The Master and The Maiden

Chapter 5

*

"The Red Sea." Fareed said calmly, unfolding a map before his three guests. "This is going to be our source of wealth."

"Precisely." Fahad smiled. Jamal and Kabeer exchanged confused looks, staring down at the map once again. "I don't understand what you mean." Kabeer said, looking up at Fareed.

"Let me ask you, Kabeer." he said. "You're a merchant just like me, isn't it?"

"Yes, but..."

"And how do you transport your goods into the city?" Fareed cut him off.

"Through the desert of course." he said. "But I don't understand how..."

"And what happens as your goods are arriving into the city?" Fareed cut him off once again.

"I don't understand what you mean." Kabeer replied.

"Tax, my dear Kabeer." Fareed said as though he were explaining to a small child that one plus one equals two. "That necessary evil that we merchants have come to accept. Without paying our taxes, we wouldn't be allowed to bring our goods into the city.

"But why should we have to remove a percentage of our hard earned money before being allowed to bring our goods here? It is our hard earned money after all. Yet those filthy tax collectors still collect our money as though they have a claim over it.

"As I'm sure you all know, the Arabian desert, even with its many inconveniences, is the primary means of transportation into and out of the city. But the major problem it poses is a lack of secrecy. Time and time again, I've tried to have my goods brought into the city without anyone knowing. Alas, I've failed each and every time. Those filthy tax collectors are far too cunning to be deceived. That, my friends, is where The Red Sea comes in." he pointed towards the body of water on the map.

"But this is absurd." Jamal said. "The tax collectors are stationed at the port as well. And as far as we all know, that is the only point at which ones ships can dock."

"I thought you'd say that." Fareed smiled, though there was nothing pleasant about the smile. It was a sort of greedy smile which clouded his features immensely. "But what if I were to tell you that there's a secret canal right around here which no one knows about?" he said, pointing to a particular spot on the map.

"I'd say you are clearly mistaken." Jamal retorted. "Does this look like a canal to you?"

Fareed stared coolly at him, before Jamal realised that he'd gone too far. "My apologies." he bowed his head.

"You should understand," Fahad interjected. "Fareed and I merely discovered this secret passageway a few months ago. Through our combined efforts, we've had the canal opened up a bit more, enough to allow a small ship pass through. And since the tax collectors believe that no one can bring their ships through this part of the city," - he made a wide arc with his finger across the map - "it's the perfect way to have our goods brought in without having to pay anything."

"But wouldn't passing ships notice a big canal as they're passing?" Kabeer said.

"Actually, it's placed in such a way that those who are coming into the city wouldn't notice a thing. Only those leaving the city would happen to notice it. But as that isn't their intended destination, they have no reason to pay attention to it. If they were coming into the city, they'd think it's a shortcut."

"But one would have to pass through these caves you've marked here." Kabeer indicated on the map.

"As of now," Fareed spoke once again, "These caves are still uncharted territory. No one has ever explored them. No one except for me, that is. I've found a secret tunnel which leads from the canal to this point here." he pointed to a large building on the southeastern part of the city. "Once the goods are transported here, they can then be moved into the city with ease."

Kabeer continued to stare at the map, creases appearing on his forehead as he thought hard. He had to admit, it was a brilliant plan. If as they had said, those tax collectors could be avoided, it would save him a huge fortune. Just a few weeks ago, he'd had to pay nearly 12,000 riyals for his shipment of cocoa. That was very nearly half of the profit he was supposed to gain on the whole shipment. If there was a way of avoiding such a huge loss, it would be the best thing to have ever happened to him in a long time.

"Have you tried this at all?" Kabeer asked.

"I'm expecting a shipment of cotton from Egypt in the next three days. The ship will dock here at the canal. I've instructed my men to move the cargo into the city at night. If all goes well, then Fahad and I shall start using the canal immediately." Fareed said.

"You're talking about smuggling goods into the city." Jamal said.

"Yes I am." Fareed said as Fahad opened his mouth to speak.

