human
While wandering afar, the thought of thine affection hath given me heart; thou art always my Pole Star, my light, my guide, I said, enraptured.
gpt
Though I have failed to obtain the knowledge which I sought, it was purely owing to the fickleness of fortune.
human
Yes, she answered gravely.
gpt
I know thou hast done thy best. Yet there are still means by which thou canst ascertain the truth, and elucidate the Great Mystery.
human
How?
gpt
By becoming one of us; by bearing arms under the green banner of Hadj Absalam, and accompanying us to Agadez.
human
Art thou actually on thy way thither? I asked, amazed.
gpt
Surely it is dangerous?
human
Dangerous only for the Sultan of the Ahir,
gpt
I cannot understand, I said.
human
What is the object of thy journey?
gpt
The same as the object of all our expeditions, she answered, the smile dying from her lips.
human
The trade of the Ennitra is marked always by rapine and murder, plunder and bloodshed;
gpt
Do thy people intend fighting?
human
Hearken, and I will give thee explanation, she said excitedly.
gpt
For many moons hath Hadj Absalam contemplated an attack upon the Sultan of the Ahir, and the looting of the great Fada wherein thou wert held a slave. At last the expedition hath been arranged, and is now being carried out. Divided into four sections, our people, mustering all their strength for the supreme effort, have stealthily moved hither, and are now encamped at various points on the border of the Sultan's territory, ready to advance upon Agadez like swarms of locusts at the moment the drum of victory is conveyed unto them. Armed to the teeth, and eager for a struggle that must be brief though deadly, they are awaiting the completion of our plans. Two days hence all will be ready, the drum that beateth us to arms will be carried forth, our tents will be packed, and, acting in conjunction with the three other forces of our fighting men, we shall advance, dealing blows swift and terrible among a people who little dream of the approach of an enemy, and are entirely unprepared.
human
Hast thou actually a sufficient force to attack the almost impregnable kasbah of Agadez?
gpt
Yes. In two days the green standard will be raised, the drum will be sent round to the three other camps, and with one accord shall we sweep onward to the great stronghold of the Ahir.
human
And thou desirest that I should become a Bedouin of the Ennitra--an outlaw of the Sahara?
gpt
Thou _must_! she answered, with enthusiasm, her slim lingers closing tightly upon my hand.
human
Dost thou not see that I have obtained a respite for thee, only on condition that thou throwest in thy lot with us?
gpt
What is this mysterious influence which Hadj Absalam declareth hath been transferred unto me?