A collaborative effort

[Signor]

i am awe struck by the raw talent here (you can delete this post but had no idea where else to write this) just brilliant.. it should be the theme for a movie

One goes with nick of WRITER and other is WRI(Muhammad)TER without nick Masha Allah

 

[Muhaba]

Where had she gone, he wondered. Peeping around, he saw it was safe. No one out of the ordinary seemed to be there. Ali got out and sat for a while, ordering a coffee while he caught his breath. After about 15 minutes, he finally got the courage to leave the café. But to his dismay, a group with guns was waiting for him in an alley on the side of the cafe. His eyes widened as he saw them. Before he could react, they surrounded him. He was trapped. What had just happened? he wondered. Where was Georgi? Had they taken her too? As the men moved closer, Ali jumped at one of them, wrestling him to the ground. But being outnumbered, he could do nothing. They tied him up and dragged him to a truck. Shoving him inside, they drove off.

The ride was long and bumpy and Ali was alone in the back of the truck, his hands and feet tied. He struggled to undo the tight rope gnawing into his wrists, constantly becoming discouraged but not losing hope in Allah's help. He prayed throughout and after what seemed like hours, the rope became loose. A little more struggle, and Ali managed to get the rope off his hands. He next worked on the knot tying his ankles. Picking continuously for a while, he managed to untie that knot as well. He was partially free. Now all he had to do was get out of the truck, a more difficult task since the truck was moving pretty fast. Ali waited until the truck slowed down a bit, and then he opened the back door, slightly to analyze the situation. He saw that the truck was moving on a narrow winding road that ran between rows of trees. Still, it was too fast for him to jump. After waiting a bit, he spotted a small bush on the side of the road and without waiting, he jumped for it, landing right on top of the bush, which insulated his fall somewhat. Getting his balance, he jumped to his feet and made a run into the orchard. He had no idea where he was or how far he was from Cairo but the only thing on his mind was to get as far away from the truck as possible.

After running for what seemed like hours, he reached a paved road. A sign told him it led to El Asher. Ali sat on the side of the road, hoping a car might pass by sometime soon and give him a ride. And soon. He knew these roads were not frequently travelled. It might be days before anyone came his way.

After several hours, Ali finally spotted a car. Standing, he started waving his arms to get the attention of the driver. When the car stopped, Ali was shocked to see Abu Hasan accompanying the driver! A very bruised Abu Hasan.

Ali! Cried Abu Hasan. What are you doing here?

 

[Muhammad]

The two of them spoke little as they journeyed with the stranger to El Asher. Ali resented the fact that he was in a car with Abu Hasan, but he had been desperate for a lift. They arrived there shortly, thanked the stranger and waited for their bus to Cairo.

'Give me one good reason why I shouldn't punch you in the face for what you did!' said Ali.
'Listen, it was all a setup,' began Abu Hasan, who had been expecting this. 'They blackmailed me to disclose information about Ahmed, and to lie... they had my wife and kids, but they're OK now - you can phone and ask them.'
'Why did you run away from us, then?' quizzed Ali.
'I didn't. I was kidnapped. They drugged me in a car and took me to some warehouse, they beat me and threatened me... it was terrible...'

Ali looked at the face of his old friend. There were cuts all over it, dried blood and his lip was badly bruised. One of his eyes was blackened too. Could it be a deception, or had his friend been chased by the same people he had just escaped from? He wasn't sure what to believe.

'Ali, I swear I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I've been walking all night hoping to find you guys again... I need to get a message to Ahmed and Gamal. They're trying to turn us against each other.'

Ali contemplated. Abu Hasan's story seemed plausible. He couldn't be sure.

'Where's your brother, Jasem?' asked Abu Hasan.
'A safe place,' replied Ali.

The bus arrived and the two of them boarded. Ali was hesitant to trust Abu Hasan and take him to their hideout. During the journey, he remembered something that Georgi had said.

'The stone... where is it?'
'What stone?' said Abu Hasan.
'The amulet thing that has weird writing on it.'
'I honestly don't know... wait, do you mean... I think I know what you might be looking for. I saw Jasem pick it up when he was collecting Ahmed's items from the hospital after he'd escaped,' said Abu Hasan.

Jasem must have put the stone somewhere without even knowing what it is, thought Ali. He must get back quickly. He explained to Abu Hasan about the amulet, though he wasn't sure if he should.

 

[Muhaba]

As they rode to Cairo, Ali thought about what Abu Hasan had told him. The state that Abu Hasan was in told him that what he said must be the truth. Surely Abu Hasan wouldn't have let this happen to him. Finally, he decided to take Abu Hasan to their secret hideout. As they got off the bus, he said, "You can come but you can't bring along your phone."

"I don't have it. Abu Isaiah's men stole it."

And so, Ali and Abu Hasan made their way to the secret place as discreetly as possible, walking in the shadows of the streets of Cairo, until they reached the oldest area of town. It's streets were dark, most of the residents already gone to bed.

"This is it," said Ali as they approached an old building. Ali rapped on the door.

"Isn't this Jasem's grandfather's old place?" Abu Hasan said.

Ali nodded. "He's doesn't live here. Since he fell ill, he's moved to his other son's house." The house had been abandoned for a while. It was in a sorry state, badly needing maintenance but it worked as their hideout.

Ali waited a few minutes and then slowly rapped the door again. After about a minute, he heard a scratching sound, like something was scratching the wood. It almost sounded like an animal but Ali knew it was the code. "It's Ali," he whispered. After a bit of racketing, the door opened and Ali and Abu Hasan entered and Jasem quickly closed the door and bolted it. He had a questioning look on his face and was obviously wondering about Abu Hasan. Ali ushered them both downstairs. Once they were all safely down there, Jasem turned on Abu Hasan. "What's he doing here?" he asked angrily. "And what happened to him. Did you two get into a fight."

Abu Hasan shook his head but Ali nodded a yes. "Yes," he said, "but not with each other." He quickly explained everything and Abu Hasan told them his story.

"I don't know what to think!" Jasem exclaimed. "This is a big mess. Where all being followed and are wanted. Gamal is in jail, and Ahmad is trying to hide. No one is in any situation to help another. What are we to do."

"Yes," Ali said. "And we can't even trust the fortune-teller. What happened today makes me distrust even her, though she may be innocent."

Jasem sat and held his head. "What should we do?"

"Well, first we need to tend to Abu Hasan. He's badly wounded. and I'm starving!"

Jasem jumped to his feet and grabbed a first aid kit. "Abu Hasan, sit!" He started wiping Abu's wounds with the antiseptic and applying bandages while Ali went to the fridge to get something to eat. They'd stacked up on cold foods and cans. The freezer was filled with breads and khubz. Taking some bread out, he put them in the toaster to defreeze. Opening some cans, he placed them on the small coffee table.

After Abu Hasan's wounds had been taken care of, the three sat to eat. "What we need," Abu Hasan said between mouthfuls, "is a plan."

Jasem nodded. "But first we need to identify the problem we're trying to tackle and tackle them one by one."

"Well we need to prove our innocence," ALi said.
"And we need to free Gamal and help Ahmad." Abu Hasan said.
"And we need to know whose side Georgi is on."