"And if you get caught?" he asked.

"I highly doubt that plausibility." Fareed said.

"But it's illegal." he cried.

"The law was set by men just like us. Why should they force us to part with our hard earned money?"

"But that money is used to benefit the city; to build good roads, establish schools and provide food for the poor and needy."

"Do you honestly believe that is what they are going to use our money for?"

"But, but," he started to stutter. "Help me out here." he turned towards Kabeer.

"It's a good idea." Kabeer said, rubbing his stubbled chin. "I don't see why not."

"Don't tell me you're buying into this." he said.

"Of course I am." Kabeer replied. "God knows I need the extra money."

"What for?" Fareed asked curiously.

"Other things." Kabeer said quietly. "Do you intend to stop shipping any goods through the dock?"

"Yes." Fareed said, just as Fahad said "No."

"It will look suspicious if you, a very well-known merchant, stop bringing in goods to the city, don't you think so?" Kabeer raised an eyebrow.

"I don't give a damn." Fareed said.

"Well you should." Fahad intervened. "If our plans go south, you know I can not help you there. The name ' Al-Walid ' does not hold so much power in the city anymore, I'm afraid."

"But the Al-ghala name still commands respect in all parts of the city, as I'm sure you know." Fareed said with a cold smile.

"This is madness." Jamal threw his hands in the air. "Absolute madness."

"You're free to refuse." Fareed said. "And you, Kabeer? What say you?"

"I shall await confirmation that your method is successful. If so, then I shall not refuse." Kabeer replied.

"Adequate." Fareed rolled up the map before them. "Now, gentlemen, I believe that concludes our meeting."

"Wait Fareed." Fahad said. "Before we leave, I'd like to see it please."

"What are you talking about?" Fareed narrowed his eyebrows as he looked up at Fahad.

"The necklace you were telling me about earlier. It's an ancient family heirloom, is it not?" he said. "I would like to see it."

"Very well." he said, straitening up properly. "Come with me then."

"Come along." Fahad beamed at Kabeer and Jamal. Fareed narrowed his eyes at them, but didn't say anything. The wheels in his head were turning meticulously.

*

Meanwhile, just outside the mansion, Lukman ordered his men to stop. They threw Zaid's twitching body on the ground before them, as Lukman pounded on the gates. Seconds later, one of the slaves poked his head out. "Who is it?" he asked before his eyes landed on Lukman and his entourage. "Sorry." he said immediately as the gates were swung open.

"Is the master around?" Lukman asked as they walked into the house, pulling Zaid's frail figure between them.

"Yes." the young man who'd opened the gates replied. "But he's with some guests right now. He said he is not to be disturbed."

"Alright." Lukman said. "Take this wretched man to the stables and tie him up there. The master shall attend to him later."

The young man bowed and stalked away, following the rest of the men who were pulling Zaid between them.

Lukman watched as they dragged him into the stables, smiling to himself. Master Fareed would be pleased with him. All that was left now was for the master to give the word for the capture of Abdullahi ibn Abbas. Whoever he was, he was about to suffer mercilessly at the hands of the master for daring to steal from him.

"Lukman!" someone called him as he moved toward the main building. Turning slowly, he saw Dalia limping towards him with an angry look in her eyes.

"Where do you think you are going to?" she asked.

"That's none of your business." he snapped, folding his arms in front of him. "I see you've been punished for your little blunder earlier today." he smiled as he saw the tiny trickle of blood where she stood. Dalia flinched, pulling her abaya tighter around her.

"It wasn't a blunder." she said. "I was fully aware of the punishment I'll receive."

"Then why did you do it?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Because unlike you, I actually care for the master's well-being." she said pointedly.

"How dare you suggest that I do not care for the master? How dare you?" he growled, his nostrils flaring.

"Never mind that." she snapped irritatedly. "Did you find out who sent him?" she asked.

"Yes." Lukman replied grudgingly.

"Well?" she asked.

