Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  Where’ve you been? He quipped elatedly. I’ve been searching everywhere for you,’he continued not knowing weather to hold or hug her. Seeing her was a huge relief especially since he was emotionally downtrodden in this chaosness.

  I should be the one asking you that exact same question,’she said handing him the package she was carrying. Hassan has been on the look out for you.

  Who’s Hassan? He queried

  He is the kid I sent to bring you breakfast this morning.

  Oh—okay, was wondering who that was. He came by mentioned your name, dropped the meal and took off.

  He doesn’t say much, come let’s sit over there,’she said pointing at a couple of bricks place on top each other. Some person’s might have arranged it for their personal use but had abadoned it for somewhere more fun. Just then there was a ruffle and scream he looked across to see the waiting lady on the floor crying with a man yelling at her at the top of his voice. He made to move but Mariam quickly gripped his wrist subtly pulling him away. He was very angry swearing damnation on the man.

  Hassan lost both parents when the sects attack his village about a month ago,’ she said changing the subject. Right now I doubt he still have any living relative left.

  Gosh that is so sad to hear,’he shook his head in pity. For a child to lose his parents at such young age is like loosing one’s identity.

  Yeah and it so happened my squad was putting up base at the next villiage when news of the raid got to us. We sent signal to our command unit alerting them of an impending attack. As we waited for further instructions, little did we know they were very much aware of our presence and before we knew it we were besiege under heavy attacks. I immediately sent a distress call about our current disposition and was ordered to retreat which what was we did, but it was too late to escape. Being the senior officer on duty I renege on that order, insisting we fight back instead of just surroundering knowing very well we’d still be killed if we didn’t. The battle that ensued was bloody to say the least mostly from their end. They only started gaining the upper hand after we ran out of magazines. I was hit on the shoulder and my left thigh, falling on the floor paralyse,’she pause and took a deep breath as if reliving the experience all over again. One by one I watched my men fall under their might. My second in command sergent Okafor took to his heels and tried escaping into the bush but was quickly apprehended, beaten to a pulp and then behead before my very eyes, after which I passed out. The torture my men suffered in their hands was recorded on camera which I heard was sent as a souvenir to the force headquarters. I didn’t know how long I was off, you know I thought I’d died until when finally I opened my eyes to discover myself inside a trailer loaded to the brim with foodstuffs and people—mostly women and children, exploits of their attacks. I’d bandages all over my body and was in so much pain; Hassan was the first person I saw when I came to be. He was a God sent, nurturing me for the next several weeks until I became capable of getting things done on my own.

  He is an amazing kid.

  Hmmm,’she acquiesced. We have been so close since then, like bread and butter. Something tells me I’m all he has left in this world. We made a pact to always be there for each other.

  That’s so nice of you, taking good care of him especially in a world filled with so much cruelty,’he said with a heaved handing back the empty dish. He breathed deeply again then crossed his legs, using his hand to support his chin. He sighs and shook his head engaged in thoughts of his own.

  You look troubled,’she said noticing his change of countenance. Whatever it is won’t change a thing, take my word for it. It will be better you start getting to like it here, your health will improve and you will live longer,’she said with a tinged of sarcasm.

  I still d-d-don’t get it, perhaps because I’d never envisaged something like this ever happening,’ he stuttered. These zealous fundamentalist have swivel the original concept of Islam resulting to polarizing views in the hearts of non Muslims. They are twisted, down right evil and must be stopped.

  Okay,’she nodded. What else?

  I—-I want out.

  I’ve three points to make and will start by cautioning you to mind your utterances around here, words as such will likely succeed in separating your head from the rest of your body should it get to the wrong ear. Secondly there’s no way out except by death. Aside from armed gaurds parading the entire plains all hour of the day, there’re observation posts at strategic locations keeping an eagle eye on the entire region. The plains are surrounded by mountains which are steep and difficult to manuevre and lastly should you even manage to surreptitious slipped unnoticed, you will still end up minced meat.

  He turned and looked inquiringly at her.

  Oh yeah,’she nodded,’because of the landmines.

  So are you implying there is no way out?

  She let out a brief cynical laughter. There is one sure way offcourse, through the main entrance but I doubt you or any hostage will be foolish to attempt it except maybe you have a deathwish or worst. But who knows maybe you’re a physcopath afterall,’she said letting out a tiny shrill which irked him heavily. He hissed and continued,

  Obviously there’ve got to be way out, i—I mean look out all these barbarism. No, I can’t be a part of it,’ he muttered to himself. There was a brieft silence during which Mariam scrutinized his gestures.

  Some obstinate young men just like you were brought here a while back. When the time came and were presented with the option of to either do their biddings or be killed, those spineless idiot chose the former. They are now some of the most malefeasance folks you see around. You are still crisp, yet to be hypnotized into their evil mind manipulating doctrine but it will happen soon. Infact talking to you endangers my life.

  How do you mean, I can never be this vile.

