C10 Chapter 10: The Beginning of the Journey In the previous chapter

In the previous chapter

Ali and Junaid set out with Sheikh Hamza to retrieve the map from Ameer Taahir's hideout.

On this journey, they will face numerous dangers.

Now moving forward…

Ali, Junaid, and Sheikh Hamza had set off on their journey.

The path was difficult, but reaching the destination was crucial.

After leaving the house of the mysterious old man, Sheikh Hamza asked Ali,

"Ali, have you and Junaid kept the unconsciousness-inducing pins that the old man gave you?"

Ali nodded, "Yes, uncle, we have kept those pins."

Sheikh Hamza smiled, "Good! You may need them at any time."

Junaid asked eagerly, "Uncle, what routes do we have to take to reach Ameer Taahir’s hideout? What dangers await us?"

Sheikh Hamza replied in a serious tone,

"Right now, we are on the outskirts of Junagadh.

First, we must cross the hills. After that, there is a straight path, but it holds many challenges."

Ali asked, "What kind of challenges, uncle?"

Sheikh Hamza took a deep breath, "First, there is a poisonous river, then a dry desert, and finally, a labyrinth."

Junaid said confidently, "As long as you are with us, we have nothing to worry about!"

Sheikh Hamza chuckled lightly, "I will accompany you only up to the Junagadh hills.

After that, you must continue the journey alone."

Ali was surprised, "Why can't you come with us? Haven’t you traveled this path before?"

Sheikh Hamza lowered his head, "I am old now.

The difficulties ahead are beyond my strength. That’s why, beyond the hills, you must go on your own."

Junaid asked seriously, "Uncle, please tell us in detail about these dangers."

Sheikh Hamza explained, "First, we must pass through the hills of Junagadh. This path seems easy, but bandits might be lurking, so stay alert.

After the hills, the first challenge will be the poisonous river."

Ali asked, "What is this poisonous river like?"

Shekh Hamza told :

"Its water is so deep blue that it looks beautiful, but in reality, it is filled with poison.

If even a drop touches your skin, the poison will slowly spread through your veins, and within minutes, your body will become numb," Sheikh Hamza explained.

Junaid asked nervously, "What if our hand or foot accidentally touches this water?"

Sheikh Hamza took out a small vial from his bag, "This contains a special herb.

If the river’s poison affects you, apply this immediately."

Junaid asked, "But how will we cross the river?"

Sheikh Hamza replied sternly, "That is something you must figure out on your own."

Junaid took a deep breath, "Alright and after that?"

Sheikh Hamza continued, "After that comes a vast desert.

The heat there will be unbearable, your throat will dry up, and there…"

Ali interrupted, "What is there, uncle?"

"There is a dangerous gang that, like Ameer Taahir, is searching for 'Al-Amaanah.'

They will go to any lengths to obtain it.

They wander in the desert, and if you fall into their hands, they will capture you," Sheikh Hamza warned.

Junaid frowned, "Another problem!"

Ali calmed him down, "Junaid, let’s hear the whole story first."

Sheikh Hamza continued, "After crossing the desert, you will reach a labyrinth."

Junaid asked, "A labyrinth? What kind of labyrinth?"

"It is extremely dangerous. If you take the wrong path, escaping will be impossible.

The passageways interconnect, arrows suddenly rain from the ceiling, and if you step incorrectly, the ground beneath you will collapse.

They say that whoever enters never comes out.

There are many traps—such as sudden floor collapses and poisoned arrows. Be careful of all these dangers."

Ali then asked, "How can we get through the labyrinth?"

Sheikh Hamza replied, "Only a wise and intelligent person can pass through the labyrinth.

And Ali, I believe you can do it. You are both wise and intelligent, and you have your most trusted friend, Junaid, with you."

Junaid smirked, "Thank you for your kind words."

Ali asked with concern, "What if we get hit by the poisoned arrows?"

Sheikh Hamza pulled out another vial, "If an arrow strikes you, apply this immediately. It will neutralize the poison."

Junaid sighed, "This journey is far more dangerous than I had imagined."

Ali said with determination, "But we must reach Ameer Taahir’s hideout!"

Ali then asked, "What happens after we cross the labyrinth?"

Sheikh Hamza replied, "If you successfully pass the labyrinth, another desert awaits."

Junaid immediately complained, "Another desert? Wasn’t escaping from one desert hard enough?"

Ali scolded him, "Junaid! Don’t interrupt. Let Sheikh Hamza finish."

Sheikh Hamza said, "After crossing the labyrinth, in that desert lies Ameer Taahir’s hideout. He often goes there."

Ali asked eagerly, "But how will we find his hideout in such a vast desert?"

Sheikh Hamza took out an old piece of paper from his robes,

"Take this map. After crossing the labyrinth, use it. And one more thing—change your appearance as soon as you reach there,

because Ameer Taahir’s guards patrol everywhere."

Ali carefully took the map, "We will do as you say."

A while later, they reached the foothills of the Junagadh mountains.

Sheikh Hamza pointed towards the hills and said, "From here, you must go on your own."

Ali said, "Uncle, you are old now. You shouldn’t go any further. We will find our way from here."

Sheikh Hamza smiled, "Ali, I trust you. I will take my leave now."

After that, Ali and Junaid started their journey towards the hills.

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In the next chapter:

Will Ali and Junaid complete their journey?

Will they be able to cross the poisonous river?

What will Ameer Taahir’s hideout be like, and will Ali be able to retrieve the map?

Find out in Chapter 11…

To Be Continued...