Chapter Nine – Aisha’s Tent
Aisha’s tent stood near the center of the camp. Faheem, a rifle in his right hand and his left hand on the hilt of his dagger, stood guard as the sun was falling toward the horizon. Tariq and the soldiers approached with the sun at their backs; Faheem stiffened, raised his rifle and slowly drew the dagger blade from its sheath.
Tariq walked up and said in a forceful voice, “The sheikh has sent us to guard his daughter. You are relieved.”
“My orders are directly from Alshaykh to remain here.” Faheem replied in a firm voice.
Tariq knew what a fine fighter Faheem was, though somewhat impulsive. He had prepped the soldiers on the way with a plan.
“But I tell you the truth, friend, I just came from Alshaykh with new orders.” As he spoke, the soldiers behind him slowly, almost casually spread out, their rifles still carried, non-threateningly, on their shoulders.
“I shall not leave until Alshaykh tells me in person.”
Tariq sighed in disappointment and nodded. The soldier on his far left unshouldered his weapon. Faheem pivoted his gun toward that man, turning slightly. It was just enough for the soldier on the far right to make his move. He brought up his right hand holding a rock and swiftly smashed it into Faheem’s temple. As he did so, another grabbed the Bedouin’s rifle, while another took a vice grip on the wrist holding the dagger. The first struck a harder blow with the rock and Faheem went down, unconscious.
The men took his weapons, and quickly hogtied and gagged him. Leaving one man on guard, the others entered the tent.
The interior was modest with colorful silk cloths draped as decoration. Aisha’s home was simple and almost bare. In one corner was a large wood case. In the center of the room stood the eunuch, Abbadi, holding a ceremonial skibouk and off in a corner, kneeling, was Aisha’s slave-maid, Yawlali. The woman was about thirty, tall and thin and intensely loyal to her mistress.
Tariq told Abbadi that the sheikh had sent for Alisha. The eunuch shook his head and stayed in place with his sword at the ready. “Omar would never send you to his daughter’s tent, Ya Kalb [you dog]!” Tariq, snarled, “Kol Khara [eat shit]!” and said to the man next to him, “Kill him.” Without hesitation, the man raised his rifle and shot Abbadi in the heart. Without another sound, the old eunuch fell to the floor, dead.
Back at Omar’s tent, the group heard the single shot and turned their heads. The Captain turned back to Omar, “I fear some of your tribe are not showing the proper hospitality. My men can be a little quick on the trigger when threatened. I am so sorry.”