  Time will tell which brings me to the third point, I trust no one until proven otherwise,’she said opening the nylon bag she had been holding onto. It was filled with fried meat. They munch on the meat, watching in dismay at the extreming rudeness of their counterpart to a female hostage in the company of his friends. Soon it turned physical with the man slapping her severally; she raised her hands in defense fallng on the floor. He didn’t stop there as he went about kicking her around on the floor anytime she tried getting up even as his friends cheered on, laughing hysterically. Another guy step forward to the scene and started emptying his drinks all over her body making her cry out in agony but no one cared. Aliyu was fuming with rage from where he sat deligently watching the scenario while munching on a piece one after the other albeit his buds have since turn bland and the meat tasted like wood shavings in his mouth. Mariam watched his mood changes, the hardening of his jawline and facial creases, subconsciously something moved in her making her realise somewhat intuitively he was different but still she didn’t trust he will remain so for long .She slipped a hand on his lap alerting him of her presence, diverting his focus away from the scene.

  You’ll do yourself much good not to take things too personal around here,’ she whispered as they both watch one of the guys lift the lady on his shoulder disappearing into the darkness in the company of two other goons.

  Aliyu couldn’t help but imagine the fate that await that lady as images of the sex orgy he’d withnessed earlier flashes his memory. This resulted to what he’d concluded about the sect being nefarious, radical and godless with absolutely no regard for human life and as such should be exterminated ASAP. He turned and caught her intent gaze on him diverting in split seconds, it was as if she was trying to search his soul for an answer to a question she was skeptical about asking. She quickly looked back at the burning fire flickering down, though it still sustains a glowing brilliance which won’t be for long. It was now his turn to stare back, acknowledging her features. Despite her rigid overtone and hardcore defiantness which may be attributed to her profession, she’s actually a pretty lady in her early thirties, about 5.6ft slender and sporty with apparently a big heart. He pers
onally wasn’t particularly fond of women joining the military because he considers it too risky and unwomanly but this brave little lady sitting besides him proved him wrong in her choices. She had shown exemplerary stewardship in discharging her duties on time even in the face of adversity. Someday, maybe someday she will tell her story to the world he concluded placing a hand on her lap. She promptly responded by placing hers on top of his, it was both cold and soft. He felt a roughness on her skin when he caressed it lightly probably one of the numerous scar she had sustained in the battlefield like the one that ran across her neck all the way down. She withdrew suddenly, simultaneously shifting surreptitiously away with a tensly. He raised his head to see someone standing in front of him while a firm hand gripped his shoulder from behind. He spranged up ready for action but the person didn’t made any attempt to hit him, the guy who placed a hand on his shoulder regained his balance as he almost toppled over on Aliyu’s swift move.

  Relax my friend, it’s good to see you’ve loosen up and ready to mingle,’a voice spoke from behind Mariam. You won’t be punished for your transgression because my heart rejoices,’ he continued.Turning to Mariam he rattled several orders sending her away. As she left he couldn’t help but noticed how frail she’d become, something about this dude frightens her however his face was not lost on him. He thought for a moment then it dawned on him who he is. He was one of Sanni’s friends who accosted him several days ago.

  You, come with me,’he ordered.

  He followed them away from the rowdiness to somewhere more serene with lot of trees which provided the freshest land breeze ever.There were few round tables where people sat and dine under the cool starless night.

  Do you drink? His question jolted him from his thoughts

  Yes.

  Achohol or soft?

  Both.

  Alright,’ he said tossing him a can beer. Recent Information reaching me says you’ve been headstrong and a rabble rouser,’ he continued opening a can beer for himself, sipping the entire content in one gulp and trashing it away then opening another.

  I haven’t, probably you’ve got me mistaken for someone else.

  Don’t play coy with me or aren’t you Aliyu Dansuki Danbaba? He barked. The question both startled and incenses him especially when he noticed the mention of his name striked a cord with the others. He noticed the sneers from all direction and inaudible statement being passed around, concerning him perhaps. His instinct instantly alerted him to play cool, concluding from their reactions he wasn’t in anyway in their good book.

  I’m Aliyu Dansuki Danbaba,’ he affirmed meekly.

  And aren’t you the same person who was reluctant to assist in butchering the cow, unloading the trailer and was caught very late in the night parambulating. Aren’t you?

  Yes it’s i but in my defense it was——-

  Do you recall who I’m,’ he interjected. Aliyu thought for a second before replying.

  Yes I do but the name eludes me.

  My name is Abdulrasaq Yakubu, Rasaq for short. If not for the fact you’re Sanni’s protégé, I’d have had you beheaded tonight. Because for one i dislike aloof stubborn assholes, rebels like you. They’re nothing but trouble however Sanni thinks otherwise.

  I apologise sire for my wrongdoing and lack of forsight to the brotherhood. I can assure you it won’t repeat itself,’he sald solemnly.

  Good, it better not. You and the others begin training tomorrow six thirty am prompt. I’ve been assigned as the thirteenth squad trainer and believe me there will be no room for insubordination, the training will last four week. We need more troops out there ASAP. Have something to eat.

  Thanks sire but I’m not hungry.