"But the first we need to do is to get out of this place. whiled we're holed up in here, we can't do anything." Abu Hasan said.

"Where should we go?" Ali asked.

"We can go to my parent's farm." Abu said.

Jasem and Ali looked at each other. Could they trust Abu Hasan?

***

Meanwhile, Ahmad was trying to reach his remaining friends in Egypt to warn them about the fortune-teller but he kept getting a network error. It was nearly Fajr time when he finally got through. "Jasem, I've been trying to call you for hours."

Jasem tried to explain the situation using as few words as he could, hinting at this and that. "We're staying in most of the time. The signal doesn't reach much of the time," he said. "I've come out to take a walk in the early hours of the morning." He didn't tell him that he was taking a walk on the roof of a small house. not much of a walk going back and forth in the small place but the fresh air refreshed him.

"Listen Jasem, do not trust the fortune teller. Ahmad said. "She's a fake and is on Abu Isaiah's side."

Jasem filled Ahmad in about Ali's meeting with Georgi, Ali being caught, his escape and running into Abu Hasan, what they'd learned from Abu Hasan. "So it seems Abu Hasan was coerced."

"I see." Ahmad said. He didn't know if trusting Abu Hasan was the right thing to do but didn't voice his thoughts. Wishing his friends luck, he hung up, then started wlking back and forth, trying to make sense of everything. His first step should be to try to help Gamal get out of jail, he decided. And then to go back, face trial and try to prove his innocence. If only the fortune teller would testify to his innocence. But he couldn't rely on her.

Getting out of the room, he announced his decision to the Red Fez. "I need to go to the capital, present myself in front of police there, and get Gamal out."

The Red Fez nodded. "One of the guards will accompany you," he said. "You're an honorable man. I wish you luck."

Getting his things, Ahmad and the guard walked out of the small house. Ahmad hoped everything went smoothly and there weren't any more problems on the way. He especially hoped he didn't run into Boris and Sergie.

 

[Muhaba]

Ahmad managed to get Gamal out rather easily. He still had 5 days left to show up in court.

"Let's get something to eat," Gamal said as they left the police station. "That jail food has made me sick. I could barely eat!"

Asking around, they were lead to a fabulous restaurant, the only decent place in the area. The food there was overpriced but better than what cheaper places were serving. It was also cleaner. As they sat waiting for their food to arrive, Ahmad dialed his escort guard's number to let him know where to meet them, but strangely his phone was coming switched off. Placing his phone on the table, Ahmad decided to try after they ate.

"No, answer," Gamal asked.

Ahmad shook his head. "Maybe he's resting."

After half an hour, the two got ready to leave. Ahmad paid the bill and started leaving the place when something caught his eye. A TV screen on the far right with the title "Breaking News." Ahmad was surprised to see his face on the screen. Getting closer to hear what was being said, Ahmad was shocked at what he heard: "A man named Grigor and his accomplice Gamal wanted for murdering Ivan Abezguaz, a military officer. He was found shot dead in his car near the main police station. He was last seen with Grigor. If you have any information about Grigor's whereabouts contact 999 immediately-"

Ahmad recalled that his escort's name was Abezguaz. Grabbing Gamal's hand quickly, while keeping facing away from the other people seated in the reastaurant, Ahmad said, "Come. Hurry we must leave."

Gamal was perplexed. "Did you hear from-?" But Ahmad nudged him with his elbow and pulled him toward the door. Gamal immediately got quiet and quickly followed Ahmad outside.

"What happened?" he asked as they made their way behind the building to where it was more secluded.

"Abezguaz was murdered." Ahmad filled him in about the details. "We have to get out of here. We are wanted."

"Oh d-mn!" Gamal said. "What do we do?"

"Let's hide until it's dark. Then we can leave without being noticed."
Ahmad and Gamal entered the shopping area parking lot and hid behind cars in the shadows. After a few hours, night fell and when it was dark enough, they quietly came out. Making sure they stayed in the darkness, they started on foot on the main road hoping to leave the capital before someone caught them. They hoped that once they were out of the capital, they might be able to get a ride without being recognized.

As they hurried on the road, following various signs to find their way, Gamal said, "Where exactly are we planning to go?"

"We need to get to the border. Someone will get us through there."

After several hours, they heard a truck passing by. Reading the writing on the truck, they saw that it was coming from China. Hoping that word about them hadn't reached China, the two flagged the truck. It came to a stop.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

Ahmad told him where they were headed.

'That's where I'm going." the driver said, and started the truck.

Ahmad and Gamal both fell asleep. After many hours, they awoke to see it was morning, the sun shining brightly. truck was parked in a roadside motel's parking lot, near a gas station and the driver was not there. Ahmad and Gamal quickly reailized they had missed the Fajr prayer. Getting out, they went to the gas station and asked if there was a bathroom. The attendant gestured to a room behind the gas station. After doing their ablutions, Ahmad and Gamal prayed the Fajr. Then went back to the truck. Ahmad climbed into the truck while Gamal suggested he go and get something for breakfast. "My face wasn't on TV so hopefully no one recognizes me," he said.

Ahmad nodded, liking the idea. In a little while, Gamal was back with pancakes and hot coffee and a couple of bottles of water. "I got extra pancakes for the journey too," he said as he climbed into the truck. They ate in silence and then waited for the truck driver to come back. It was nearly noon, when the driver was back.

"Needed some sleep," he said as he started the truck. Ahmad smiled and wished him well while inwardly afraid that the driver may have learned who they were. But after being on the road for a while, he calmed down.

By evening they were at near the border. The truck stopped at a warehouse. "This is as far as I come," the driver announced. "The border is not too far from here."

Ahmad and Gamal realized that it was the same place where they had gotten off the truck in this country. Thanking the driver and offering him fare for the journey, they got off. Now they had to get to the border and meet their escort there to help them crossover. Unfortunatly as they neared the border, they realized that the place was filled with police. There was no way they could go there without being caught. Hurrying back to the warehouse, they started contemplating how to get into the country without being caught. It was obvious they couldn't enter through the official way.

 

[Muhaba]

Contacting the Red Fez, Ahmad told him about everything.

"Son," the Ref Fez said, "I'm afraid I cannot do anything. With so much police at the border from both countries, there is no way I can help you enter the country without being arrested. You'll have to find another way to enter."

Ahmad knew what that meant. He not only couldn't enter the country but also couldn't present himself in court. He was a wanted man and would immediately be put in jail should he do so.

"Seems we are stuck," he said to Gamal after the Red Fez hung up.

"What we need to do is somehow prove that Abu Isaiah is behind everything," Gamal said.

Ahmad nodded. "I need to get Great Uncle's diary. That may be the only way we can solve this."

"But for that you need to get inside the estate." Gamal said.

Ahmad nodded. "That's exactly what I need to do. Get inside and find the diary and the real map and key. How we're going to do that is what I don't know, seeing we can't even get into the country."

"Maybe we can get a ride from the truck driver. He seemed like a nice guy," Gamal suggested.

And so they decided to try to get the truck driver's help, to get them through the border somehow. They could only hope the driver would agree. It was a far-fetched plan but the only thing that seemed might work. And so they waited by the truck for him to come out.