"Well what?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Who was it?" she asked.

"That's none of your business." he said. "It is between the master and I."

"You are an idiot." Dalia snapped. "Go ahead. Tell him whatever it is you have to say. It's not my concern. But just so you know, the master has instructed that no one shall disturb him and his guests. If you wish to go and inform him right now though, since you are so important and pompous, please be my guest. It seems you've forgotten what happened to you the last time you made a blunder."

"Enough!" Lukman barked. "Nothing you say will make me tell you. Leave me."

Glaring daggers at him, Dalia limped away towards the kitchen. Lukman watched her leave with a scowl on his face. He knew Dalia just wanted to find out who it was so she could be the first to let the master know. Probably in an effort to make up for her previous blunder. But he wouldn't allow her. He'd wait for the master to finish with his guests. Whatever it was they were discussing, it shouldn't take long.

*

"Are you seriously considering this?" Jamal whispered to Kabeer as Fareed led them out of the room. The two of them hung back a little, out of earshot of both Fareed and Fahad.

"Of course I am. Wouldn't you?" Kabeer hissed.

"I'm just saying, if all this goes wrong, you'll be facing a very long time in jail." he whispered again as Fareed led them up the stairs.

"That is why I'm letting him go first." Kabeer pointed at the back of their host.

Truth be told, Kabeer had other things on his mind. His immediate thoughts were on Zaid. Surely he must have succeeded by now. Had he encountered any hurdles in the mission?

But then he, Kabeer, would have known about it. The very man whom they were trying to steal from was walking just a few feet away from him. If anything goes wrong, surely master Fareed would be informed at once. But as no one had come to see him at all, Kabeer was confident that everything was going according to plan.

The other thing in his mind could wait. His intention was to inform the others at the council meeting this evening of Fareed's intention to start smuggling goods into the city. That would be like killing two birds with one stone. If Fareed was out of the way, no one would hear of the missing jewels. And perhaps, in a year or two when the dust had settled, he might start using the canal instead while Fareed was locked up somewhere. The mere thought brought a broad grin to his face.

"In here." Fareed led them into a room on the left. All three men stepped into the room after him. The room was fairly small and dimly lit. It was virtually empty, except for two items on opposite walls hung in glass cases. The first was a shiny sword, with a small red stone at the hilt. The sheath of the sword was black and jewel encrusted as well. It was placed beside the blade, hanging by a thin thread.

"That," Fareed pointed to the sword. "That was my grandfather's. It was made in Makkah, by Abdullahi ibn Abu Talib. He was the same man who made the weapons which were used in the battle of Badr. As a matter of fact, this is the very sword he used in that battle."

"Masha Allah." Fahad gaped at the sword with evident longing.

"And this," Fareed pointed to the opposite glass case. "This is what Fahad has been begging me to see for a very long time now."

All three men turned towards the glass case as one. Inside was a large golden necklace, with a jewel in the middle. It was a large blood-red stone, with a pair of serpents wrapped around it, as though they were joined at the tail. It was the symbol of the Al-ghalas.

"Nearly 700 years old." Fareed said, folding his hands behind him. "It has been passed down from generation to generation. It was first made for my great, great, great grandmother by her husband when he married her."

"It's beautiful." Jamal and Fahad exclaimed together. Kabeer was lost in his thoughts, barely acknowledging the necklace.

"It must be worth a fortune now." Fahad said.

"It is." Fareed's lips twitched slightly. "It's the most valuable heirloom I possess."

All four men continued to gaze at the necklace, clearly entranced. It wasn't until a knock came on the door that they stopped looking at it.

"What?" Fareed snapped as one of the women who had brought in the food earlier stepped into the room, her eyes glued to the floor.

"Forgive me, master. But the food is ready. Shall we bring it up now?" she said in a timid voice.

"No." he replied. "They are leaving now."

"As you wish, master." she said, backing out of the room.

"Come." Fareed said, heading for the door. "I shall walk you out." he said as he held the door open for them. "My coach will drop you off at your destinations."

