human
I will go, Zoraida. If it is thy will, I shall start to-morrow,
gpt
Thou wilt traverse the Great Desert for my sake--for my sake? she exclaimed, kissing my hand as I took the missive she had folded.
human
When I named thee the Amin I was not mistaken. Hadj Mohammed will be expecting thee.
gpt
Why?
human
Because he will receive early knowledge that the Crescent of Glorious Wonders is in thy custody. Remember, if lost, it could never be replaced, having been revealed and given unto us by the Power that is all-powerful. Thou wilt undertake this mission in order to save my life, to save me from the horrible fate that threateneth to overwhelm me. When the Secret hath been imparted, and thou hast used it according to instructions that will be given by the aged chaplain of the daily prayers, then wilt thou return to me--and to peace.
gpt
But how shall I find thee? Many moons may perchance rise and fade ere I return to Algiers.
human
Assuredly I shall know thy whereabouts, she replied briefly.
gpt
Travel swiftly. The horse I gave thee on the night I severed thy bonds will carry thee back from Biskra to El Biodh. Then with camels travel over the vast northern Touareg and the mountains of Adrar, guarding well thy life through Djanet until thou comest to Mount Equelles. From there thou wilt be compelled to guide thyself by the sun over the Desert to the palms of Issala, where thou wilt find also dates, forage, and water. Another long and weary course of travel will bring thee at last to Assiou, thence journeying due south past Azarara and along the great rocky valleys of Air, where dwell thine enemies, thou wilt at length enter the gate of Agadez, the City of the Sorcerers, wherein the strange mystery lieth hidden.