Chapter 15: 15. Papa At Ruth

Papa – the short bald man, who was the leader of Veronica's group was sitting with a group of Ruth desert nomads of Rejismundi state. Rejismundi's a state of forts and palaces. It has a glorious history. Many kings in past had fought in great battles against enemy clans. To its east's Ruth desert – a vast expanse of land. There wander a loads of nomadic groups. The males had worn  regular thick white cloaks as well as big and colorful turbans to save their heads from the scorching sun in the day time and from chilling cold in the night time. Almost all men had big and curly moustaches. Papa had also worn a Rejismundish attire to appear a nomad himself – a perfect camouflage. He had an old friend in this small nomadic group. Raf Saha was his friend's name. In his youth when he was allowed by his wife to go out, he had several times come to Rejismundi where there's a strong patriarchy and fortunately he met Raf Saha, a nomad who had come to market to purchase cooking oil and other accessories, as usual, for his little community – his little group, which was crossing Salmet city then. So they met and Raf taught him on how to locate their group in Ruth desert. Papa had followed those instructions and had come here to hide under cover of desert heat from the one following him; or to let the follower come out of her camouflage when she would run out of her patience. Night deepened. As usual everyone settled down for dinner. Small tents had been erected. Women were all cooking or taking care of their children. Men were busy talking about today's travel and turmoil while inhaling their respective hookahs – one of those few luxuries they had. Near the tents their camels were ruminating. The camels're their back up plans. If there was any sand storm they would group their camels in a circle and would shelter under their camels' sides. In this way they would be safe. Tonight when the full moon was above their heads women got the breads and potatoes prepared and served at the center of the men's gathering. Men then distributed foods among themselves. Papa as a guest was also enjoying the new nomadic lifestyle for last few days – as if enjoying a holiday tour. He was telling his new friends how he caught a desert cobra in the day time and ate it raw beheading it. He was describing everything adventurously then a band of dancers came out of one tent accompanied by some instrument players. Children from all the tents who were already fed came out to watch and enjoy the usual dancing programme around bonfire. As they did not have any television set or any theatre programme or drama to watch and enjoy. The lady dancers in black cloaks who had covered up all their faces with dark draping, with white bangles of every size covering their whole hand, from wrist to arm, gathered before the diners. From under their draping they started singing in a nasal tone and by clapping and revolving around the fire they began dancing. At first slowly moving around the diners in gentle gestures – then increasing their pace. Then they started dancing vigorously. Papa was also enjoying the dance while chatting with his friend and others. He observed that one lady – taller than average, was sliding her hand into her cloak. "Oh no," he said and jumped from his place, as the lady drew out a pistol from the pocket of the skirt. She hurled the pistol at him while aiming still in the inertia of motion of the dance. And she misfired few bullets to into the sand. Another bullet pierced the chest of Raf and he fell down. Spot death. By now the lady had steadied herself and was aiming at Papa who was snaking around camels. It was very difficult to shoot that tricky Papa. When she shot in his direction he also fell down. One man also got a pistol from his pocket and aimed at the lady shooter. Few bullets also missed her by inches. She was open and was not behind any safety cover, so she had to run to save her life.