She paused to take a sip from the water pouch, and looked at each member of her audience in turn before continuing. “Do you see now why I longed so for my freedom, why I leaped at the chance to escape with you? I had to be away from there before my mind turned to dust and my soul grew too old for me to bear. That’s why I helped you outwit my ‘husband,’ and that’s why I’m with you now.”
She bowed her head slightly to signal she was finished with her tale, and sat awaiting the verdict of her companions. The others shifted restlessly in their places, looking from one to another for silent opinions about this woman who’d come into their midst. Finally Umar replied to her.
“Your story is certainly a sad one, and we will gladly repay your kindness to us by helping you in return. Our path now t
