'Weaving Blooms'
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SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR AUDREY NEWTS ✨💗🤗
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Post By Editor : Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism
February 2025 Ms Izabel Langlais
Date: May 2021
Word count : 8500 words
Genre : Adventure, Historical, Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music & Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
Image: Is my first !
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WEAVING BLOOMS
The route south from the Northern Wolves Countries, to the crossing point of the Rub Al-Khali Desert in Arabia, known as “The Old Incense Route”, was travelable by day with a usual guide. Only, to be safe at night or on the road from the muggers, an armed escort, expert at swords battling; the word had travel of fierce encounters were no muggers had returned, and none of their weapons or body have ever been found by their peers ; so none, was ever attacking anymore, the Caravans from the Northern Wolves Country.
But coming the desert to cross, no guide was wishing to continue, and a new one would be needed. Few armed escorts would be continuing with them, but most would be staying at this crossing, waiting for them to return with the needed supplies, guarding most of the equipment they had so far and the horses, which they will leave behind, while enjoying the city many amenities and getting needed rest.
For the crossing of the desert, new equipment was necessary, with camel animals better then horses, and very little equipment; a new guide, and few armed escorts that were travelling with them already; ones from ethnic lineage that had special skills for desert travel, and a like to be paid extra for the risks and the longer trip.
The city was busy, and accommodations arrangements was made quickly for the Caravan members that were to stay there while the others would be continuing the journey; in a traveller rest house that rented for extended period of time, maybe few months; with place to keep the horses safe and roaming freely in a fenced area, and the equipment locked in a secure garden shed at the back of the house.
Once they found the guide who would lead them to the other side of the desert safely and alive, they went for some rest, letting him to organise what they will need for the trip.
***
After few days of sleeping in soft beds, eating the delicious and abundant food made by the wife of the rest house’s owner, and washing at the public bath house, all members looked alive again. Scrapes had been cleansed, disinfected and bandaged properly with ointment, aches had vanished with specially made tea’s, hair and beard trimmed neatly with all the necessary grooming at the public bath house, done from teeth, ears and nails.
Now they looked more like gentleman then road thieves when they arrived, and the service was definitely better. They now could go out to the city souk, and buy personal needed belongings; like new clothes to fit better the city they were in and the heat, or items exclusives to the area like swords, or these herbs so miraculous for removing aches, the rest house owner had gently written for them in Arabic, so they could find them for the return trip, or for the ones who will continue.
The souk was busy with colourful fabrics, piles of spices, baskets and other necessities; live hens, goats and sheep for the eggs, milk, cheese and wool, or for the meat, with sweets, tea’s, incense and henna. They bought a praying mat each, which made the market shoppers at rest to know the new Caravan members arrivals were with God, and so they were invited to sit in the cafe were men were busy at a game of what seemed like backgammon, with tea’s in glasses with snacks.
From there, they could see the brouhaha in the market, and observe it better; Women were shopping mostly, all busy to their own world; men were the market sellers. Beautiful women of all ages it seemed, draped in all different colors, with only their eyes to see, hands with designs on them, and feet coming out of long skirt or dresses; their hair raven color would show few strands shinning, coming out from under head scarves; their eyes with black eyeliner looked away. In the cafe only men were present and they perceived the smiling attention of their table, observing their admiration of the market and the women shopping in it.
They were not married, or they would not have made the trip, and so they had let their eyes linger more then notticably to the beautiful attributes of this market. They wondered if this is what had happened to few of the ones that had done the journey before them, and were known to not have returned to the North; with the secret smile of the ones who did, when they were ask where they were. Maybe they had found wives and stayed here ? With all this delicious food and beautiful poised and graceful women, who would not like to settled and stay here forever to be pampered and forget about the harshness of the rest of the world. Secret tales had made the men want to do the trip, and wish in secret they would meet a women there; only unmarried ones had been permitted, apparently because of the risk on the road...maybe it was for the risk not to want to return... But the tales came with warnings, and the impossibility of such success, which would had made them even more curious, and dreaming about it !
***
The few men to continue on the road were gathered together, organising their supplies; the camels were lying calmly waiting, while water jugs and bags were being tied to their saddles. The men staying were present to wish their best of luck to the ones departing. With the proper ample clothing and head scarf for the crossing, they were barely recognisable as Northern ones, except for their fairer skin and lighter eyes.
Few local men arrived, and asked the guide to talk to him privately; after some conversation and greeting in Arabic, they started to gather together besides the others, with a sort of covered cart, with sheers drapes coming out of the windows on the sides; the men ready to leave were looking in disbelieved astonishment, what was looking like this cart and extra men, were intending to join their party; The cart was motorised. and their camels saddled more fancily were gathered around it tightly; noticing that they also were wearing swords and the 6 dressed exactly the same, made look like a prestigious escort of some sort. Asking the guide what was this he replied that they would be joining them for the crossing !
“But, will this not be slowing us very too much ? The cart will be slow and not very adaptable. “ tried the Leader of the Caravan expedition “...and it will make noise and might attract unwanted attention ...”
“They will be joining us for the crossing” stated the guide sharply...”as for muggers, do not worry ... except for us ... there will be no one to ear the cart or not...”
