When the day breaks, Madame Bonnet wakes up deep in the desert in her big, multi-colored tent. When she looks up, still half asleep, from her luxurious cushions, Akbar Tamar, the commanding officer in charge of her army, is standing in front of her. He looks flustered but, at the same time, very excited.
Madame“What is the matter, Akbar Tamar?” she asks, rubbing her eyes.
“A messenger from El Rezak has arrived, Madame,” he answers.
Madame“I am always willing to listen to good news,” she says. “Had El Rezak managed to conquer Fort Laval?”
“The fort has been taken over without firing a single shot, Madame, but there is other news. The messenger is here with an important message from El Rezak…”
Madame“Where is the message?”
“The man refuses to hand over the message to anybody but yourse