 

[Muhaba]

The Red Fez hung up the phone. He was sad he'd let down his late friend Borsilav but truth was he had lost trust in Borsilav's nephew, Grigor. After Ivan was found murdered, the Red Fez was starting to think Grigor might have a double personality. Though these were just his suspicions, he couldn't risk trusting Grigor until proen innocent. Too much was at stake. Red Fez understood that the right thing to do under the current circumstances was to get Grigor under police control. Whether Grigor was a criminal or a mental case as the allegations had stated, he couldn't be trusted. Red Fez thought that Ivan's death couldn't be a coincidence and he doubted that it was the work of any other than Grigor's. Who else could have done it? Even Sergie and ... hadn't known where he was and who he was with, as far as Red Fez knew.

Sighing, Red Fez picked up the phone and dialed the border police's number. "There is a chance Grigor may try entering the country. increase security and check every vehicle. If found, arrest him and bring him straight to capital police station. Make no mistake. The man may be armed and dangerous."

***

Ahmad and Gamal waited the whole day for the truck driver to arrive. Finally, they saw him leaving the main warehouse building in the early evening, though he didn't seem to be coming their way. Gamal didn't miss the chance. He strode quickly toward him. "We need to talk to you for a bit," he said when he reached him. The truck driver nodded and walked back with Gamal to where Ahmad stood.

"What's up?" he asked

Ahmad quickly filled him in about their situation and plan, something he'd rehearsed the whole day. He left information about the arrest or murder accusations. Many people crossed borders illegally and Ahmad made it sound like they were of those. He used Gamal's lack of a fresh visa as an excuse, making it seem that Ahmad and Gamal had to cross the border but since Gamal couldn't get a new visit visa except from Egypt, it was better for them to leave and enter the country unofficially. Their passports were shown as evidence. True enough, Ahmad had the country's passport and Gamal had a visitor visa valid for another two months. There was no exit stamp on either passport.
Ahmad offered to pay the driver a good amount of money. "It's less than what we spend if Gamal is to go back to Egypt, get a new visa and reenter the country," he said.

Convinced, the driver nodded. "Alright," he said. "But we can't enter from this border. Too much security. Rumor is that there's a drug dealer on the loose, trying to smuggle a large amount of illegal drugs. We'll take another route. Hop on, it'll take us a couple of hours to get there. Another group of trucks are set to go to Ukraine this coming Wednesday. If we join them, detection will be more difficult." He then went about, filling his truck with crates he had to deliver, while Ahmad and Gamal climbed into the truck and waited. After several hours, the driver climbed into the truck and started the engine. "And another thing," he said. "If we get caught, you don't know me and I don't know you."

Ahmad and Gamal nodded, promising not to disclose their agreement with the truck driver. In a few hours, they had reached the adjacent city. The driver stopped at a gas station where he filled the fuel tanks and got supplies for the road, getting a few cans and boxes of food for his passengers as well as several bottles of water. After praying their Fajr prayers and making lots of duas to make their journey safe, Ahmad and Gamal entered the back of the truck, carrying with them the supplies. They hid amongst the many crates and the driver closed the door behind them.

Gamal quickly took out his mobile phone and turned on the flashlight. The darkness was making him sick.

After a few minutes, the truck started. The rocking of the truck made them both fall asleep. Many hours later, Ahmad awoke, sweating and feeling claustrophobic. The truck seemed to be parked. Though dangerous, he quickly opened the door and climbed out, without fearing where they might be. Luckily, the truck was parked on a side road. The driver was standing beside it, smoking a cigar. "Thought I'd stop and take a break," he said when he saw Ahmad. Gamal also followed him out of the truck.

"Whew it was terribly hot in there." he said.

"In another few hours, we reach the border town where I'll park at a warehouse," the driver explained. "The next batch of trucks leaves on Wednesday. We wait until then."

 

[Muhaba]

The day that they finally would go through the border arrived. It was a cool and clear day. Few clouds filled the sky. Ahmad was glad no rain was expected. The truck driver had removed the cover from above the truck, allowing light and fresh air to enter the truck. The truck was loaded with large carton boxes. Ahmad and Gamal would stay between the boxes until they crossed the border. Just after Fajr, they took their positions between the boxes their truck and a little while later, the long line of trucks started toward their destination.

After several hours of extreme fear and apprehension, the truck finally crossed into the country. It had been a long wait on the border, as security did random checks here and there. They looked inside Ahmad's truck as well but didn't go past the first few boxes. These drivers had a long history of honest dealings and were trusted by the border security, Ahmad learned from the driver. Checks were only done to fulfill necessary procedures and not really to search for anything.

A few hours later, the truck went off the main road onto a country road. Stopping for a bit, the driver motioned Ahmad and Gamal to come out. "We're safe now." the driver said. "You can take your place in the front for the rest of the ride."

Ahmad was glad for that. The back of the truck was very uncomfortable.

Once they reached the capital, Ahmad and Gamal got off the truck, paying and thanking the driver.

"Give me a call if you need a ride," the driver said. He saluted them and then drove off.


Ahmad and Gamal followed the familiar road to Ahmad's great Uncle's neighborhood. Fear was a constant companion of theirs as they made their way to Redwood Manor. Ahmad wondered how to enter the place. He was sure it would be secure with an electric alarm system. The security system was placed by his uncle but Abu Isaiah would no doubt have changed the passcode by now.

It was late night when A & G finally reached the road that led to the estate. Chilly wind blew and an owl hooted somewhere in the distance. Tree branches shook in the wind. The road was lined with huge oak trees. There was plenty of place to hide among the trees and shadows.

Reaching the edge of the estate, Ahmad stared at the place. It was as he had remembered. The walls of the main building were made of large stones. Paint was peeling from some walls but the place was in good condition. His great uncle had made sure the place was well taken care of. Thick wrought iron fence blocked entry onto the estate. To get in, Ahmad would have to climb the gate. It would be a risky job but he had no other way. He didn't think the access code he'd used years ago would still work. There was no other way into the estate. He hoped he could enter without the alarm sounding.

 

[Muhaba]

A & G walked around the place looking for a safer entry point. They decided somewhere toward the back would be better. Climbing up over the fence in a place that was nearly dark, A & G jumped to the other side. To their great luck no alarm sounded.

A & G then started toward the main building, walking in the shadows as much as they could to keep from being detected. Ahmad hoped there were no cameras. He prayed the house was empty. Since Abu Isaiah wasn't aware that he'd entered the country, he might not be as cautious.

Together, A & G looked for some way into the building, an open door or window. Anything that would save them from requiring to use the access code. Ahmad was well aware of the alarm system that was maintained to keep trespassers out.

 

[Muhammad]

Rosewood Manor seemed to be sleeping peacefully as Ahmed and Gamal moved about in the darkness. Guards were patrolling the road and manor gardens, so they needed to plan their steps carefully. They had checked every door and window on the ground floor, but there was no way in without activating the alarm. As they leaned against a wall, thinking, Ahmed suddenly remembered something Red Fez had told him.

'Listen to me, Grigor. The plane tickets are the most important item in that package. Your great-uncle told me about it before he died. They are crucial to finding the map and diary, as well as the key.'
...
Ahmed thought about the plane tickets.
'I thought they only contained a phone number?' asked Ahmed.
'Yes, mine,' replied Red Fez. 'But that's not all. Don't worry about that now...'

