Davis Bunn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781441270924
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Chapter Eleven

There is no longer any need for subterfuge,” Omar said as they walked toward Raggah, their pace set by Patrique. “As soon as we accomplish our task here, we shall leave all our tribe but a chosen few with the M’Barek tribe. They are an honorable folk and can be trusted to treat our people well. Then we shall proceed with all haste across the northern reaches for Melilla.”

“If this works,” Pierre said quietly.

When the translation was made, Omar shook his head. “We no longer have a choice. It must work.”

Small squadrons of Omar’s men flanked them as they walked. They carried their weapons with deceptive ease, sauntering along before and after the group, far enough away not to grant a threatening impression to the city’s guards, yet close enough to defend at an instant’s warning.

Pierre said to Jake, “I had no idea you could handle a knife.”

“I can’t,” Jake replied. “That camel saved my bacon.”

“She was merely repaying your earlier kindness,” Omar said through Jasmyn.

“My what?”

“Did you not recognize her as one of those you led back to safety across the barren land?”

“They all look pretty much the same to me,” Jake confessed.

“Then be thankful that the camel was more discerning,” Omar replied, humor glinting in his dark eyes. “Nonetheless, I agree with you. The gift of good fortune has shone on you this morning. Let us hope it holds.”

The central streets of Raggah were shaded by tall trees whose desert-trained roots reached deep enough to tap the underground water. The lanes opened into great ceremonial plazas, dusty spaces with large central wells lined by palms. All commerce took place under the trees’ shade. Whole families gathered upon layers of bright desert carpets, living out their daily lives beneath the ancient trees. All conversation, all trade halted to watch the spectacle of two foreign officers in uniform and the beautiful woman in Western clothing. Only when they had passed beyond view did the desert city life resume.

Farther along, plastered alcoves had been cleverly built to melt into the line of trees, making for a covered market. Here men and women from all the tribes of northern Africa gathered to barter wares. Despite the numerous caravans camped alongside the lake, the display in the town’s market was disappointing. Omar watched Jake take note of the paltry wares and through Jasmyn explained, “Here is evidence of the city’s corrupt nature. Nowadays, everything of value is traded in secret. Not even the names of the traders are bandied about openly.”

The houses were buttressed and fortlike, with thick clay walls and windows too narrow for even a child to crawl through. The central mosque was built like a pyramid, with precious logs used to support its five-story structure. Upon the city’s sandy lanes walked wild-looking desert warriors, all armed with ancient rifles slung upside down over one shoulder and grasped by the barrels. The position of the rifles, according to Jasmyn, was a sign that they came in peace.

Water was delivered from house to house in goatskins.

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