Feeling suddenly worry about not seeing any possible muggers, and the sinister idea of their journey, he tried insisting anyways “But, ... I think it would be best that they travel on their own...” trying to seem assertive but not provocative “It seemed a little fancy to travel with us ! “
“There is little time for the crossing, and even less guide willing to do it.” The guide replied “They are paying extra for my guiding services, and are bringing their own water and equipment. The Tsar is awaiting his new bride with anticipation for many months already, and few maiden female companions are travelling with her for the trip, as her younger sister.” As he said this, the Cart Escort warriors looked at the Caravan leader sternly, and the Caravan men exchanged look of resignation.
“Yes, this is great...” one of the ethnic armed Caravan escort intervened “...we are pleased to have their party travel with us” and with a insisting stare to the Caravan Leader, that pleaded for him to abandoned all argumentation about the topic and just follow the new plan.
So they left at dusk, as the sun was setting low in the distance, the air still warm from the day. They were to travel by night when the desert cools down, and to give respite from the heat to the camels and the men; then find shelter for the day for some rest, food, and water refill.
The guide knew the way and the halt to take, but he had explained that there were few very specific stops, and also specific time to get from one to the other before the heat, or the camels wouldn’t be able to walk under the sun for too long , which could be fatal to all. So they had to listen to him in all, and make sure not to be slowing down the paste for any reason.
Camels were easy animals it would seemed; gentle in nature and knowing where they were going; they seemed to be not easily distracted or fearful, and happy to follow one another.
The Cart was following them with the Escort warriors around it at a steady paste, and no one from inside was to be ever seen or heard...they wondered if there was even anyone inside at all. Only the sheer curtains would flow softly from the windows, as the wagon travel behind them.
After travelling the whole evening and night what seemed like days, following this guide that knew the way, anxiety seemed to reach some of the men. It was a miracle this guide could differentiate any trail at all, as there wasn’t any, and so, as they went further and further from the city lights, engulfing themselves deeper and deeper in the sand dunes, a doubt was crossing their mind...what if the guide wasn’t perfectly skilled, and what if they got lost ? The warry look on their face wasn’t to reassure each other, and the sharp stern look of the Cart Escort warriors was not reassuring either...
The sky was clear though, and the stars were making the ground more visible; the camels seemed comfortable like cats in the night; true that the horses would have not be good for this journey, and more likely would have been fretful and walk even more slowly resisting the lead.
The city light disappeared behind them, and the darkness engulfed them, all was to be seen was the camel in the front, and the hoof on the ground...Were they mad ?! This surely was the reason no one had ever returned...they would be lost in an hour and not to be found for sure...
“Are you sure you know the road or that there is one at all ?” asking the guide in front of him, the Leader shout...
“Yes, Yes,...no worries...Yallah, Yallah...” The guide replied...
They stopped for about half an hour around a well ?! Out in the middle of this, was a well ?!!! Unbelievable enough, cold fresh water was in it, and a string with a pale to get in from down bellow...Astonished, the men started to laugh, and half their worries left them as they knew now that he was truly a guide! They all thanked him with a huge pat on the back and a wide smile, and it was like he had given them each, a gold rock or diamond the size of a fist!
Still no sound or movement from the Cart; the men looking in it’s direction were a little bit wondering...but one of the Escort warrior brought the pale of water to it, and came back with it emptied...so they knew now that there were passengers inside...
They ate few of the dried meat and some dates and cheese, with fresh pitas from the market...and got back to the path as soon as possible, as the guide suggested.
The air was cooler and they had to wear the jacket the guide had insisted they bring...and thankfully they did.
The sky started to clear to a lighter blue, and the stars were fading away, but still there was nothing to see but sand and sand. The guide showed with a pointed finger a place up ahead were you wouldn’t see there was something or not, and then, knowing he had found the well with fresh water, they felt more reassured that there would surely be something there if he said so...
And indeed, as they were walking closer to it, the dune was caving in to a rock wall below, and there, was a cave entrance! Again, they got down from their camels and giggled and cheered to the guide in astonishment! This time, they were relieved like if he had given them each, a whole bag of the same fist size gold rock or diamond !!! Truly amazing! As they walked inside, pelts were on the floor and a fire pit in the middle, a well was on the side with water leaking from the wall in a small stream, filling a man made basin to collect it; there was enough place for the camels inside. They would eat here and sleep for the day, while the sun would be burning hot outside, and the day get hotter and hotter. Here it will be cool and they would have all they need.
The Cart Escort warriors, moved some of the pelt on the floor on one end of the cave, and installed a wall made of a thick curtain, to separate an area from the rest. The Cart couldn’t go inside as it was too big.
They heard some conversations and a female voice, then from around the edge of the curtain, seen some movements coming out of the Cart, and foot walking from it to the secluded area. There were some very low tone voices and some ruffling, and then nothing again.
The fire pit was lighted to make enough light on this side, and apparently the females didn’t need any on the other side. The Escort warriors filled a basin, taken from the cart supplies area, with water, and brought it to the women area with few trunks, as well from the Cart luggage area. Then brought food and water to their camels. Petting around the Cart, inside and out for a while, and organising their area, secluded as well, but with a thinner material so they could see the to the Caravan members side for safety the Caravan Leader assumed. It would look like they would not be exchanging much during the journey, and were not too trusty of the Caravan men.
