The sun came out and we set off on our journey again on our horses. Our horses walked through the rocks and sand the sun hit our faces, our heads were protected by our white and black turbans.
Wind began to hit our faces, sand blown everywhere, I could not see nor could the horses see, we decided to carry our journey by foot. Nothing but fog, sand and wind was in our way; I began to struggle as did the man I was with.
"Get the horses down" He said while running towards my horse and pulling it to the ground
"Get behind her" He said shouted over the sound of heavy wind.
I did what I was asked hoping for the terror to finish my heart began to pump so fast I could feel it through my chest. The man did the same to his horse and got behind her shielding himself from the strong, heavy wind.
After the wind had gone we got up again and started to ride slowly with the tired horses, I saw big stones and patches of grass on the hard ground. We then got onto a small boat and were calmly swimming on the river; I saw men and women washing their clothes in the water I then knew we finally reached the 9th river. That's how I know we had reached the great city of Cairo, the tall buildings and small buildings the sand and the mountains, all brought back the happiness and hope in my heart.
We met an old man who had a white beard, the mans name was Ibn Muzafar
"Hamza told me about your dream" said Ibn Muzafar respectably
"Yes, I flew to Mecca" I said looking at him
"On the wings of a great bird?" he asked looking very interested
"Is it a common dream?" I asked the man
"Tell me what you saw" he asked
"I flew over deserts, up a great river, and across the river and red sea"
"The red sea?" he said while lifting his eyebrows up and then down "Did you dream entering Mecca?"
"No" I said worried
"You shall reach your destination if you block the bad people around you, the prophet (Peace be upon him) once said, 'Go in search of knowledge even if your journey takes you to China'" he said smiling at me and leaning forward and pointing at me.
I smiled back and shook his hand proudly.
The strange man put his lips to his fist as if he were worried.
When we left the man said "Are you on this journey because of this dream?"
"In the shortest way" I replied giving him a few grapes that I had picked
"The shortest may not be the safest" he said taking the grapes and eating them,
"I am behind in time" I then began to walk.
"Wars are going to be wedged" he said following me behind
I then turned and said "wars have always been wedged"
"And wisely avoided" said the man
"My mind is set" I then straightened my back
"Please understand, you may not arrive in Mecca you might end up dead on the desert floor"
"A risk I must take" I said
"A FOOLISH RISK" He shouted
Pointing at him I said "Hajj will not wait, I will cross the Red Sea, my mind is set"
"I strongly advise you that you go to Damascus and join the pilgrims" he said holding onto my arm
"Our arrangement was for your protection, not your advice, I am no longer your responsibility" I said giving him gold which was in a small red sack.
Startled by a man sharpening his knife we both turned to him but when I turned back around the man was gone, I looked around the crowed of people and carried my journey on.
The warnings of war do not scare me, to travel to Damascus, to travel 1000 miles to my journey I insist staying on the path of my journey across the Egyptian desert to the red sea where I will arrive in Jeddah then I will go from Jeddah, Mecca is only days away.
I bought a big white Camel and rode on it wearing a white scarf around my nose so my mouth and nose is covered and sand does not enter my mouth.
I then saw the red sea past the misty fog, and then fastened my camel by hitting it gently on the back as the camel ran we went to the end of the rocks, I then uncovered my mouth to find the dangerous red sea. There was a broken ship all over the sea and a broken brown bridge which was to be led to the ships, smoke filled the air and seagulls squawked loudly. I felt a shudder down my spine, I then lost hope.
Looking up to my Lord and getting on my knees I put my hands up and seeked forgiveness 'Forgive me for my sins, forgive my past, allow me to reach Mecca and stand upon the mount of mercy ' I prayed and wiped my hand over my face.
Feeling presence I turned and saw the man again, also on a white camel I then got up from my knees and looked at him
"Damascus?" he asked
"Damascus" I replied knowing I would not be able to pass the red sea.
YOU ARE READING
Journey to Mecca
AdventureA man names Ibn Batutta travelled to Mecca to make his dreams come true but will the dangerous corners stop him from going? This book is based on a true story
