The man drops his sword and collapses onto the scorching ground, writhing in agony, your dagger lodged between his ribs. His companion, seeing this, falls into despair. Apparently, you’ve wounded the only capable fighter of the two. The second man drops to his knees and begs for mercy—unaware that you carry no other weapon.
You seize the moment—along with the fallen man’s sword—and hold it firmly to the second man’s face.
– Who are you? – you ask.
– We’re just traders, – he pleads. -Please don’t kill us. Take everything we have—just spare our lives. Leave us two dromedaries and some water, so I can save my friend.
– I don’t want to rob you. I just needed a dromedary to save myself. My situation, to put it mildly, is dire.
– You did what you had to do, may Allah be your witness. The laws of men don’t apply in the desert, and by heavenly law, you’ve won fair and square. We are at your mercy, and all we can hope for now is the grace of your magnanimity.
Your heart remains impassive at the man’s plea, but your conscience dictates what you must do next.
***
You mount a dromedary and ride off, leaving the men with the well-earned fruits of their labor. – go to this page
***
You untether the two lead animals from the caravan, mount the third—now leading two others laden with gold and silver—and leave the men with some water for a safe journey home. – go to this page
***
You slay the kneeling man, then put the wounded one out of his misery. Mounting the lead dromedary, you let it carry you toward safety. – go to this page
One Comment