The Caravan Leader went outside for few minutes to check things out in the early dawn light; Already the air was warming out, and still nothing in sight but sand ... If the guide didn’t know exactly the location of this place, no one would have found it ! They had to be thankful to him for their life from his skills. He would deserve more then the agreed payment he thought and he would make sure of it when they will arrive, and reward him fairly. He turned, and startled as he couldn’t find the Cart...then noticed that the Cart Escort warriors had covered it with a fabric of sand color and placed it against the rock wall beside the cave entrance, so it would blocking the entrance from view, leaving only a small opening to get in the cave...Thoughtful he thought reassured, these men knew what they were doing to keep safe...
Then he stopped in his thoughts and wondered ... but if they were to be alone, as the guide had stated ... and so few guide that they had to travel together ... why so much precautions ?!
***
The fire at been put off after they ate, refreshed and prepared for their day rest; another detail the Caravan Northern Wolves countries Leader noticed, and thankfully, as when he woke up after few hours of sleep, the cave was already getting warmer, with the men gathered inside, and the hot temperature outside climbing slowly with the hours passing toward the afternoon.
A ruffle startled him in one corner. His eyes had acclimated to the refreshing darkness in the cave, giving a sense of privacy in this cave full of men sleeping, and few women in the next area just behind the curtains. He looked with a piercing stare in the direction of the sound, thinking and hoping it was one of the men moving in his sleep, but all was still...only some low breathing sound could be heard, and you would not have guess from outside there was even any life inside the cave. He felt still frozen and guarded, like he was being watched or observed, and there was a feel in this air, or the stillness, that wasn’t right. He stayed few minutes waiting, but hearing nothing he decided to try to sleep a little more. After he had closed his eyes for few minutes, he heard it again...there in the corner...or more in the centre this time; Had it moved, or was it some sort of trick from the echo? He sat again and waited a little longer, still nothing...everyone was definitely sound asleep, which made this even more troubling since it had to be, from another source; not the water either. He felt observed, this feel of stillness was getting through his skin and was unsettling him...Lying down slowly and closing his eyes, just to wait for the sound and where it was coming from, he waited and waited, the heaviness started to get to him; just as he was falling in this half sleep stated...the sound again...he jerked and sat upright and looked intensely...he wasn’t imagining this ! This whatever it was, wasn’t any of the men, or even the women on the other side of the curtain division...something was moving there, between his men sleeping, and the guide along the wall ... the sound seemed to move toward the other side where the women were sleeping...this time there wasn’t any stillness in the air, but something predatory, or excitement, could be felt...He couldn’t see anything moving, and didn’t know how to act without creating a chaos in the tight cave...He didn’t want to startled the creature...doesn’t matter what it could be...a rat, a snake, a scorpion ??? None was a good idea, and he could lose one men in minutes if he was to attack one of them...even worst, if he wasn’t to do anything and it was to attack one of the precious women travelling with them...he could imagine arriving with a missing Bride for the Tsar, or a Lady Companion, and probably all losing their heads ! He reached slowly for the foot of the guide, making a hush gesture with his finger on his mouth...why was he sleeping his head toward the wall, and not his foot instead with his head in the centre, like the rest of the them?! In a spark second, as his hand was approaching the guide foot, the guide arm moved like a thunderbolt, and in a split second, too fast to even see what was going on, he sat with it in his hand ... a snake !!!
Then in a tirade of Arabic words...even more incredible then what had just happened, the guide stood up and showed proudly his catch, not in disgust or terror, but looking like he had just found the most amazing treasure ?! Gesturing for him and the other men to see it, with a grin of amazement ...He is not going to want us to eat it I hope...He thought to himself... As the guide insisted with a huge grin to come and look at it, the other men woke up, and while some commotion happening, he did as the guide continued his tirade in Arabic pointing toward the snake hanging from his hand, and holding it from his stretched arm so they could see it closer... He approached slowly, and yes indeed it was a snake, but what was he saying with such admiration ?!...One of the men seen and pointed too to the snake, and then he understood...from the point where the guide was holding it bellow the head, a huge buldge was showing, and he realised that it wasn’t the skin the way the guide was holding it, but because he had something in his mouth?! The guide was still pointing close to the snake mouth saying “leg...Leg...” he understood that he wasn’t referring at the snake legs of course, but at the tiny bug leg that was coming out of his mouth...the men exchanged incredulous stare, and then he explained
“He catch something ...he catch ... this was going to bite me...he saved my life !!!” The guide said ...
“What is it ?” one of the men asking
“A scorpion ...!!! ” he answered “He saved my life...” He repeated proudly
And then they all started to laugh, and they all wanted to see this, and even the most stern Escort warrior was having a pat on the back of the guide, and a half grin on his face...
***
After the commotion had passed, and everyone returned to most wanted rest, for the little bit of time it was still cool in the cave and waiting impatiently for the cooler air to come outside for the night travel, the guide had brought the snake outside, and freed him with some sort of ceremonial as a thank you for saving at least his life from the deadly scorpion’s bite.
***
Hours later, they woke up slowly, and after eating again some dry meat, cheese, pitas and dates, they got the extra treats they had brought of baklavas; with some fresh water from the basin, they refilled their jugs and started to pack to leave for the night travel as the air seemed to cool down outside. The Escort warriors had uncovered the Cart and the women were inside by the time the men even woke up...as they removed the curtain to fold it, side looks in the direction from the men, curious to see at least the face of those mysterious female travelling with them, but the area had already been cleaned and empty, without a sound.
Feeling gentlemanlike, one of the men asked if they were not to eat...and the guide replied that they already did and that they were waiting in the wagon already.