"Aren't you coming out as well?" Fahad asked.

"I'm afraid not. I have some... urgent business I need to attend to." Fareed said as they walked out of the room. He locked the door firmly behind him, slipping the keys into his pockets.

"It's almost time for Asr prayer." Jamal said as they walked out of the building. The two men standing by the entrance bowed as they passed.

"How many slaves do you have, Fareed?" Kabeer asked curiously. He had just noticed that there were more people than before.

"I don't count them." Fareed waved his hand dismissively. "It's none of my concern how many people are serving me, as long as they do what I want them to do."

As they approached the coach, Kabeer noticed a large square-shouldered man hurrying towards them. A turban was tied around his head. Master Fareed raised his hand sharply, and the man stopped dead in his tracks, before returning to his previous position.

Two different horses were now harnessed to the coach. One slave quickly rushed to open the door for them.

"You shall hear from me very soon, Kabeer." Fareed smiled brightly at him. Kabeer furrowed his brows, as Fareed added "Once my plans succeed, I shall let you know at once."

"Of course. I shall await your message." Kabeer shook his hand briefly before climbing unto the coach as well.

"Farewell." Fareed waved as the coach started moving with a lurch and the crack of a whip.

"He's a lot nicer than people say he is." Jamal remarked as they pulled out of the mansion.

"Yes." Kabeer said quietly. "Yes he is."

As they passed, Kabeer noticed several beggars gathered at the gates of the mansion. He frowned and turned away from them as they set off down the path.

*

"Where is he?" Fareed said coldly as he turned to Lukman. His expression was deadly. No one would have believed that he'd been smiling mere seconds ago.

"In the stables, Sahib." Lukman bowed hastily, pulling the turban off his sweating head. "He wasn't ready to talk at first, but we... persuaded him after a few attempts."

"Adequate." Fareed replied, nodding at the two men behind Lukman. The latter turned swiftly, as one of them pinned Lukman's arms behind him. The other stepped in front of Lukman, who's eyes were shifting in a panicked manner.

"What shall we do with him, Sahib?" the second man asked.

"Remind him why he should never interrupt me when I'm with my guests again." Fareed said coldly, turning his back on them.

"S-Sahib, p-please forgive me!" Lukman began to whimper as two heavy blows landed on his stomach. He bent over and clutched his abdomen painfully, as a brutal kick landed on his back. He cried out in pain, twisting sharply.

"That'll do." Fareed raised his hand. The two men stepped away from Lukman, bowing at Fareed.

"Next time," Fareed said quietly. "Next time you will have the common sense to wait for me until I am done talking to my guests."

"Y-Yes Sahib." Lukman stammered.

"Incompetency is something I can not, and will not tolerate, Lukman. You of all people should know that." he added.

"Y-Yes Sahib."

"This should not repeat itself again. Is that clear?"

"Y-Yes Sahib." Lukman nodded.

"Adequate." Fareed said. "Now, lead me to our guest."

"Yes Sahib." Lukman stood up slowly, hurrying towards the stables. Fareed walked slowly behind him, his steps as measured as ever. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Dalia staring longingly at him. Unfortunately for her, she would not be involved in his plans now.

"Wake up." Lukman said, splashing a bucket of water on Zaid's face. The latter had fallen unconscious, tied to a wooden peg on the floor. He spluttered and jerked awake as Fareed knelt down before him, c*****g his head slightly. Zaid slowly opened his eye which wasn't swollen.

"Get him a cup of water." Fareed snapped his fingers. Almost immediately, a small cup of water was brought forward. One of the men fed the water to Zaid, who gulped it down hurriedly.

"Do you know who I am?" Fareed asked slowly. Zaid's eyes moved slowly over the master's face, before he shook his head slowly.

Master Fareed stepped to the side as one of the men punched Zaid in the face so hard he felt his jawbone crack.

"Now," Fareed resumed his previous position. "Do you know who I am?"

