The Plan
Chapter 27
The Plan
The caravan left the oasis at dawn, planning to rest mid-morning and then continue the journey until a few hours before sunset. Summer was waning, so the days were not as hot. The long rest at the oasis with its lush grasses and invigorating waters proved to be a healthy combination for the animals, including Seraphim and Theophilus. The trek across the hot sand did not affect them except to make them very thirsty. Bar Jonah’s strident advice to pack extra water paid off well - by the time the caravan arrived at the edge of the desert there was only enough left for an extra day. Since there was no sense of urgency, the trip to the caravan town at the desert’s end was extended a day, so the drivers did not push the pack animals.
The travelers packed enough provision for a week’s journey after arriving at the small community of Desert Edge. The merchants clamored around the apparent leaders, offering great deals on their merchandise. Bar Jonah and Jon left the haggling to Lucas and Cornelius and retired to the cooler shade of a large tree and began the next plans.
Bar Jonah began. “Jon, we wish to go wherever you go, but we will most likely be arrested in Nazlandia. Though we have changed our hearts, we are still thieves, especially in that land.”
Jon looked at the old thief and suddenly realized something, “You had something to do with the abduction of the young lad Jason, didn’t you?”
“Nothing gets by you, master.” Bar Jonah looked Jon squarely in the eyes. “Yes, I did - well, at least I was responsible for the plan, though two of my best thieves bungled the job. Still, it has turned out well. The young lad has grown in stature as well in mind and heart. Your presence has been good for him. Should I go and present him to his family? I am willing to risk whatever is due me.”
“No, I think not. Here is my plan - we will part at the crossroads and I will take the lad to his parents. There is a good possibility they will allow him to continue on with me. I will get the information we need from the book and meet you in the capital city of Amrana. I do not know how long it will take. If you would be so kind and take care of the rest of my original band of followers until I return, I will be forever grateful.” Jon reached over and placed his old hand firmly on the thief’s shoulder. Bar Jonah grasped Jon’s arm and then they locked eyes knowingly as if they spoke without words.
Bar Jonah broke the long silence, “I will be waiting for you, master. We will be in hiding, awaiting your arrival. When you come into the city, make for the seediest part of the city, located on the northeast corner, near the river. The pass-phrase you will need to enter the Robber’s Den in the city is ‘I will die an old man by the river’. You will be escorted to the Robber Chief and he will then hold you until I claim you. Please remember the phrase or you will never enter that sector of the city. The King of Amrana is the absolute monarch of the country, except in the Robber’s Den. There, the Robber Chief reigns supreme and not even the king will trespass. Their relationship is symbiotic; they need each other to keep the kingdom intact.”
The two men gazed at each other long and then embraced. “So be it. Let us prepare to leave.” Jon arose and strode back to the small band of travelers that had been with him before the oasis.
Jon looked around, and then asked, “Where is Jason? Someone please find him and send him to me. I wish to speak with him.”
“He and Seraphim went off to find a green pasture, Master Jon,” said Cornelius. “He’ll be back soon, I am sure.”
Jon sighed. “I pray you are right. I am not sure how he will take my news for him. Gather around, my good friends. I must leave you in the care of our new friends in a few days. Listen now, here is the plan.” Jon then told them everything he and Bar Jonah had discussed.
The Plan
The caravan left the oasis at dawn, planning to rest mid-morning and then continue the journey until a few hours before sunset. Summer was waning, so the days were not as hot. The long rest at the oasis with its lush grasses and invigorating waters proved to be a healthy combination for the animals, including Seraphim and Theophilus. The trek across the hot sand did not affect them except to make them very thirsty. Bar Jonah’s strident advice to pack extra water paid off well - by the time the caravan arrived at the edge of the desert there was only enough left for an extra day. Since there was no sense of urgency, the trip to the caravan town at the desert’s end was extended a day, so the drivers did not push the pack animals.
The travelers packed enough provision for a week’s journey after arriving at the small community of Desert Edge. The merchants clamored around the apparent leaders, offering great deals on their merchandise. Bar Jonah and Jon left the haggling to Lucas and Cornelius and retired to the cooler shade of a large tree and began the next plans.
Bar Jonah began. “Jon, we wish to go wherever you go, but we will most likely be arrested in Nazlandia. Though we have changed our hearts, we are still thieves, especially in that land.”
Jon looked at the old thief and suddenly realized something, “You had something to do with the abduction of the young lad Jason, didn’t you?”
“Nothing gets by you, master.” Bar Jonah looked Jon squarely in the eyes. “Yes, I did - well, at least I was responsible for the plan, though two of my best thieves bungled the job. Still, it has turned out well. The young lad has grown in stature as well in mind and heart. Your presence has been good for him. Should I go and present him to his family? I am willing to risk whatever is due me.”
“No, I think not. Here is my plan - we will part at the crossroads and I will take the lad to his parents. There is a good possibility they will allow him to continue on with me. I will get the information we need from the book and meet you in the capital city of Amrana. I do not know how long it will take. If you would be so kind and take care of the rest of my original band of followers until I return, I will be forever grateful.” Jon reached over and placed his old hand firmly on the thief’s shoulder. Bar Jonah grasped Jon’s arm and then they locked eyes knowingly as if they spoke without words.
Bar Jonah broke the long silence, “I will be waiting for you, master. We will be in hiding, awaiting your arrival. When you come into the city, make for the seediest part of the city, located on the northeast corner, near the river. The pass-phrase you will need to enter the Robber’s Den in the city is ‘I will die an old man by the river’. You will be escorted to the Robber Chief and he will then hold you until I claim you. Please remember the phrase or you will never enter that sector of the city. The King of Amrana is the absolute monarch of the country, except in the Robber’s Den. There, the Robber Chief reigns supreme and not even the king will trespass. Their relationship is symbiotic; they need each other to keep the kingdom intact.”
The two men gazed at each other long and then embraced. “So be it. Let us prepare to leave.” Jon arose and strode back to the small band of travelers that had been with him before the oasis.
Jon looked around, and then asked, “Where is Jason? Someone please find him and send him to me. I wish to speak with him.”
“He and Seraphim went off to find a green pasture, Master Jon,” said Cornelius. “He’ll be back soon, I am sure.”
Jon sighed. “I pray you are right. I am not sure how he will take my news for him. Gather around, my good friends. I must leave you in the care of our new friends in a few days. Listen now, here is the plan.” Jon then told them everything he and Bar Jonah had discussed.