Leaving the cave, the air was still warm outside; They could see better the surrounding, with the sun just setting...Dunes and dunes of sand of all highs...of all shades of sand...but nothing else that looked alive, except themselves. There has been some wind, so the wagon wheels were buried a little and some shoving the sand from it was necessary. The camels outside were waiting and drinking the water given in their own pales, with some food. The cave was cleaned from their staying, all wastes were placed with some type of fuel in the fire pit and burned; the human wastes buried outside in a dune, burned with the same fuel first, then covered. And it was like there has been no one there.
The guide left a package on one of the rock and a parchment with it. “For the next person that will come here...” he explained, and looked away before anyone could ask more questions...again the North Wolves Countries Caravan Leader was wondering...there wasn’t anything when they arrived this morning left for them ?! ...So it wasn’t left for their Caravan return, or for the next one coming?!...for who then would have they brought this package especially to leave it here in case someone finds it ? ... And how superstitious one could be to even think someone could even get here to find it ? And thinking about it...who had left the pelts on the floor for them to find...and the receptacles for the water and the soap, since they didn’t bring them?... and the sheets were clean and fold for them when they arrived this morning ...
As they were travelling, the mind was going. Looking in the distance, as everything was silent, except for the camels hoofs and the sound of the Cart motor...they did left their sheets behind on a pile dirty and used ?!... He had seen the guide do it...So, how were they fold and clean when they had arrived, if they were left like this when the previous Caravan had left ?!
***
Still no sign of a sound or life, in this infinity of sand dunes, except for themselves. They were following the guide in some trail that seemed only to get lost between more sand and dunes, engulfing them even deeper in the silence and isolation of this place...But today, he wasn’t having tremors of worries with shortness of breath, like yesterday when they had left...Even with the night sky closing on them, and the darkness enveloping them, to see only the hoofs of their own camel and the traveller in front of them...After what the guide had provided for them in finding this cave shelter, that could only be out of an Arabian Night tale...and the snake that saved their lives...He felt stronger then he would ever had imagined, and he couldn’t possibly been scared of anything anymore...
He settled on the saddle of his camel, and waited patiently that his eyes could see further.
***
The Trail was moving sinuously between dunes, but not too close, as the camels hoofs would sink in the fresh sand accumulated at the dunes bottom by the Harsh wind.Tonight indeed there was wind, and the Caravan expedition was slowed by it. The Cart could get it’s wheels stuck, and so it was even more important to check for the “trail solidity” the guide has explained...trail solidity ?!... another desert information that didn’t seemed to make any sense to the caravan leader, until some unfortunate events was to happen, to prove him right of course... the Northern wolves countries caravan leader thought to himself...
Slowly they were following each others, with their scarves up to their eyes, to see the path in front of them, and to protect themselves from the sand the wind was blowing; the camels didn’t seemed to really be bothered, except for the occasional sneeze to clean their nose.
The wind was everywhere, closer to the dunes, on any side of it, it was blowing from over and around them. Where would they be able to stop for some rest ? He couldn’t talk to the guide in front of him as the noise from the wind was too loud, and they had to just hope the ones following behind were still there; checking once in a while behind them to make sure, and having a special whistle each in case they loose one of the member, as the guide had explained and requested when they had left the cave.
He missed now yesterday’s night journey, when he was so terrified but that the night was clear and bright by the stars...tonight he was even more terrified.
After few hours, the guide stopped in front of them and came by the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader and explained that they would not make a stop to eat and drink because of the weather, and that they were to drink from their own filled gourds and eat from their own travel pouch supplies, right sitting on their camels. They would just stay here in line as they were, and wait for him to hold each camel for few minutes if they needed to go relieve themselves; Which he did, grateful to the guide that his camel was still there when he came back; he climbed back on, and ate and drink as best he could, with the head and face scarves, and the wind blowing sand everywhere; thankfully for the heavy jackets as it was now about only 10*C or probably less. The guide went to each members and camels, and came back as they went back to continue on the trail.
After some time, probably only half an hour, the guide camel was slowing down, and his, almost bumped into him; now he was stopping totally and seemed to refuse to go further...As he was wondering what was going on, and imagining the worst like an embush, desert muggers, the end of the trail, or what else...he felt suddenly jerked forward and almost throwned out of his camel saddle; His camel was sanking forward on his front legs; thinking he had decided to stop and lie down folding his front leg under his body as camels do, he start to yell, because of the wind, to his attention “NoNoNo!”; going close to the camel ears to say it, in total horror, he realised that the camel legs were not folded under him, but disappeared to the knee !!!
Looking behind him, the legs of the camel behind him where also sanking into the trail cracking; his, trying to step out of it with pushing on his left front leg, only made it sank more deeper, and now he was to his knee into what was the trail ! The eyes of the caravan member on it, where enough to get him being as terrified as himself...
The guide ran pass him, his camel still stuck there, to tell the ones behind to stay where they where, and not to walk further; he pulled on the camel that was still safe, and brought him out of the trail few steps away, and all the others where to follow the detour he just made; he then brought one camel with his passenger, besides the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader. The camels were calm as if nothing was really going on, just staying like this until rescued...which was actually a benediction, as if it had been horses, they would have panicked, and stuck themselves deeper and deeper...
