𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧

۸

☾ E I G H T ⭒

The young girl gripped onto the ropes tightly, her hands unwavering as the rain mercilessly beat down upon her. She was situated behind her mother and despite being assaulted by the onslaught of the rain, she attempted to at least keep her mother somewhat sheltered with her own body.

Nothing could be heard through the relentless downpour of the rain, yet something tore past their ears, akin to lightening, monetarily unsettling the camels. It was not something they were ever accustomed with often. They didn't know the concept of an arrow, yet the sound cut through the rhythm of the rain, disrupting not only the fragile solace it lent to their hearts but the animals and everyone around. They all jolted in unison, never having heard a sound so sharp and vivid that they could feel themselves being carried along with it- almost supernatural as if a jinn had whooshed past them in the darkness.

[Unseen beings]

The camel's whined about anxiously as the guards struggled to calm them down, alas, it was not a success. Barakah's head snapped towards the source of commotion as fear engulfed around her heart like a tightening vine. Through the layers of rain she could make out huge men on top of the biggest horses she'd ever seen. Were these the men that they were leaving their homes for? If that was the case, why only them? No one else had abandoned their lives but them. Whatever the reason, she concluded, they needed to move- immediately.

Barakah cast another quick glance over her shoulder. Though the men were still a distant away, she could see they were gaining ground rapidly. Within moments, she realised with rising dread, they would be nearly upon them, closing in with startling speed.

They'd be able to catch up In seconds. She was in a frenzied state, paralysed by uncertainty. Their stature looked ruthless and Barakah feared for her family. If they were to kill any one of them, even with the guards protection they wouldn't stand a chance. Barbarians—that was the word that first came to her mind as she gazed through the rain at the figures atop their massive horses, seeming unfazed by the downpour, as if the relentless rain were nothing more than a light shower compared to the storm of dread swelling within her

Suddenly, the same horrid sound from earlier returned, whipping past her left ear and striking the chest of a once-beating heart. The man's limp body clumped painfully to the muddy ground, as the camel ran around frightened, until eventually fleeing the scene altogether.

It all happened in an instant. The neighing of the horses echoed in everyone's ears, a chilling sound that underscored the chaos. The camels, refusing to move forward, sensed the impending danger. Moments later, the Northerners stood proudly before the Meskins, their imposing figures a stark contrast to the fearful expressions etched on the faces of those they faced.

The darkness and pouring rain made it difficult to see clearly, but with the help of the moonlight, Barakah could distinguish the largest man among the others, seated atop the most colossal horse. He stood at the forefront, acting as a formidable shield for the group. The other men positioned themselves behind him, and Barakah estimated there were about ten men and their horses, their imposing figures casting long shadows in the dim light.

"Hold your weapons!" the supposed leader drawled in their language, much to everyone's surprise. He did not look like he was from around here; his voice resonated with authority. The guards atop the camels readied themselves for a fight, nocking arrows to their bows. But before they could even take aim, the leader reined his horse forward, challenging them with a silent dare.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" he sneered with menace in his tone. His words seemed to have no effect on the guard, situated on top the camel which Barakah and Cyra also sat upon.