Zaid nodded slowly.

"Answer me." Fareed said through gritted teeth.

"Y-Yes I do." Zaid said feebly.

"Who am I?" he asked.

"Fareed Al-ghala." Zaid replied.

"Good. That's very good." Fareed nodded slowly. "Now, do you know why you are here?"

"Y-Yes." Zaid said, his eye moving between the two men standing the master.

"Why are you here?" master Fareed asked.

"Because I, I tried t-to," he began to stammer.

"When I ask you a question," Fareed said, moving to the side once again as another blow landed on Zaid's already heavily-bruised face. "I expect an answer straight away. Now tell me, why are you here?"

"Because I tried to steal from you." Zaid sobbed.

"Exactly. Now tell me, Zaid. Who in this city has the guts to send you to try and steal from me?" Fareed said in a measured tone.

"He already told us, Sahib." Lukman stepped forward. "He said it was Abdullahi ibn Abbas." he said.

"Did he?" Fareed's lips twitched.

"Yes." Lukman said eagerly. "I have ordered some men to find out who he is already."

"You have?" Fareed said.

"Yes, Sahib. We shall have him very soon." Lukman said, his chest swelling up with pride.

"You are even more incompetent than I assumed you are, Lukman." Fareed said in a clipped tone.

"Sahib?" Lukman furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Our guest here wasn't sent by any Abdullahi, isn't that right?" Fareed turned his gaze toward Zaid. The latter was whimpering silently.

"Don't make me ask you again." Fareed snapped.

Zaid nodded frantically, his heart hammering in his chest.

"In fact, I believe you've seen the man who sent you to steal from me just a few minutes ago, is that so?" Fareed smiled menacingly.

Zaid nodded once again.

"Of course." Fareed said. "And what did you feel as you saw him, Zaid? Did you feel relief? Did you feel powerful? Or did you feel satisfied?"

Zaid shook his head frantically.

"Did you, even for a fraction of a second, think that Kabeer would be able to protect you from my wrath?" Fareed said.

Zaid shook his head once more.

"You are a fool, Zaid. A very foolish man indeed. Thinking you could steal from me. I, the most powerful man in all of Arabia. You think you can steal from me and get away with it?" Fareed demanded.

Zaid shook his head instinctively.

"You and your master are nothing but pawns in my hand. You have no idea what I am capable of doing to both of you if I please." he said. "You were both foolish. Very foolish indeed."

Zaid continued to sob profusely.

Master Fareed straightened up before him, clasping his hands together behind him. He turned towards the door, the men following behind him.

"You promised me I'd be free if I told you who put me up to it." Zaid cried. "You gave me your word."

He was staring at the back of Lukman's head. The latter didn't turn, but master Fareed did.

"Of course he did." he said slowly. "And you would have been set free immediately if you had told us the truth. But alas, you chose to lie. So now, you shall pay for your sins."

With that, he turned and stormed out of the stables, as Zaid began to cry loudly.

"What shall we do with him, Sahib?" Lukman asked as they walked away.

"Leave him." master Fareed said. "We have more pressing matters before us. Right now, I want you to take all the men you shall need and head to the hideout immediately. Bring the jewels here at once. You shall take them up to my study immediately."

"Yes, Sahib." he nodded quickly.

"But before that, fetch me a young boy. He should wait for me here. The rest of you can go. And for heaven's sake, someone should send away those beggars at the gates! Give them whatever they want!" Fareed barked. The noise which the beggars were making at the gate was beginning to irritate him.

As the men hurried to carry out their orders, Fareed headed back into the building. He was smiling to himself as he climbed upstairs, pulling out the keys from his pockets. He stuck a key into a door to the left, swinging the door open. His eyes were fixed on the glass case hanging on the wall. Walking over quietly, he pulled open the small latch at the back of the case and pulled out the golden necklace slowly.

"The wheels have already been set in motion." he said quietly as he hung the empty case back on the wall, slipping the necklace into his pockets.

*