The guide gave the camel leach to the passenger on the rescuing camel, and told the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader to get down, but told the one behind to stay on his camel and not move, with a sign of the hand when he was going to get down too. Climbing down, the Leader sanked to his ankles in a puddle of mud !!! Busy trying to get what was this happening, with the incredulous look of the Caravan member behind him, still on his camel observing him... he stepped away out of the puddle, and didn’t even dare make a move. The guide helped his camel to step out of the mud, by pulling him with the other camel, which didn’t actually seemed difficult as the other camel was pulling to give him strength and so his legs were free to climb back on the side trail, like getting out of water, not pulled from thick mud or quick sand...It wasn’t very deep then and more solid ground was to the camel knee level. After his camel was parked beside the other ones, further, the guide gestured to him to come and hold his camel, as he was still frozen on place disbelieved... he stepped and jumped as best he could over the puddle, and came holding the camel’s leach; the guide patted him on the neck, and instructed him to do the same; he did, as he watched the guide repeating the same maneuver with the second camel stuck, with some sort of admirative curiosity, now that he knew he was safe, and that the guide was able to do this. Then at last, he went to rescue his own camel at the front, which hadn’t move a inch...but that is why he was the leader camel !
Once they were all out of the trail, and on safe ground, the guide instruct to imitate him, and bring the camel to drink some refreshing water from the ground where the trail had broke ... that is why his camel seemed agitated and seemed to be pulling in that direction back...he realised.
Which he was first to thought of a nonchalant and too docile animal, was now to him a life saver; bright, brave and reliable in this harshness...a gifted friend from God to survive !
They went closer, and the camels drank plenty of the water; he could see the trail cracked, and 3 big puddles of water now replaced the trail that was.
Trail solidity ... he remembered the guide saying...and now he knew what he meant by it...
This guide, once more had saved their life all; and in only 2 days of travel, more then once... surely he will buy him a precious gift when arrived at destination...and give referral for him in the whole Northern Wolves Countries when returned...
***
The wind dropped a little towards the middle of the night, and they started to see some colors in the sky and even stars through clouds shape. The journey had been exhausting, and every more minutes, the Caravan members where praying that they find refuge for some food and rest.
The guide at one quick stopped, explained that they had lost too much time, and that they had to continue like before, eating and drinking on their camels;
“If we do not get to the next shelter’s place by the end of the night, we will be in more trouble then what has happened in the last 2 days together !” the guide said “Yallah, Yallah!” he added firmly
***
Finally, after more of few hours, the dunes were lower, and some herbs and plants were seen here and there. They brought the camels to eat at these miraculous fresh food. They waited so they would find where they were. Only the guide could tell of course. He was looking in all directions, and to the sky, and afar in the distance...all looked exactly the same as in the last 2 days, except for these herbs and the shorter landscape...but how was he able to differentiate the trail and where they were !
Finally to the relieve of all, he pointed excited in a direction, and jumped on his camel, who didn’t resist. Wonderful animal, the Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader thought again ... and they started to follow this place he was pointing to...
There, they found another cave...bigger then the one before, with a bigger entrance and a door, big enough that the Cart could be brought in also in the first section, after the door; a made stable for the camels, and lots of hay for them still fresh, with buckets to fill water for them. Astonishing! they thought. Pleased and delighted, they were coming inside, leaving their camels to the fresh treat left for them, and before to attend to them, continued exploring this incredible shelter they came to. The guide seemed releived and nervous...like he was suspicious of something...or maybe it was just the exhaustion or the worry of not having found the shelter in time, that was still showing in the crease of his front head. He had the life of them all with the precious female to his responsibility, and not finding this shelter in time, meant his life on the line.
Further in the cave, was an already draped section, with soft pelts, piles of linens for beds, clothes and washing items; pillows and some female utilities on a sort of dresser with brushes and soap; a pitcher and basin to wash; a table with necessity for food and to eat, with glasses, plates, bowls; and more even to the miraculous doing of some benefactors, was different food of all sort in serving trays, like roasted meat, some vegetables, fresh buns, bowls of fresh fruits, baklavas and sweets, and some drinks in pitchers ! On rudimentary beds where lay a pile of dresses and ribbons !!! With wide open eyes and watery mouths, the men were looking Incredulous ... Maybe this qualified for an oasis ?! Who could have set and prepare this for them ?!
Then their wide smiled faded away as they started to think and looked like the guide and his wary look...what if this was for some habitants and they were trespassing ?
The Escort warriors looked pleased and satisfied. The Northern Wolves Caravan Leader asked the guide what was all this...and from who ?... “Is this the lodging of a family or tribe...? “ He asked stern “Me and my men are not bugglars, and will not steal from these peoples, even if this look like a dream happening” He insisted proudly ... His men had almost tears in their eyes of having to abandoned such meal and shelter, but stood beside their Leader sternly as well, insisting that they wouldn’t took from others, and would find another spot for their rest if so...
The guide reassuringly “It is left for the Tsar Bride and her Escort and Lady Companions...This is the shelter that is used by the Caravaners, and we are welcome to stay; as you see we were expected with the Tsar future Bride and her Escort, and as part of it and keeping her safe with her Lady Companions, we are welcome as part of her escort. As I see there is plenty of food for us too ...” He stated with a smile, and continue to the other side of the cave.
Following him, they found this second part to be more simple, with only the pelts and pile of clean and folded linens, with soaps and blades to shave and cut nails; utilities to brush teeth, hair and clean ears; buckets for wastes, and a fire pit in the corner with some rocks beside it, of what looks like the same as in the other cave...dry grass for fire, as wood is nonexistent here.
