Suleiman did not make it easy for him; Even after he settled the agreed amount Suleiman still refused to release the girl. Apparently, he also had to present a certificate of ownership, which required a long process; taking a lot of time. No wonder the slave traders had them premade then changed them to fit each slave. Thus, it was days until the girl was released. The king made sure that Munir learned his lesson; never to challenge his word again especially in public.
To the far west of the castle, before the servants' quarters were the physician's premises. Where Mina was struggling for her life. Munir spent days trying to cure the feeble child, for days she drifted in and out of reality. Khalid on the other hand was rare to the sight, mostly dealing with other patients. That night she finally regained her full consciousness. The only thing she remembered was the faces of the three traders who had her pendant. Two she met on the night of her escape, they were her ticket to freedom. Their faces were clear to her now as the night veils a lot to the eye.
The chubby one had a gap in his teeth making his speech a little chirpy. The other two could be distinguished by their height; the one who had accompanied the chubby one that night was shorter but both were very skinny. All three men had the same features, brothers she assumed. She wished to thank them somehow but given the opportunity, she wouldn't know-how. In her long list of well-wishers was the man sitting beside her busy reading a piece of paper. She looks around the room, the same pattern transitioned throughout the castle; blue walls and black floors with each section of it having different patterns and shades. This part had a lighter blue shade of wall tiles with an intricate silver pattern of faded tiny vines and flowers. Two rows of beds neatly done, arranged on opposite sides of the room. To the far wall was a large glass cabinet filled with bottles, equipment, bandages and blankets arranged in neat order. She tries to sit up but her whole back burns her wounds still bitter. However, Mina was proud of the new medals that reminded her of her stand in this new place.
Mama Samira used to tell her that scars are medals that tell a story, they remind one of their mistakes so that in future they may never repeat them. Mina tries to sit up again this gets the attention of Munir. The fairly old man looks up from his reading. “ Slowly girl you will rub off the ointment.” He puts down the paper giving her his full attention “It... It burns” she stammers. “It's supposed to. Rest for now, in the morning I will have Leila give you some food and get you fresh clothing then you can go to your own room” he gives her a reassuring smile hidden beneath his moustache. “I need to have a word with Khalid.” Mina follows him as he stood up and left the room.
Sitting on his armchair he takes the letter, for the tenth time he goes through it again.
My Dear Munir,
How are you? I hope you still remember us. You are needed here, the plague has struck again. People are dying, all the physicians have left us we need help. Desperate measures are necessary for perilous situations, please you are our only hope.
Lovingly Zainab.
It was a very short letter but the words hit deep, resurfacing an old past that he chose to ignore. One of a little boy whose father lied to him. The father changed his life forever the moment he brought home his mistress; intending to be his second wife. His mother could not live with the shame, she took him and left Mahdiya, to a place he dare not speak of. Khalid sneaks up on him, Munir turns to see him focused on the letter he held. “Who is this Zainab? You haven't mentioned her before?”
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“Sit down please” Khalid takes a seat on the stool beside him “This must be serious.” Munir hands him the letter. Khalid reads it again, this time considering every word. “ You can go, I will take care of everything in your absence,” Khalid reassures.
“No, you are the one who is going. I can't leave I have a lot to attend to here. Soon the northern king shall visit the kingdom Suleiman will be needing his councillors” Munir explained.” I don't even know where I am going!” Khalid reasoned. “The messenger who brought the letter shall escort you” Munir states taking back the letter from him.” Okay, I shall leave tomorrow night then” He declared.
“No, you leave by dawn. I suggest you start packing, But before that, I wish to tell you that it is a long and dangerous journey.” Munir cautioned “You may or may not even make it, let alone return.” He added looking him straight in the eyes to emphasize the seriousness of the warning. “You don't have to go if you don't want to...” He continued.
“I will go and I will return” Khalid insisted, he loved a challenge and Munir knew this very well that is why he never doubted Khalid's response.
Late that night he goes to the infirmary where Mina was awake after so long and could not bear to close her eyes again. Khalid shoves some medical supplies into a large travel bag. Mina closely watched him his short sleeves rolled from all his muscles, revealing a mark. A half-circle present beneath the folds it resembled the slavery mark, only larger. Before she could confirm it she felt his stares even though he gave her his back, Mina quickly shifts her gaze. When sneaky stares persisted she softly questioned him “Khalid is something wrong?” His focus still on the array of tonics and equipment. “No” he echoed, for a while, he stops going through the supplies, then he addresses her “Since you are part of us now I might as well trust you.” He picks up some bottles then returned a few after reading their labels. Still not facing her he continued.
“Well little ghost, I am running an errand for Munir.”
“Can I come?” Mina raved. “No” Khalid growls “When will you be back?” She murmurs “I don't know when I will be back” Khalid sits down on the side of her bed “Let me tell you something little ghost, a date tree is the jewel of the desert it gives hope to the travellers. While in the desert a date palm provides shelter, food it may even indicate the presence of an oasis.” “ What is that?” Mina asked, “An oasis is a place in the desert where we find water and shade after a long-distance of plain sand.” “That is our Munir” He continues just when Mina interrupted him “A big old date tree ?” “Yes, little ghost” Khalid smiles “That is why we must protect our jewel understand?” Mina nods and Khalid goes back to the large cabinet takes one more bottle before leaving the room. See you soon little ghost” He closes the door.
At dawn, Khalid made his last stop at Munir's work station. It was one of the rooms in his quarters where he prepared his tonics. Khalid entered the room to find him working on something. "Munir I am off, you should get some rest.” Munir leaves his work and embraces him. “ I will rest after I finish this.” He tightened his embrace “Wada'an Ya Khalid safe journey my son.” Munir lets him go, he removes a small pendant from his neck. He holds it out to him “This will show you the way when you are lost” Khalid takes it and returned the embrace “ Wada'an Ya Munir ”. He performed the famous salute beating his chest with such might that even through the layers of armour his skin felt the blow. Then he leaves quickly making his way to the south side of the castle.
Khalid stood in the stables strapping his supplies on his horse; a white steed with brown patches on its stomach and neck. A short man approaches him readily dressed for the journey, beside him his camel heavily loaded with baskets, rolled mats and tents. He introduces himself as his escort. The fiery Orange light of Dawn bounced from the roof tiles contrasting with the murky pathways. They rode upon their trusted beasts, soaring through the gravel paths of the palace grounds disappearing beyond the castle gates.