Page 46 - creative spark 2020

44

the city, but my friends Abdul and Mohammed had made me an
offering. They want me to stay, for a few months, at least, and help
them with their “errands” as an accountant, and have offered me
lots of gold for undertaking the job. That means my caravan must
leave before me, but that is fine. The sultan has given a command
to build more caravanserais throughout the desert. I have decided
to stay.

28 NOVEMBER 1037
Dear Diary,

The caravan just left yesterday. Shao Hui and Khao Mei
both looked very worried about me, and warned me about the
dangerous journey back alone. I told them I will stop at different
cities, so that I will not need to take the long journey in one go. I am
working for Abdul and Mohammed’s “organisation” now. Its income
is questionably high. Very high. It seems to be quite rich, but when
I asked Abdul what they did, he just told me to keep quiet and
work. I am not complaining, though, since the rewards are good.

7 DECEMBER 1037
Dear Diary,

I am beginning to not like this at all. Hate it, in fact. I noticed
after I asked Abdul about his organisation’s job, someone has
been stalking me. I am not hallucinating. I’m sure it is not because
of the blinding sunlight. Someone has been, and IS, stalking me.
Everywhere I go, everything I do, I see eyes. Eyes, eyes, eyes, and
ears. Everywhere. Everything. I am not sure who it is, but I suspect