Further they could hear a humming; as their ears were still buzzing from the wind of the night, they walked and discovered that the sound was, a nice soft waterfall, with a small pond with rocks and clear water; buckets were available to fill. Their eyes wide open, and smiles under their scarves, of their only dream of a natural bath. One touched the water “Freezing !!!” he said...
And they knew they would certainly would go for a bath, even if the water was almost ice, after all the night journey they had.
***
The guide explained the plans of organizing the camels first, while the Escort warriors were to bring the females to the pond to wash and bathed, and guard the entrance for them; so no one was to go close to that cave part, or theirs either, during this time. After the female done with their bathing, they would go to their section and get organised together, eat first, while the Escort warriors would wash at the pound second. After they would be done washing, the females done eating, and all the camels unsaddled, feed, water to quench their thirst, the Escort warriors would then bring the food, and eat in the men section while the Caravan men could go wash at their turn at the pond. No One was to look in the Cart as it would be attended by the Escort warrior when they would be done eating.
The guide left after his directives were given, and made a fire. Then brought buckets of water for the camels, and the basin from the Cart, filled with fresh cold water, for the females section, with the help of few men.
After the water was brought from the waterfall ... The Caravan men were asked to go outside for few minutes, while the Females travellers where coming out of the Cart and going to the pond to wash. They did, and going outside, their eyes squint from the sun. They had removed their head and face scarves, and keep them on their shoulders. Jackets were laid inside in the stable, on rock shelves for all their equipments and bags.
The landscapes was different here indeed there was a difference, the Leader thought; the dunes lower with the sand more like clay and rocks through it, not in fresh piles like yesterday. Some herbs and plants growing here and there. Still the air was more clear and fresh; less humid maybe. Something moved on one spot, between the herbs, very fast...a rat or field desert mouse maybe. Here you could sense there was life, but where...nothing in sight.
Looking at the dunes...something got their attention, and one men pointed slowly in a direction; Looking deeper in the distance in the pointed direction, all what looked like sand and rocks, something moved very slowly, the same color as the sand almost... a big animal ?! Some sort of Elk or Deer with antlers was liking the rocks ?!
“What is it doing ?” one men asked, fascinated
Looking closer to them, the Leader seen rocks on the ground between the herbs, and bending down to touch it...it was wet !!!
Standing upright he laugh, and told his men proudly...”He is drinking...!!! Drinking the dew from the rocks !!!”
And this was again like they had forgotten all what they had to go through during that night...
In this isolated and harsh world ... there was life ! Lots of it ! Plants, herbs, small and big animals surviving here ?! Finding water, where eve
n months could go without rain...on rocks and under the ground...sources...
Resilience...
And what of this feast and supplies some benefactors had left for them ?!
***
The Escort warriors called the men back inside after the Females travellers were done with bathing at the pond, and were settled in their area, separated by the tick curtain. The Escort warriors were going bathing as well now, while the Females had the first serving of the abundant meal left for them; and they were to attend the camels in the small stable. The camels where tired and rested on their stomach, legs folded under their belly, all close one from another. Their food was left in a pile in one corner while the buckets of waters had been brought by the guide already; they were to poor them in the big stone receptacle for it in the other corner. The camels needed to be unsaddled and patted and remove their leach from their head and mouth; The guide assured they didn’t need it, and wouldn’t go anywhere. Some water poured on their head gently to wash their eyes and ears, face and nose from the sand storm. Brave animals that didn’t even complained about this terrible night.
They placed their bags and jackets on rocks shelves, carved right into the rock from the wall, shoes were left on the bottom; full of sand from the storm and dirty, they were not to bring them inside the neat cave. Saddles and camel equipments were placed on some sort of piled rocks making small walls, along the cave walls, with the camels resting in the middle. They emptied their bags, and brought only what they would need for the night; clean clothes to change, papers, maps and personal belonging, like coins in their pouch, herbs for reducing pain they got at the souk before to leave, and their swords or blades for defense, to keep by their side.
The Escort warriors had brought their belongings already, and all was left in order, on one of the shelf. Shoes on the floor clean … bags clean … not one trace of sand or dirt on their belongings ?! That was odd … Their tick coats all piled on top of each bag, and their scarves hanging from a string placed across the stable with some room left for theirs…all clean and dry … The Northern Wolves Country Caravan Leader came closer and smelling, found that their belonging didn’t smell like theirs but some strong scent of incense, with some type herbs sprinkled around and on top…Those men were certainly very efficient and neat…how long have they been outside ??
He looked at their pile, then at the Escort warriors one, then realised that theirs made feel like forgetting about the harsh journey, they had went through during the night.. it felt refreshing and ready for tomorrow …so he decided he would have to come back later and organise their belongings as neatly as theirs, and wash the sand from it…maybe he could ask the guide for some of these herbs or incense to put on it…Now he was too tired, achy and starving, and desesperatly wished for a bath…
The Escort warriors were done at the pond, and were now bringing trays of food from the Females area, still full, even after they had ate; smelling delicious and fresh…they would eat first, while the Caravan men would be washing at the pond.
There, some of the men were already in the water, sitting on rocks with the water to their waist, their undergarments like bathing suits. The water was freezing, and you couldn’t stay long before chills would get to you…but so refreshing at first. Soap was used and rinse under the fall; fresh water rinsing all hair and ears from the sand. A cloths line had been place here as well, for clothes to dry, and so they washed the clothes with soap as they washed themselves, and rinsed them under the fall.