  Suit yourself, Goodnight,’he dismissed him instantly.

  It wasn’t until half past noon he finally got back to his shaft. His entire countenance was in turmoil which made him wondered if he’d have any sleep tonight but to his surprise the moment he laid down, he felt something peacefully divine and overwhelming which soon transcends into a deep slumber without much tossing.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The early rays of daylight trickled into the room from tiny fissures on the wall, reaching him in his corner. He immediately sprang up and takes a peek at his watch; it was seven a.m on the dot. Hastily he put on a sleeveless top searching feverishly for his slippers. He saw one leg bending down to get the other from underneath a pile of old aluminium frame when he bumped his head on a wooden box. He put them on cursing and rubbing the spot where the impact was felt before taking off to the Arena. On reaching there he saw people standing in a three by three matrix formation with Rasaq standing on a platform almost a meter high engaged in last minute discourse with some officials. He quickly took opportunity of this distraction to fit himself into one of the incomplete rows, his heartbeat racing. No sooner had he relaxed, two other latecomers sneaked into the space behind him. Rasaq turned around, braced himself and proceeded to address them officially.

  You all are welcome to Histar valley, the centre stronghold of the brotherhood of Al-sahad a sect founded by our spiritual guider and leader mallam Talib-Aziz with a mission to restore Islam in its rightful place at the apex and provide justice for all. As most of you don’t know, Mallam Aziz was led here by an Arch angel of Allah to worship which he willingly obliged, and for seven days and night he fasted and prayed thereafter the prophesy was revealed. The prophesy gave birth to the brotherhood which he nurtured from infancy into this formidable force to be reckoned with. Two things every one of you should be aware of are firstly, the ground on which you stand is holy never to be desecrated. Secondly, you must always obey authority; it’s pertinent for your survival as fresh recruits. I know some of you think of us as the devil,’he continued stepping down from the podium, taking a stroll towards them. The antithesis of everything good we proclaim, but a price must be paid towards ensuring every success. I implore you young mujahedeen to make selfless sacrifice for the future of Al-sahad, for the future of our religion just like our selfless leader had done. Moreso some of you won’t make it pass this training, heck most of you won’t make it pass the night of the initiation,’he said coming to a halt in front of Aliyu pausing to minutly scrutinize him before proceeding. Because that is the night you will have to make the ultimate sacrifice as you pledge your final allegiance to the brotherhood. This exercise will last a period of four weeks as most of you already know from six am prompt to one pm, thereafter you all will go on recess to reassemble back here by five pm for further training or briefing as the case maybe. Let it be known that lateness is a punishable offense which most of you is already guilty of but I’ll let it slide, today is a day of grace. My assistant Jafar, your drilling instructor has a couple of things to say.

  Jafar a smallish sinister looking fellow with a voice that sounded like Tasmania devils fighting over a meal to Aliyu’s ear mounted the podium. He quickly recongnise him as the second guy with Sanni from the other day, which make him ponder about the whereabout of Sanni whom he has yet set eyes on. Jafar further reaffirmed what Rasaq had already said but added that the brotherhood is now the only family they have and therefore should uphold its values and virtues which is above every other. He further reiterated that late comers will receive corporal punishment of varying degree. He finally concluded that the brotherhood doesn’t spare traitors as it consider treason to be a grievous crime punishable only by death, beheading defaulters act as a deterrent to others, be warned , ’he cautioned handing each person a pair of trunk and trainers which is to be wore during the training period. Everyone removed their clothes and change into the sporting gear. He led them to the large parade field where it was being cleaned from the previous night celebration to begin jugging.

  They went round the field two times; a complete circle was about half a kilometer. By the end of the second lap they were all very tired and felt fainty but Jafar insisted they go round one more time. Midway through it most of them couldn’t continue and were left behind. When the t
hird lap was finally completed, Aliyu was soaking wet with sweat. Water was provided from which he dranked, pouring the rest all over his body to cool off after which he lay on the floor besides Rabiu. The both of them alongside six others were the only ones to make it round the third time; while the rest lagged behind were they are being supervised making sure they complete the task before joining the others on the next task. After resting for half an hour, they began the push up exercise which lasted for the next half hour. Rasaq was a mirthless instructor, ruthless and unpredictable.He drilled them for the next four hours non stop that by the time he was through none of them was barely conscious enough to even stand still on their feet. Thereafter he lectured them on the purpose of the training which is to instill utmost self discipline, strength and tenacity in them within the shortest possible time. Time factor matters so much to him and he didn’t relent in letting them know in no small measure how valuable it was to their aim. The morning session was over by midday. Aliyu lay on the field a while longer collecting himself when he felt a presence partially blocking the sunlight.

  Never in my wildest imagination would I’ve thought you were this resilient.

  He glanced to see his friend Rabiu smilling down at him. Throughout the entire exercise there didn’t had the opportunity for pleasantries of any sort.

  I didnt know I was either,’ he replied.

  It was a blast,’he said strectching forth his hand which Aliyu grabbed onto, using it to get to his feet.