C11 Chapter 11: The Junagadh Hills and the First Sign of Danger

In the previous chapter, you read that Sheikh Hamza discussed all the difficulties of the journey with Ali and Junaid before returning.

Now moving forward…

Sheikh Hamza had returned. The Junagadh hills were now just a little distance away.

Looking at Junaid, Ali said :

Ali: "Junaid! Look, the Junagadh Hills! Our real journey will begin once we reach there."

A little while later, they arrived near the hills.

The towering and mysterious hills stood before them like a challenge.

The crimson glow of the sun touched their peaks, making it seem as if the mountains were ablaze.

The dust carried by the wind stung their eyes, and the eerie silence of the hills hinted at an unknown danger.

Junaid: "We've finally reached the Junagadh Hills. What do we do next?"

Ali (observing the hills closely): "Look, this circular path leads to the top of the hill. We have to cross it.

There should be a cave at the top, which will lead us further.

We must pass through that cave, face the poisonous river, and overcome even greater dangers ahead."

Junaid (nodding): "You're right. We shouldn't waste any more time. We need to reach the upper part of the hill today itself."

Ali: "Absolutely! Let's begin our journey."

Ali and Junaid started climbing the hill. The circular path was strange.

As they moved forward, the sound of their footsteps echoed on the rocks. Unusual markings covered the scattered boulders along the way.

While walking, Junaid whispered,

Junaid: "Something feels off here…"

The path was becoming more difficult. The overhanging rocks above seemed as if they could collapse at any moment.

Looking around cautiously, Ali said,

Ali: "Junaid, this path looks dangerous. We need to be extremely careful."

Before Ali could finish his sentence, a massive boulder suddenly started rolling down from the top of the hill.

Ali (startled): "Junaid! Watch out! A boulder is heading straight toward us!"

The boulder tumbled rapidly in their direction. Both of them immediately jumped to the side of the path.

But as the boulder rolled past Junaid, the path beneath him crumbled, causing him to slip.

He was about to fall into the abyss when he managed to grab onto a rock, barely hanging on.

Junaid (in panic and fear): "Ali! I'm stuck! Grab my hand, or I'll fall into the ravine!"

Ali quickly rushed forward, extending his hand.

Ali: "Junaid! Don't lose hope! Grab my hand—I’ll pull you up!"

Junaid firmly grasped Ali’s hand. Ali used all his strength and pulled him back up.

Junaid (breathing heavily): "Thank you so much, Ali! You saved my life today!"

Ali (smiling): "We're friends, Junaid! You’ve never left me in trouble, and I won’t leave you either!"

After this, Ali and Junaid hugged each other.

After taking a short rest, they resumed their journey. A few hours later, they reached the upper part of the hill.

Night had fallen by then. The soft moonlight cast an eerie glow over the hills.

Observing the surroundings, Ali said,

"These hills may seem calm, but they are just as dangerous. We must stay alert here."

Junaid (in a weary tone): "Ali, what now? Should we continue, or should we stop here?

Traveling in the dark could be risky."

Ali: "Yes, you're right. We should stop now. We'll continue our journey at dawn."

Just then, Junaid spotted something.

Junaid (excitedly): "Ali! Look, there's the cave you mentioned!"

A massive cave stood before them, its dark, deep walls seemingly hiding a terrifying secret.

Ali took a deep breath and said,

"Yes, this is the cave... and beyond it, real dangers await us."

Junaid: "Who told you about this cave?"

Ali: "Sheikh Hamza told me about it. He also informed me about the dangers along the way and their possible solutions."

Junaid (laughing): "Forget the dangers for now! I'm starving!"

Ali (laughing): "Junaid, your hunger is bigger than these mountains!"

Junaid replied,

"What do you mean 'starving'? We last ate in the morning!"

Nearby, there was an apple tree. Ali smiled and said,

Ali: "Look, we found our dinner! Let's make do with these apples."

Junaid (laughing): "Alright, no problem! Apples will do for now."

They ate the apples and began preparing for the night. Ali took out two large blankets from his bag.

Ali: "I brought two blankets—one for you and one for me. We can either lay them down or use them to cover ourselves."

Junaid (smiling): "Ali, your planning is always impressive! Hand me my blanket."

Both of them spread their blankets and prepared to sleep.

A while later, they drifted off. The cold night wind rustled through the hills, producing eerie whispers.

In the distance, the faint growl of an animal echoed...

But Ali and Junaid had no idea that an unseen danger was slowly approaching them.

What was this danger?

Would Ali and Junaid be able to cross the cave?

Could they survive the poisonous river and the even greater peril ahead?

Would Ali really manage to retrieve the map of the special sword from Ameer Taahir’s hideout within a week? Or would this mission prove to be impossible?

To find out, read...

Chapter 12…

To Be Continued…