A curtain was hanging from another line on one corner, creating a seclueded area to change into new and dry clothes if needed, unless preferring to wear the wet one more refreshing, and to wash private parts in private; a basin and pitcher left on a small flat rock; on the floor, a basket with individual linen pieces, combs, many rudimentary thoothbrushes, some sort of paste to wash teeth, and cotton wrap around small stems to clean ears…a blade for shaving and trimming nails…thoughtfull... The Northern Wolves Country Leader though to himself…also, a pale for the waste to relieve oneself in private.
After all this grooming, he thought himself as neat as not to feel he was in a cave !
He went to empty the now filled pale and basin from his grooming, to the pit left for it on one corner, then he rinsed the pale with the basin soiled washing water and discarded it in the same pit for the pale, then rinsed it a second time with fresh water this time and discarded it in the pit again; then he discarded the wastes of hair grooming, toothbrushes, nail trimming and soiled linens, with used ear cotton cleaning stems, to the other pit for dry wastes; both pits would be burnt tonight and tomorrow, before they would leave; finishing, he refilled the pitcher for the next men to use the private area for his grooming turn, all clean and empty as if he was the first one to use it.
After they were done and felt like new men and smelled like the soap used and the incense that was burning in corner bowls…they went to the men area for what looked like a feast, starving as they were.
The trays were still full enough, and they even forced themselves not to leave anything as there wasn’t any place to keep it after; enjoying these delicious tasty wonderful dishes of all sorts, grilled meat and sort of vegetables, beans, pitas, tea’s, sweets and backlavas, candied treats with dates, fresh fruits...
Full from the tasty food, and clean…they all went to their area for sleep, on a pelt with a linen from the pile and one for a pillow, and kept their belongings by their side. The Escort warriors were attending to the cleaning of the Cart for tomorrow, and so, with few men, the Leader went to clean their bags and jackets and shoes with some fresh water brought in the buckets to the stable, and hanged their scraves like the Escort warriors did. Some incense was burning there too on the floor under the line, and this solved the problem to ask for it; the guide came bringing a pouch with herbs inside and gave it to him…”It repels insects”…he said … and so he sprinkled some on their belongings, and even just to touch it, it felt like the pains and worries were melting away, and that new energy was taking him but in a soothing way; It was fresh, and seemed like a mix of some herbs that he didn’t recognised, but smelled sweet like citrus, and shinny like salt.
After he did so for his belongings, he decide to let the others do the same for their own belongings, so they would have the chance to feel this too…
And as they were busy doing this, he heard a sound, like a ruffles and whispers from the Females area…looking only from the corner of his eye, he could distinguished movements behind the curtain, the 5 women standing, whispering, in a soft and fluid cascade, bending and rising again, and then bending down to their knees, and bowing one after the other, still whispering softly…Shades behind the curtain…the other men had stopped also on their track, and were observing as they had finished their sprinkling of these herbs preparation from the pouch…staring in some sort of trans…it was like time had suspended itself, and the surrendering area vanished …
Then they felt the lady turning their head in their direction whispering “ Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah” and holding the pose for few instants…the men froze holding their breaths, as if they wouldn’t be noticed observing them through the curtain … then turning their heads all at once in the opposite direction, the female repeated their soft prayers in whispers…
The men left quickly, hoping the female wouldn’t make complaints about their intrusions on their praying, and went to sit silently around the small fire for few minutes, before to go to sleep.
And they felt asleep soundly, shortly after…
… a peaceful rest without dreams …
To Be Continued
_________________________
location: Desert “Sand Sphinx” Rub Al-Khali, Oman
Source: Landscapes of the World p48 by Sophie Thoreau
“…Old incense trade route…Dunes 650 feet high shaped by changing winds…Temperature up to 131F with years without rain…stretches over 4 countries, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates & Oman…”Rub Al-Khali” means “Empty Territory”…life is Bedouin tribes, animals and plants that have adapted to the condition like the Oryx, a kind of antelope that survive liking the morning dew…the desert is as calm as the dromedaries that travelled these dunes in long caravans, carrying precious incense until the black gold era…”
Author and writer : Ms Izabel LAnglais
Date: May 2021
Word count : 8302 wds
Genre : Adventure, Historical, Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music & Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
______________________________________________
Weaving Bloom
Chapter 3
Written September 18th 2021
Author and Writter: Ms Izabel LAnglais
After days of travel in the same manner, only sand and dunes after dunes, and the moon lighting the way; the city was getting noticeable from the light shinning from it afar; the men knew they were getting closer to destination.
First they had to go through the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan, before to get to the first city of India, were they were aiming to; Nice low grass, rocks and wild flowers spreading between them, the travel now was definitely easier for the camels and the men; no sand or slipping through dunes, no wind; a beautiful sinuous river to follow, were the camels could drink and were they could wash.
Tthey camped for few nights on the open sky; here they could travel day and sleep night instead since there wasn’t any place to hide for sleep, and since the altitude was higher, the temperature during the day had dropped to be comfortable.
The night were fresh but not very much colder, and so sleeping under the stars was in some ways much more comfortable plenty of space between the men and a lot of fresh air; Very few animals would come close as it was so open and only one men had to stay up for the watch beside the camp fire. One of the Cart Escort Warrior would do it as they were to watch for the female tent as well.