What had he meant about the plane tickets? He took them out and studied them near a porch light, whilst Gamal watched him with a puzzled expression. I thought they only contained a phone number? But that's not all... these words echoed in his mind. It struck him at last that the numbers along the bottom may contain a code to enter the house. By removing the phone number he had already used, the remaining digits and letters seemed plausible. Perhaps it was a code that could over-ride whatever passcode Abu Isaiah had set. It was risky, but they were running out of options as well as time. Gamal didn't like the idea but couldn't think of a better plan.

The main doors had too much security so the two of them went to a side door. Ahmed located the code panel. He nervously punched in the letters and numbers as written on the ticket and pressed the button. A green light appeared and they heard the door unlock. They looked at each other in surprise then pulled the door open and crept into the dark passage inside. The door locked with a click behind them.

As they stumbled along the narrow passage, they could hear creaking from the floor above. Were there guards inside the house too? Might they trigger an alarm? Ahmed could feel his heart pounding as he led Gamal further into the house, unsure of where he was going. He knew his great-uncle's library was on the first floor, but would the items they needed be hidden there? He thought back to distant memories of the house but couldn't think of any alternative place to check first. The two of them found the main staircase. The stairs were wide and led up to a small landing, from which another flight of stairs ascended in a different direction. They were half-way up when a voice spoke quietly from somewhere nearby. 'I'm going to get a sandwich.' Ahmed and Gamal froze.
'Alright, take your time,' whispered a second voice.

They heard footsteps coming towards the stairs. Immediately they pressed against the wall of the landing half-way up. A figure in the darkness swooped past them and was on the ground floor. He flicked on a small torch and was out of sight. The two boys waited. When it seemed the other man had moved further away, the continued upstairs.

They crept along a long passage and turned right. It was the door of the library. Ahmed again used the code to open the door and hurried inside with Gamal.

It was dark inside - even the curtains were drawn. Ahmed reached for a lamp in the corner and turned it on. The library was a mess - the place had been ransacked. He knew they didn't have much time before they were discovered.

'Quickly! See what you can find!' whispered Ahmed urgently. The diary and other items could be anywhere. Gamal began rummaging through the hundreds of books scattered across the floor. Ahmed searched anything remaining on the shelves.

Then Ahmed caught sight of the fireplace and remembered his great-uncle keeping things on the mantle and reading to Ahmed from books he would put there. Ahmed remembered how much he had loved sitting by that fireplace. Instinctively he knew there would be a clue there. There must be.

There wasn't much on the mantle of particular interest. The only thing that stood out was a compass mounted on the wall. Ahmed did not recognise it being there from before... something else used to be in its place. As he stared at it, suddenly it began spinning. Ahmed called over Gamal. The compass stopped with the arrow pointing directly upwards. Ahmed looked up and wondered whether there was a room above the library. He still couldn't work out how the compass moved... he wondered whether the magnetic strip of the plane ticket in his pocket had something to do with it.

The two of them managed to pull a near-empty bookcase by the fireplace and Ahmed climbed up whilst Gamal held it secure. There was nothing in the ceiling to indicate a door. But when Ahmed placed his hand there, a panel became loose and revealed a trapdoor. The space above was extremely small but Ahmed managed to squeeze into it. It appeared to be empty. After a thorough search, Ahmed noticed a logo on one wall - the same as he had seen on the plane ticket. He touched it and found another code panel. He once again entered the code from the ticket and a compartment opened, containing a package. Filled with excitement and anxiety, Ahmed opened it to find a map, a diary and a key.

Ahmed quickly clambered down as fast as he could, but didn't see Gamal. 'Gamal!' he whispered loudly. There was no reply. A voice near the library door made his blood curdle. 'If you want your friend to live, you will give me that package.'

A figure walked into the light, holding a gun to Gamal's head. 'Well, well, well. We meet at last, Grigor. I have been expecting you,' said Abu Isaiah with a cold smile.

 

[Muhammad]

Ahmed remained frozen to his spot, too afraid to do anything. The package he and Gamal had worked so hard to retrieve was finally in his hands, now about to be lost again. Had Abu Isaiah been waiting for him all along to come and find the package for him? Ahmed felt foolish for not thinking about this earlier. His mind frantically tried to think of a way out of this, but there seemed to be none. Behind the two figures in front of him were others blocking the exit. He couldn't tell how many. In the background he could hear men outside in the gardens. There was the faint sound of a helicopter too - he couldn't be sure - probably further security on its way.

'I'm not going to say it again, Grigor. Give it here.' Abu Isaiah's voice cut through Ahmed's thoughts.
'This belongs to me, not you!' said Ahmed defiantly.
Abu Isaiah stared at Ahmed in fury. 'You impudent boy!' he spat, 'do you know how long I've waited to get my hands on that package? A worthless maggot like you will have no appreciation of what it's worth, nor do you deserve something so important!'
'You killed my uncle!' shouted Ahmed.
Abu Isaiah's expression changed and he laughed cruelly. 'Well, you'll have difficulty proving that, Grigor. I told you, I have waited a long time to get my hands on that package, and I'll do anything to get what I want. I'll kill you too if I have to, and your friend here,' he pressed the gun into Gamal's skull.

Ahmed thought about giving the package, but he didn't trust Abu Isaiah. He feared that any moment now, he and Gamal would be killed regardless of whether he held on to the package or whether he gave it up willfully. After all, as long as Ahmed was alive, the inheritance would be his right and so he would always pose a threat to Abu Isaiah. He became convinced that Abu Isaiah could not intend to let them leave alive. He no longer cared about the package but instead getting out of there alive. His eyes met Gamal's, which were filled with panic. The sweat on his friend's face was shining in the dim light. He prayed to Allah in his heart, desperately asking for a way out.

Not seeing any other way, Ahmed slowly walked towards Abu Isaiah. In his eyes, Ahmed saw only greed and evil. He handed the package reluctantly as Abu Isaiah snatched it.
'That wasn't so hard, was it?' he sneered. He put away his gun and turned to leave. 'Kill them.'

A surge of shock jolted Ahmed as he heard these words. The men by the exit raised their guns and pointed them at the two captives. Just as his life seemed about to end, everything went dark. For a moment Ahmed wondered if he had died but somehow he knew he hadn't.The lights had turned off everywhere so that it was pitch black. In the following confusion, he darted forward and held on to Gamal, and the two of them pushed past the grappling hands and voices by the exit to the library.

'What's going on?' called Abu Isaiah in the passage. His voice was very near. Ahmed leapt towards it and tried to grab the package, but Abu Isaiah fought him off. The two of them struggled against each other in the dark. Then Abu Isaiah bumped into Gamal, who managed to take hold of the package. 'I've got it Ahmed!' He rushed down the passage away from the scuffle. Ahmed managed to free himself from Abu Isaiah just as a wall lamp flickered on and the passage came into view. He dashed down the passage after Gamal but there was a deafening gunshot and his arm was instantly burning with extreme pain. He managed to keep running round the corner, ignoring the shouts and threats behind him. Guards were coming up from downstairs so the two of them could only go upwards.

