Chapter 20As he approached their destination, Khalid began circling the area to take a closer look at the scenery below. There were three distinct hills each separated by a stream.
The hill, on his left, was covered halfway with sparse green vegetation growing luxuriant over the red, laterite earth. Here and there little trees protruded from the bushes. At the top of that hill, there was a small village—Sabodala. Small and larger white huts were gathered around a rain-tree. It stood tall at the centre of the community. It is a tradition in some parts of West Africa to build villages around a tall majestic tree, which is supposed to bring prosperity to the villagers. Below the village, and nearly reaching the creek’s levees, Khalid noticed three gaping holes, each the size of a small hous
