SURVIVORS
Chaptre 253. Mr. Ammar and Mustafa
By noon, the trading caravan was entering completely different territory.
In the rocky and sandy barren desert, began to look greenish grass here and there. Although it was only short grasses, it was clearly like a transition place towards a more fertile area afterwards.
"We're near the border!" shouted the guards.
Leon got up and sat down next to Jane. He had already prepared money for the entrance fee to the country, a number mentioned by the caravan's chairman.
From a distance on the rock hill, Leon could look down. The wagons lined up neatly towards a stone bridge whose arched legs were submerged in water that refracted the blue sky.
Before long, the merchant caravan wagon also lined up to pass the stone bridge. All traders are enthusiastic. Across the river, there are greenish trees. It was a beautiful sight for the inhabitants of the desert.
Leon's wagon, finally began to walk on the stone bridge. Jane was so happy to see the crystal clear river water down there.
Leon understands. For Jane and herself who live on the beach, playing water is everyday. But during this trip, Jane could not touch the water to take a bath. He must have missed playing with water.
After passing through the checkpoint and paying his usual entrance, Leon follows his caravan. The guards said they could rest the horse for a moment. The place they stayed was not far away anymore.
After getting a parking space, and let his horse enjoy the fresh grass. Leon took out a container of seaweed that previously contained water to drink. He went down to the river, like the other traders, who wanted to freshen up.
After washing his face, hands and feet, Leon began to draw water from the river and carried it near the cart. Leon went back and forth three times to meet another container.
"Jane, you can clean up here" Leon said.
Jane's confused. Doesn't she just have clothes on her body?
Leon took their blanket cloth.tying it to a cart and 2 wooden sticks he found on the grassy ground. The water barrel is in a cloth cage now.
"Bite in here. I'll keep watch. No one will see you," he said.
Jane started to shower quietly. He knew Leon would keep him out of other people's sight.
After Jane is done, Leon goes back to fetch water for their drinking supplies and horses.
Jane prepared a little lunch that afternoon. Because their supplies should be enough until tomorrow.
Leon looked at Jane who was enjoying the smoked fish and dried bread in silence. He's clean now. No more dust to make his face.
Leon's heart melted to see the struggle of Jane's life is heavy. But he remains strong. Jane never asked for anything. It was always Leon who took the initiative to buy his needs.
Leon felt that Jane's attitude was due to the pressure of her life first. Life was oppressed by barbarian men since childhood, of course, had taught him not to ask for anything. Or will get torture and abuse.
"Prepare to go!" shouted a guard.
Jane put on a bread plate. Sipped some water and sat down next to Leon.
The trip this time, passing through the dirt road which is partly slightly soft muddy. It might have rained the day before. With this condition, the cart must be carried more carefully so as not to fall into a muddy hole.
Although the body became tired from being swayed by the streets, but the green scenery and fresh air, comforting the caravan. They enjoy the beautiful scenery around them.
The afternoon is approaching. And the streets quickly darkened because of the tall, shady trees.
"The resting place is ahead!" the guards gave information.
It was unexpected that the resting place was an open field. Partly covered with grass, partly muddy. And. that place is full.
"It seems like a lot of caravans used to trade in this country." Jane has a comment.
Leon nodded.
"Yes, we're the only ones who just found out. And this is a valuable experience." Leon said.
They followed the instructions of the bodyguards and took the resting location apart from the others.
"You're not going anywhere! If you have a wish, tell me" Leon said.
Jane nodded in understanding. Those who were there were not just groups from their city. So Leon doesn't know if those people are good or not.
They began the evening by resting the gray horse and feeding it. Leon's looking for fresh grass around there. So he could save straw for the hard times.
"Jane, this horse hasn't been named yet" Leon said.
Jane looked at the horse closely. Dealing with darling.
"Star. Name's Star!"
Jane smiled happily and hugged her first horse.
"Hemmm.a beautiful name. Her skin was gray, with sprinkles of white spots everywhere. Like stars in the night sky." Leon mangosteen.
"Let's eat a lot, Star...."
Leon also rubbed Star's head. The horse is beautiful and strong.
They rest after enjoying dinner, which Jane is forced to ration.
"For you," Leon said, pushing his plate towards Jane.
Jane shakes. The small plate was again pushed towards Leon.
"Eat!" jane said forcefully.
Finally Leon ate half a slice of dry bread under Jane's sharp gaze. And, Jane smiled happily to see the bread was gone in Leon's mouth. He immediately cleaned up the equipment that was not much.
"You go to sleep first. I'll check the ties behind the wagon" Leon said.
"Yes" said Jane.
Leon got off the wagon and checked the cover ties on the back.
The merchant who lost his wagon in the desert, greeted Leon.
"Yes. There seems to be a lot of rain in this country. A lot of greenery that refreshes the eyes" Leon said with a smile.
"Hey, let's join the others. Tonight, Mr. Ammar, the leader of the caravan, invited everyone to come to his tent" the man said.
"What's wrong? My wife is asleep. Later...."
"The guards did not participate. They'll keep watching" persuaded the man.
"Awhile...."
Leon looks over at Jane who is still not asleep.
"Go away" he said as soon as he saw Leon.
"But...." Leon was doubtful.
"I have this!" Jane showed me a large knife that was used to clean the fish at the sale.
"You have to build relationships so that our business can be more advanced" said Jane reassured Leon.
"alright. I won't be long. So, you be careful" Leon said.
"Yes." Yeah."
Jane nodded.
Leon went to follow the previous man, to the caravan leader's camp. There's a lot of people gathered there. Crowded atmosphere. There is also plenty of food there.
Suddenly Leon felt his stomach go back hungry. But he remembered Jane who also held hunger in their cart. He immediately lost his appetite to see the various foods.
"Has all our caravans gathered?" ask Mr. Ammar.
"Already sir!"
Someone beside him answered. Mr. Ammar nodded and smiled a lot. Especially to a tanpan and authoritative man sitting next to him.
"Ehemmmm.... I invite you who are members of this caravan, in addition to thank you for cooperating with each other when other members get a disaster. Also as a farewell greeting. Because this caravan will reach its destination tomorrow." Mr. Ammar smiled again.
"For those who want to follow us back, can join 10 days later" he said.
Voices were heard, commenting on the news. This means that they have 9 days to do business in the destination city.
"Ehemmmm...."
Mr. Ammar again asked for attention.
"I want to introduce a successful young merchant. He just got back from town. And the business is pretty good there."
Mr. Ammar turned his face to the handsome man beside him. Then smile.
"Have you ever heard of Lord Mustafa? A brilliant merchant who controls 5 trading cities in our country?
"I've heard his name in our city. But just found out she's this handsome."
"Is he, Mr Mustafa who owns the shop in our town?"
Some of the people who are higher position, ventured to talk with Mr. Ammar's guests.
"Please enjoy. The dishes should be spent. After that we'll take a break."
Mr. Ammar invited his guests to eat. The atmosphere became more and more crowded. But the first Leon joined the caravan, listening more.
Someone offered food to Leon. Leon saw the delicious food on that plate.
"May I take this for my wife?" asked Leon unconsciously.
The tent was silent. Even that Master Mustafa looked at him in wonder. But then Mr. Ammar's laughter broke, breaking the silence.
"Are you the one who blocked the trip this morning?" ask her while smiling.
"I'm sorry sir." Leon stood up and apologized sincerely.
'Did I hug Jane this morning to her ears?" inner Leon ashamed.
"Hemmm. deliver one such plate to his wife" ordered Mr. Ammar.
"Okay, sir." The servant then left.
"Come, you can enjoy the dishes here without worrying about your wife again" said Mr. Ammar still with a smile on his face.
For a time, the tent was very crowded. Then all disperse and return to their respective carts.
Leon also walked back to his carriage. There, Jane hasn't slept either.
"Why haven't you slept?" ask Leon.
"My company is shitting," said Jane pleading.
"Come on!"
Leon searched for an area that was quieter and farther away from that field.
******