Fear clenched their hearts and adrenaline filled their blood as they raced higher and higher up the stairs, not daring to look back. But it seemed their pursuers were gaining on them. Strangely, the house seemed to be filled with noise now. So much so, that Ahmed could scarely even hear his own panting for breath. They finally reached the highest door but it was locked. They pushed and barged against it but it was no use. Ahmed's arm was dripping with blood. Then a voice shouted from the other side.

'Stand back!'

They stood back and two gunshots were fired against the handle on the other side. The door swung open and there stood none other than Red Fez. Ahmed couldn't believe his eyes. Red Fez saw the men following up the stairs and fired gunshots to keep them back. Then he led Ahmed and Gamal onto the open roof where a helicopter had landed. The three of them raced across in the darkness towards its flashing lights and managed to clamber inside. As the helicopter began to ascend, gunshots were being fired from all angles. The pilot lost control and caused the helicopter to tilt onto its side, causing Gamal to slide across. Before Ahmed could grab him, he had already fallen out onto the roof. 'GAMAL!' cried Ahmed.

The helicopter turned around and began hovering towards Gamal, but the roof had begun filling with guards now. Any second now Gamal would be swamped by them. Ahmed leaned out and held out his hand. Red Fez was trying to pull Ahmed back. 'Grab my hand Gamal!' he called. Gamal had got to his feet, reached into his pocket, pulled out the package and threw it up to Ahmed who caught it. In the next moment, he was restrained by the men. 'GAMAL!' cried Ahmed. 'GAMAL!' The helicopter was under fire again and turned away.

'We have to get Gamal!' Ahmed screamed. 'GAMAL!' But it was no use. The helicopter had no choice but to drift away. And Ahmed was filled with agony not from his wounded arm, but from the horror of leaving his dear friend behind all alone in that house.

 

[Muhammad]

When Ahmed opened his eyes, everything was a blur. He lay still for a moment, not remembering anything. When he tried to get up, a searing pain shot through his arm. A hand gently pushed him back. 'You need to rest.' The voices in the background phased out as Ahmed became unconscious again.

When he finally awoke again, he saw that he was lying on a bed in a dimly lit room. The window opposite him looked out onto a starry sky. How long had he been out? Beside him was a tall, slim figure. There were a couple of other shadows in the room. Slowly, images of what had transpired rapidly returned. He remembered journeying to Rosewood Manor. He remembered finding the package. He remembered Gamal. 'Gamal!' he said aloud without realising.

The other figures stirred. The figure closest to him spoke. 'Ahmed, you're awake!' Ahmed recognised it as belonging to Jasem.
'Jasem?'
'Yes Ahmed, it's me. Ali and Abu Hasan are here too.' The other figures came closer and Ahmed saw that it was indeed his friends.
'Where am I?' asked Ahmed. The pain in his arm stopped him from getting up.
'We're in a safe house. Red Fez brought us here...'
'Red Fez?' frowned Ahmed. Now he remembered meeting him too. How had everyone managed to find him? He looked around and noticed his uncle’s package on a small table beside the bed.

Just then, the door opened. A woman came in carrying tea and some sandwiches for Ahmed. 'You're awake at last,' she said, smiling.
Ahmed was not so pleased. 'Georgi? What are you doing here?’
'There's lots to explain Ahmed. Here, eat your food first.’

Ahmed took the tray from her and gulped down the painkillers that were on there. Another person walked through the door. Red Fez. 'Grigor! How are you feeling?’'
‘Better…... but how did you all find me? And Georgi…?’ began Ahmed.

‘Let me explain,’ said Red Fez. ‘Some time after you phoned me from the border, Georgi testified to the police that you and your friends were innocent. It was very brave of her to risk her life like that, and thankfully I managed to get to her before anyone else could. Georgi had an idea where to find the rest of your friends, and we managed to make contact and group here. I suspected you’d try to reach Rosewood Manor, and I barely made it in time to get you out of there…’

Ahmed listened to all this as he ate his food and sipped his tea. But something wasn’t making sense. ‘But you told me she is the one who told Abu Isaiah about me, and also helped him recruit Boris and Sergei to come after me...… and she made that stone...…’

‘Yes, Ahmed, I regret that I did,’ replied Georgi. ‘Initially I hated you after the time you left me in Romania. Abu Isaiah took advantage of this and used me to get information about you after I let slip one or two things. I didn’t mean to let any harm come to you, I promise. He tricked me into telling him more. But I didn’t make the stone, Ahmed. Abu Isaiah tried to force me to make it, but I refused. In the end, he had someone else prepare it and place it on Ahmed.’

Ahmed thought back to the amulet. He wasn’t sure if his friends had told him about that already.

‘After I met Georgi, she ran away out of fear,’ said Ali. ‘But she told me about the stone and together we’ve finally destroyed it. You might have noticed less blackouts and flashbacks?’'

Ahmed agreed this was true. He hadn’t had one of his nightmares or flashbacks for a while now. He finished his food, deep in thought. He couldn’t stop thinking about Gamal. ‘What are we going to do about Gamal?’ he said at last.

 

[Muhaba]

‘Ahmad, Ahmad.’
Someone was shaking him. Ahmad’s head was throbbing with pain. It seemed he’d been hit on the head. Ahmad’s eyes opened and he managed to look up. He was lying on a hard wooden floor. Gamal was seated beside him.

‘Gamal!’ Ahmad cried out in happiness. ‘You’re alive. How’s you get away?’ But there was no smile on Gamal’s face. His face was as grim as never.

‘What’s going on?’ Ahmad asked looking around and trying to figure out where they were. ‘We’re safe aren’t we? Last thing I remember, we got away in the helicopter.’ He didn’t elaborate that Gamal hadn’t been able to escape; He’d fallen out.
Ahmad sat up and looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. Where were his other friends? He looked at his arm, which was no longer bleeding or hurting. And then it dawned on him. None of that had ever happened. They had never escaped.

Looking at Gamal’s grim face, he said slowly, ‘We’re still in Redwood Manor, aren’t we?’ He looked around at the tiny darkly-lit room with no windows, probably somewhere in the celler.

‘Don’t know why you think otherwise,’ Gamal said sadly.

Ahmad tried to explain what he could recall. He told Gamal about getting away in the helicopter.

‘An unconscious dream,’ Gamal replied. ‘Or wishful thinking. Nothing is resolved that easily.’

‘So what really happened?’ Ahmad said.

Gamal started to explain, ‘Abu Isaiah is a smart man. I think he had planned it all along. I am unsure what happened but I think some form of gas was used to make us unconscious while he inspected the package. We both fell and you hit your head against a wall. When I awoke, we were both lying here. A while later Abu Isaiah came. Apparently, the package is in a metallic box that can only be opened with a code. It’s possible that trying to break the box will cause it to self-destruct. Your uncle went to great extents to safeguard the contents. Abu Isaiah wants you to open the package.’

Ahmad nodded. It made perfect sense. So now they had a chance. But what could they do to have Abu Isaiah let them off.

A moment later, Abu Isaiah entered holding the metallic box. ‘Looks like we have a problem,’ he said. ‘You need to tell me the code to open this box.’

‘I don’t have it,’ Ahmad said.

‘Of course you do. Just as you had the pass code for the house,’ Abu Isaiah sputtered.