Again they were brought to the prepared tent the Cart Escort Warriors put together every night as soon as they parked and back in the cart before any men could see they awoken. They even had the door of the cart next to the tent door to avoid them to have to be seen. Water was brought to them and food as always and the tent was cleaned and cleared before to leave by the Cart Escort Warriors. Still only muffled voices and whispers coming from their tent and the muffled sound of their prayers every night before sleep...the sound that was putting him to sleep every night...
One night a sound startled him and he opened his eyes, as he had felt a ruffle passing by his side, the closest to the edge of the female tent. There by the river he could distinguish some movement, but because of the fire light, the river bank was very dark; he could differentiate a shadow in the distance, one of the Cart Escort Warrior was standing facing the fire with his arm extended on each side like a statue and holding a cloth ,like a bed sheet open, from behind him, making a curtain to cover behind him, and the sound of water... someone was in the water washing...the females maybe...some piles of clothes were visible now that his eyes were getting adjusted...and then the stern look of the Warrior on him, looking away his look felt on the night watch Warrior that was looking sternly at him as well...he turned away and pretended to go back to sleep...but all he could ear now was the splashing in the river and thinking of his longing from home...he didn’t had a women at home, but many...and now those were there but never to be seen or talked to...so sheltered...inaccessible...he wondered if they felt like prisoners of their faith and destiny and all this pampering and body guarding ... or if they actually enjoyed it ... or maybe just accepted it ... then again he ear the sound in the water and the ruffle besides him walking by...a strange energy emanating from the two...he could have swear that he felt that this female was delighted and giggly ... the sound of the female went to the tent and the Cart Escort Warrior came by to the fire, sitting he guessed...now he thought something was off ?! Nothing like these men energy normally as he passed by and the first time with her he didn’t even noticed him ... nothing terrifying ?!
“That’s is his wife...” the watch said to him from behind his back, knowing of course that he wasn’t sleeping...
**********************
Chapter 3.1
Slowly approaching, a sense of festivity and excitement could be felt from the first city visible.
The guide ordered a halt before to continue and get to the city...”This is India here...” The guide said “We are now at destination to get the supplies we have came for and will stay here for about a couple of week to get rested with plenty of food, and let the camels rest enough for the return as well. Here you will find lots of life and very open...but be guarded with the Ladies...even so more approachable then the female we have travelled with...not less guarded by their male relatives, normally close by, and not more for enjoyment only either. “ He added with a tone of warning “We also arrived at the time of the festival of Diwali, the festival of light, you will enjoy all the festivity freely as you pleased as soon as we will get to the guest house that is expecting us, and get organised there.
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Chapter 3.2
At the guest house they were greeted warmly and found it to be very simple but the service and attention outstanding. Walking distance from the main square area and the market were they will find the supplies they will need, the area was decorated with colourful Mandalas draw right on the floor. Smells of Incense was in the air everywhere. They could see people running and screaming in delight, running after each other with colourful balls of powder paint and throwing them at each other, everyone full of paint and a multi color cloud floating over the square; Women in colourful saris were also part of the game...here the genders were mix and females seemed to have as much fun as their male friends if not more, observing them from afar on the guest house porch while the camels were being settled and feed and the rest of the men attended and organised...it seemed to be them that were throwing the paint at a male of their liking and him to chase her in return...Lost in his observation, he found himself starting to giggle by himself and his spirit feeling lighter already...he realised few men had joined him on the porch too and were looking more presentable already after the most delicious meal they had in days and bathed properly with all the attention and pampering of a bath attendant to wash their hair, massage their back and sore limbs with aromatic scented oils, pedicure and manicure, a warm bathtub full of herbs and flowers, candles everywhere...the bathroom itself was as big as the guest house kitchen and an invigorating experience on it’s own...
Now they could go to the square as soon as the camels had been attended by the guest house coach provided, and all the men to have had the chance to eat plenty, organise their room and belongings. The female Cart wasn’t there and the Caravan Leader asked the guide were it was.
“They are at a different establishment, more appropriate for Ladies of their rank, getting settled and presentable for next week, when they will go to the Tsar Palace all together, before the wedding.” The guide answered
“Very good” the Leader replied “It’s been a long journey for them too in this Cart” he added.
Then evasive he felt strange that this part of the party had vanished without a word or a goodbye...after having travelled together the whole same journey as them...but never to have seen them ?! What a strange feeling this was...and now he missed them...missed knowing they were there with them... and not being there at the same time ?!
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Chapter 3.3
To be continued...
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Location Chapter 1 & 2: Desert “Sand Sphinx” Rub Al-Khali, Oman,
Source: Landscapes of the World p48 by Sophie Thoreau
“…Old incense trade route…Dunes 650 feet high shaped by changing winds…Temperature up to 131F with years without rain…stretches over 4 countries, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates & Oman…”Rub Al-Khali” means “Empty Territory”…life is Bedouin tribes, animals and plants that have adapted to the condition like the Oryx, a kind of antelope that survive liking the morning dew…the desert is as calm as the dromedaries that travelled these dunes in long caravans, carrying precious incense until the black gold era…”
Location Chapter 3: Kaghan Valley, Pakistan and India
Source: Landscapes of the World p164 by Sophie Thoreau
Date: May 2021... Chapter 3 Written September 2021
Word count : 9865 wds
Genre : Adventure, Historical, Middle-East/Asia, General audience, Resilience, Romance, Arts Music & Dance, Inter-racial content, Inter-faith content
Post author and writer : Ms Izabel LAnglaisE
Editor: Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism