Say Walah

13: The Mountains That Kiss The Sky

As Mairo and Rimi refreshed themselves at a small spring nearby, the sun began to dip below the horizon. Mairo sighed contentedly, running damp fingers through her tangled hair.

"I desperately need a proper bath," she said, her voice tinged with longing. "It's been almost two weeks since my last one."

Rimi giggled, but nodded in agreement. "Same here. I feel like I'm carrying half the desert on my skin."

The oasis, once empty save for their presence, slowly came to life as travelers trickled in for the night.

Among the new arrivals, a weathered man with sun-leathered skin caught their attention. He moved with the ease of someone accustomed to the harsh desert environment, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings. A faded blue scarf was wrapped around his head, concealing most of his features.

Rimi nudged Mairo, whispering, "Could that be him?"

Mairo glanced the newcomer. As he approached the spring, he reached up to adjust his headwear, revealing a distinctive silver pin shaped like a crescent moon.

Heart racing, Mairo cleared her throat and spoke the coded phrase they had rehearsed: "The night sky is clearest after a sandstorm."

The man paused, his hand hovering over his waterskin. His eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked between Mairo and Rimi. After a moment that seemed to stretch for eternity, his weather-beaten face cracked into a knowing smile.

"And the oasis is sweetest when found by weary travelers," he replied, completing the code.

Relief washed over Mairo and Rimi. They had found their contact - Kabir, the smuggler who would guide them through the next leg of their journey.

Kabir squatted down beside them, his movements casual as if they were old friends reuniting. In a low voice, he murmured, "So, you're Amina's friends. Welcome to the edge of nowhere."

He glanced at their travel-worn appearance and added with a hint of amusement, "Looks like you two could use a good scrub. Just past those palms, there's a hidden pool. Take some time to wash away the desert. I'll get the camp ready... we'll talk once you've remembered what it feels like to be clean."

Mairo and Rimi exchanged grateful looks. As night fell over the oasis, they prepared for a much-needed bath, the stars above bearing witness to the beginning of their clandestine alliance with Kabir.

As Mairo and Rimi returned from their refreshing bath, the aroma of roasted meat filled the air. They found Kabir tending to a small fire, where he was cooking an animal he had caught earlier. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the oasis, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Kabir looked up as they approached, a welcoming smile on his weathered face. "Ah, you look much better now. Come, join me. There's plenty to share."

The young women settled down near the fire, gratefully accepting the tender meat Kabir offered. He also produced a skin of warm milk, passing it around.

"Thank you," Mairo said, savoring the simple but satisfying meal. "Your hospitality is most appreciated."

Kabir waved off her thanks. "It's the way of the desert. We look out for each other out here." He took a swig of milk before asking, "Now, what brings two young women like yourselves to seek out an old smuggler like me?"

Mairo exchanged a glance with Rimi, carefully considering her words. "We need passage past the Great River," she began, her voice measured. "But to get there, we'd normally have to pass through the city of Ttu."

Kabir's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing there was more to the story. "Normally?" he prompted.

Mairo nodded, deciding to reveal a bit more. "My sister and I... we're being tracked by bounty hunters from Ttu. Passing through the city would be impossible for us."