‘I lived here for years. Of course I had the passcode to enter the house. But I didn’t have access to that package until now,’ Ahmad tried to convince him. ‘I don’t know how to open it.’

‘Your uncle must have given it to you,’ Abu Isaiah said. ‘You must have it.’

‘He sent me some things but they are in Egypt. There was a letter. Maybe it has it. I didn’t get a chance to look through everything he sent,’ Ahmad said.

‘You’re lying. Look Ahmad, I don’t have much patience. Give it to me or you’re both dead,’ Abu Isaiah said.

‘Have it your way,’ Ahmad challenged. You could take the package from me by force but there is no way you can get the code from me. Go ahead and kill me.’

Abu Isaiah’s face reddened and in a split second, he rushed toward Ahmad and punched him in the mouth. Ahmad’s mouth started bleeding. Ahmad wiped the blood off with his sleeve while Gamal stood and tried to defend Ahmad, pulling Abu Isaiah away from Ahmad.

Abu Isaiah pushed Gamal away. ‘Get away from me.’ He held his gun toward Gamal. Gamal backed off.

Just then the door opened. A servant stood in the doorway. ‘Phone call, boss,’ he said.

‘Can’t you see I am busy,’ Abu Isaiah yelled, turning around.

‘It’s your cousin from Egypt,’ the servant said. ‘She says it’s important and urgent.’

Abu Isaiah grabbed the phone from the servant and went out. A few minutes Abu Isaiah reentered. ‘Fine,’ he said sternly, ‘I won’t kill you. But if you don’t tell me the code, you’ll stay here forever.’ And then he left, closing the door behind him.

‘Well, what are we going to do to get out of here,’ Gamal said. ‘Looks like we are in a fix.’

 

[Muhammad]

Ahmed sat, confused. Had he been simply dreaming about meeting the rest of his friends and Georgi? It had seemed so real. He didn't know what to think about Georgi anymore. She had just phoned Abu Isaiah but after her phonecall, Abu Isaiah seemed to have calmed down and agreed not to kill Ahmed. There was still a chance she might be on Ahmed's side. Gamal bent down next to Ahmed and handed him a tissue to help clean the blood around his mouth. Ahmed remained deep in thought. If Georgi had told Abu Isaiah not to kill Ahmed, then that would mean she knew he and Gamal were in this house. If she really was on his side, she might send help. But all this seemed like wishful thinking, nothing more. He didn't want to bother Gamal with it and get his hopes up, as none of it might be true.

However, Ahmed realised that something from his dream was true. He hadn't had his blackouts for some time now. Perhaps his friends really had managed to destroy the stone, whatever that was. Might other parts of his dream also be true... might Georgi testify to their innocence?

*******

Somewhere thousands of miles away, in a dusty farm some twenty miles from Cairo, Jasem, Ali and Abu Hasan were working.
'My parents are going to the city tomorrow so we need to finish picking the rest of these crops by then,' Abu Hasan was saying.
'There's plenty of time, we'll get it done In sha Allah,' said Jasem.
'Can we take a break,' said Ali, wiping sweat from his forehead. 'I'm exhausted and my back's aching!'

The three of them sat down on a mat laid out near the stream and helped themselves to some cool water and dates. After a short while, Ali's phone began to ring. His phone hadn't rang in a long time so he was anxious who it could be. The other two looked in his direction as he answered.
'Hello?'
'Hello,' came the reply. It was a woman's voice. 'Is this Ahmed's friend?'
'Yes, who is this?'
'Georgi. We need to meet.'
Ali looked at the others in surprise. 'Err, OK, sure. Where?'
'There's a tour operator in Luxor called Fadil. Find him and join his tour starting the day after tomorrow. Make sure you are not followed.'
'But how will you - hello?' The call had cut off.

Ali looked at the others with a puzzled expression and told them what he had been told.
'It's clearly a trap,' said Jasem. 'You'd be stupid to go.'
'It does sound very suspicious,' agreed Abu Hasan. 'But we've heard no news from Ahmed or Gamal for a week and this might be our only way of getting more info.'
'Luxor's quite far from here,' said Ali to himself.
'Ali? Are you listening to us?' said Jasem.
'I know it's risky but it's like Abu Hasan said - there's no other option,' said Ali. 'We have to try.'
Jasem got up angrily and paced around the mat. A few minutes of silence passed.

'If you did go,' said Abu Hasan, 'you could get a ride to the city on my parents' cart and then...'
'But how am I supposed to get to Luxor within a day?'
His eyes met with Jasem's. 'We'd have to take the overnight train,' he said quietly.
'We?' Ali repeated.
'You think I'd let you go alone?' replied Jasem.
Ali felt a wave of relief and excitement.
'It's going to be riddled with danger at every step,' said Jasem, 'and most likely there's traps involved, but I'm willing to do it if it's the only way to help Ahmed.'
'I'm in too,' said Abu Hasan.
'No, we can't all go, it isn't safe,' said Jasem. 'We need someone to contact at base if something goes wrong. Besides, your parents will need your help at the market.'
Abu Hasan looked disappointed, but he agreed it was better to stay behind.
'So we leave tomorrow...?' asked Ali.
'They'll be leaving from here at dawn,' said Abu Hasan. 'We'd better start making our provisions now.'
'Let's get the work finished as fast as we can,' said Jasem.

The three of them got up with renewed purpose and began working more efficiently into the late afternoon. A dangerous journey lay ahead of them and each was wondering whether they would make it through safely.

 

[Muhaba]

Abu Isaiah stared at the black box. So close and still so far. There was no way that he could get it open. If he tried to break it, it would no doubt self-destruct. What could he do?

Just then the phone rang. Looking at the screen, Abu saw it was his cousin from Egypt. The minute he answered it, her saucy voice spoke without even waiting for him to say hello, "I have a plan, Abu Isaiah. Give the box to Ahmad and let him go. He'll open it and get the map and try to get where the map leads and you can follow him."

"That is about the most absurd plan I've ever heard," Abu Isaiah yelled. "Whose side are you on anyway?"

"Look, if you have a better plan, then use it. I see no other way to get Ahmad to give you the contents of the box," Georgi said.

Abu Isaiah sighed. She was right. But he wasn't going to go with her plan all along. He would make sure that there was a way to make sure Ahmad stayed within reach. And he knew just how to do it.

"All right," Abu Isaiah said to Georgi, "I'll go along with the plan. But i can't let Ahmad think we're setting him up. So give me ideas of how he can escape."

"I think I know just the thing. I will have to testify to Ahmad's innocence and let the Red Fez come to his rescue. He will do it when he realizes Ahmad is innocent. How you let the box get into Ahmad's hands is your responsibility," Georgi said.

Abu Isaiah didn't like the way the scheme was developing. There was a big chance he would lose his chance at getting the contents of the box and the map to the lost palace. But there was nothing else he could do. And so he agreed with whatever Georgi suggested.

 

[Muhaba]

Ahmad sat staring at the door. He must have been staring at it so long that Gamal jerked him. "What are you doing? trying to cast a spell - or open it with mind power?" Gamal asked with half a laugh.

"Just thinking," Ahmad said. No need for Gamal to know that opening that door was a piece of cake. Ahmad was a skilled lock-picker. Opening the door wasn't their biggest problem. There were guards everywhere in the house. Getting out of the house and then the estate was a bigger problem than opening the door.

Just then Ahmad's phone rang, surprising him. He looked at the screen and saw that it was from Egypt. He quickly answered it, hoping for good news. Jasem's voice came from the other end. "Assalamoalaykum Ahmad, how good to hear your voice," Jasem said.

"Alhamdullillah, Jasem, where did you find my number after so long?"

"Long story," Jasem said, "bottom line is that the Red Fez has learned of your innocence and will try to come to your rescue. I don't have all the details but I know he will try to come in his helicopter sometime tonight, so you need to get to the roof as soon as you can."

"That's great, but i don't have the box," Ahmad said.

"Look Ahmad, I think you should be more worried about your life." Jasem said in an irritating manner.

Ahmad knew he was right, but it was a difficult thing to leave the box. Maybe he could try to steal it on his way to the roof. Agreeing to the plan, Ahmad hung up.

"How exactly are we going to get to the roof if we can't get out of this room," Gamal said.

"I think I know a way," Ahmad said, going to the door. He took out his keychain with its multi gadgets attached and opened the tiny nailcutter. In a few seconds, the lock clicked and the door unlocked. Opening the door slightly, Ahmad saw that the hallway was dark and noone seemed to be around. The two quickly went out and Ahmad closed the door again.

"Do you know the way to the roof," Gamal asked, his voice shuddering with fear.

"Yes," Ahmad said, "But first we go to Abu Isaiah's chamber and try to find the box."

"That is very risky," Gamal said but continued to follow Ahmad quietly as he went through the winding pathways and staircases in the large estate. Finally, they came to a large door. Ahmad turned the knob and was surprised to see that the door was open. he hoped this wasn't some trap. Surely his friend wouldn't trick him, would he?

Walking into the large anteroom, Ahmad looked around in the dim light for the entrance to Abu's bedroom. surely, the box would be there somewhere. Hopefully, Abu was out at this time of the night or fast asleep. hopefully he wasn't in his room awake. Ahmad knew of Abu's habits. He wasn't the sort to stay up at night; he preferred to wake up early and was an avid morning reader.

Following on that, Ahmad boldly but quietly entered Abu's bedroom. He scanned the room in the dim light and when he saw that it was empty, he turned on the light.

"Ahmad, look!" Gamal exclaimed. There on the side table next to the bedside lamp was the shiny box.

 

[Muhaba]

Just as Ahmad was about to reach for the box, the door that led to the hallway opened.

'What's going on?' called Abu Isaiah in the passage. His voice was very near. Ahmed leapt towards it and tried to grab the package, but Abu Isaiah fought him off. The two of them struggled against each other in the dark. Then Abu Isaiah bumped into Gamal, who managed to take hold of the package. 'I've got it Ahmed!' He rushed down the passage away from the scuffle. Ahmed managed to free himself from Abu Isaiah just as a wall lamp flickered on and the passage came into view. He dashed down the passage after Gamal but there was a deafening gunshot and his arm was instantly burning with extreme pain. He managed to keep running round the corner, ignoring the shouts and threats behind him. Guards were coming up from downstairs so the two of them could only go upwards.

Fear clenched their hearts and adrenaline filled their blood as they raced higher and higher up the stairs, not daring to look back. But it seemed their pursuers were gaining on them. Strangely, the house seemed to be filled with noise now. So much so, that Ahmed could scarely even hear his own panting for breath. They finally reached the highest door but it was locked. They pushed and barged against it but it was no use. Ahmed's arm was dripping with blood. Then a voice shouted from the other side.

'Stand back!'

They stood back and two gunshots were fired against the handle on the other side. The door swung open and there stood none other than Red Fez. Ahmed couldn't believe his eyes. Red Fez saw the men following up the stairs and fired gunshots to keep them back. Then he led Ahmed and Gamal onto the open roof where a helicopter had landed. The three of them raced across in the darkness towards its flashing lights and managed to clamber inside. As the helicopter began to ascend, gunshots were being fired from all angles. The pilot lost control and caused the helicopter to tilt onto its side, causing Gamal to slide across. Before Ahmed could grab him, he had already fallen out onto the roof. 'GAMAL!' cried Ahmed.

The helicopter turned around and began hovering towards Gamal, but the roof had begun filling with guards now. Any second now Gamal would be swamped by them. Ahmed leaned out and held out his hand. Red Fez was trying to pull Ahmed back. 'Grab my hand Gamal!' he called. Gamal had got to his feet, reached into his pocket, pulled out the package and threw it up to Ahmed who caught it. In the next moment, he was restrained by the men. 'GAMAL!' cried Ahmed. 'GAMAL!' The helicopter was under fire again and turned away.

'We have to get Gamal!' Ahmed screamed. 'GAMAL!' But it was no use. The helicopter had no choice but to drift away. And Ahmed was filled with agony not from his wounded arm, but from the horror of leaving his dear friend behind all alone in that house.

 

[Muhammad]

The sun was high in the sky by the time the stall had been set up in the Cairo market. Abu Hasan and his parents, with the help of Jasem and Ali, were busy selling goods and replenishing stock from the cart. The morning went quickly and it was soon mid-afternoon. 'You two had better get going,' Abu Hasan came and said. 'Here's a little something my parents put together. I told them you'd be going away.' He handed them a basket of food for their journey. Jasem and Ali thanked Abu Hasan and his parents for their hospitality and help, and felt sad to be leaving them.

After they had bought a few supplies for their journey, made a few enquiries and bought the train tickets, they made their way to the station. They waited in a quiet corner in the cool evening air for their train to be ready for departure.
'How did she get your number by the way?' Jasem asked, examining the many windows on the station roof.
'Who? Oh, I gave it to her when I went to find her,' replied Ali. 'I thought she might need to contact me in case she agreed to testify...'
'You're so naive. Anyway you know what Ahmed said about not trusting her... I really feel uncomfortable about this whole thing.'
'Me too,' said Ali. 'In-sha-Allah we will be OK. Any news about Ahmed?'
'He's with Red Fez and still recovering. I feel so sorry about Gamal...'
'Yeah. Once we're done with this let's go and find Ahmed. Maybe we can think of a way to rescue Gamal.'

'I'm looking for the ticket booth for the Watania train,' a croaky voice said. They both looked up in surprise to find an elderly man stood over them.
'It's on the opposite side of the station, sir,' said Ali, pointing in the direction.
'Thank you, son.' The man left.

An hour later, the station had become much busier and people were boarding the train. As Ali and Jasem made their way to their cabin, they bumped into the old man again. 'Hello again,' he smiled cordially. 'Hello,' Jasem and Ali smiled back. He entered into the cabin adjacent to theirs.

The cabins were a decent size, enough for two people. A connecting door lead into adjacent cabins. The two of them stowed away their luggage and sat down. Soon it was time for dinner and all the passengers entered the dining wagon in the middle of the train. They spoke little and ate their food quickly. As Ali pulled his chair out to get up, he accidentally bumped it against the person behind him. When he apologised, he realised it was the old man.

They were the first passengers to exit the dining area. As they arrived in their wagon, they noticed someone coming out of their cabin and sharply going into the next wagon. They exchanged looks and hurried towards their cabin. 'Check our things,' said Jasem, as he went into the next wagon. Ali entered their cabin and found their luggage had been tampered with. Someone had been going through their bags and hastily tried to close them, but didn't finish properly. Jasem returned ten minutes later. 'Nothing... I couldn't find him! Did you get a proper glimpse of him?'
Ali shook his head. He was checking the last bag. 'I don't notice anything missing. But we didn't keep anything valuable in there anyway.'
'What could they be looking for?' said Jasem. 'I don't understand. We're not safe here... and that old man, there's something suspicious about him.'
'I was about to say that too,' agreed Ali. 'But we're stuck on here for the next eight hours!'
'We're going to have to take it in turns to stay awake,' suggested Jasem. 'I'm not having anyone sneaking around while we're asleep.'
'They must have locks on these doors, no?'
'Of course they do, but do you think that's going to stop whoever it is from trying to get in here if they want?'
'You're right,' said Ali glumly.
'I'll do the first half of the night, you can do the second half,' said Jasem.

Ali lay on the bed that had now been pulled out of the wall. They had only been in the train for an hour or so, and already they were having problems. What else might happen in the night? He was almost too afraid to go to sleep in case something happened. But the busy day that had transpired, the rocking movements of the train and the rhythm of its sound made him feel more sleepy than ever and he didn't realise how quickly he drifted off.

 

[Muhaba]

Ahmad rested his head. He was tired and feeling terrible. After a few moments, his friends got up and went out, leaving him alone with the box. He lay thinking for a long time. Then raised his head and stared at the box. It lay on the side post, still closed. Ahmad was starting to hate it. A terrible thought lingered in the back of his head, but he wouldn't let it surface. He just hoped Gamal was all right. He hoped Abu Isaiah hadn't harmed him. Oh God, thought Ahmad, what if?

Ahmad's head went dizzy and he lay back. He felt nauseous at the thought of what might have happened to Gamal. would Gamal make it alive? Would he escape? Without the skills that Ahmad had, he found it hard to believe Gamal would be able to escape on his own.

Just then the door opened and his friends entered along with Georgi and Gamal. Ahmad raised his head and wondered if he was seeing things. It couldn't be.

Ahmad jumped up, "Gamal!" he exclaimed. "How'd you escape?" Ahmad hugged Gamal. "How'd you get away?"

Gamal sat down. "Ahmad, are you all right? How's your injury?"

"Forget about me." Ahmad said. "How'd you get away? Do tell." Ahmad just couldn't believe it. How could all this end up so well? What had happened here?

Gamal sighed. "Well, it seems that there was a threat. Georgi called Abu and told him you'd threatened to destroy the contents of the box if I wasn't let go." Gamal laughed. "The man is totally crazy. He's got treasure fever. He went crazy and promised to let me go immediately and even had me transported to the airport. Jasem and Ali had met up with Georgi and they booked the ticket for me.

Ahmad laughed. Wow. This was so great. He looked at the box. He had the box finally and all his friends were all right. And he even had proof Georgi was on their side. "I'm grateful to you, Georgi." Ahmad said.

"It is all right," Georgi said. "It was my obligation. Some of this was my fault so it was my job to undo the damages. I must go now. Take care," Georgi said. And then without another word, the Gypsy lady left.

"So, Ahmad," Ali said with a smile, "Are you going to keep us in suspense forever. Open the box already. Let's see the prize."

Ahmad laughed. He was so happy. Everything had turned all right. He reached up for the box and entering the code from the plane tickets, he opened the box. Inside lay a few papers, a map, and a diary. Ahmad took out the diary and opened it. A brown manila envelope lay inside with his uncle's handwritten words "From your uncle, to Gregor." Ahmad felt sad at seeing his late great uncle's handwriting. Opening the enevelop, Ahmad read the handwritten letter inside. "Dear Gregor, I hope you are reading this in good health and spirits and all is well with you. I am aware of the enemies and the trouble you no doubt incurred. The contents of the box re very important, Gregor. The map and the key are valuable. It is for this reason that Abu Isaiah has been trying for decades to get his hands on it. For years I researched the lost civilization and it took many long years to learn of its exact location. I have written the details in the diary. The map by itself is useless because it can't be decoded. However, the instructions in the diary provide the clues to decode it and know the location. Gregor, with a trustable company, you must go and find the lost palace. The key is to the door in the palace. It is believed tht the palace holds many riches and ancient artifacts. Gregor, this will be the greatest archaelogical discovery in history. It is your job to find it Gregor. I leave this up to you. May you do so with ease and may it bring you much prosperity. Signed, Your dear uncle, X"

Ahmad, read the letter several times.

"What does it say, Ahmad" Ali asked.

Ahmad looked up. His eyes were dazed with the mysticism of the whole thing. "We must go on an expedition, find the lost palace."

The whole room turned silent. They all had known this was coming. it was very perplexing, very mysterious. Ahmad reached for the map and unfolded the large folded paper. It was a map of the Arabian Peninsula. He laid the map out on the bed and started studying it. It was indeed very confusing. There were numbers written here and there and Xs placed in various places, with dotted lines connecting the various Xs. At the top were some hieroglyphics that Ahmad couldn't decipher. Just by looking at the map, it was obvious one couldn't know the location of the lost civilization. How his uncle had done it was a mystery. It was obvious his uncle had researched this a lot.

His friends were also perplexed by the map. They were bent over it, studying it. Ahmad took hold of the diary and started flipping through it. It had entries of various things that had happened in the lifetime of his uncle and Ahmad wondered where he'd find the points that would help him figure out the map. flipping through the diary a few pages, Ahmad wondered if this was even th correct diary. The points about the map weren't glaringly clear. It was obvious he'd have to read the diary from beginning to end and then he might find something. he hoped he was right. He hoped that in his great uncle's old age, he hadn't mixed up the diaries and put the wrong one in the box.

 

[Muhaba]

"I will keep you updated about their travel plans," Georgi promised Abu Isaiah. "I have a friend working in Cairo airport. He will inform me about Ahmad's movements. As soon as I hear from him, I will send the information to you."

"All right," Abu replied. "Don't fail me."

Georgi hung up the phone. And then laughed. She would keep her promise true to Abu. If she ever received word from her informant, she would let Abu know. But she would never receive any information from him. Reason was she had already informed Ali and Jasem that it was dangerous to leave the country through Cairo airport because of Abu Isaiah's contacts with people there. Ahmad would be using a different exit from the country.

***
Abu Isaiah smiled. Ahmad would never be able to get to the lost civilization without him knowing. Abu didn't rely on Georgi for Ahmad's wherabouts; he had lost trust in her and could see signs that she was a traitor. She cared about Ahmad too much. So Abu Isaiah had resorted to more reliable means. He'd embedded a chip under Gamal's skin while he was out. Gamal didn't know about it but Abu could clearly know exactly where he was at any time. He just hoped that Gamal accompanied Ahmad on the trip and he was sure that he would. Abu Isaiah laughed in triumph. Soon, Ahmad would lead him to the lost treasure! Abu picked his phone and called his security chief. "Stand ready for a trip to the deserts of Oman. The treasure of Irum will soon be ours!"