Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  Talib-Aziz was led here by an angel of Allah to this same very mountain top where he began his fast for forty days during which he had a revelation where the past, present and future was unraveled. In that vision, certain guidelines were revealed to him that must be strictly adhered to by the Islamic world if it was to survive the great perilious times ahead but many Muslim scholars were too narrow minded and blinded with the pleasures of this world to accept it. They fought against him and refuted his claims so he took his preachings to the street, ministering to the destitute, fugitives and homeless that was how Al-sahad was birthed, it means the choosen. Its primary aim is to establish its own caliphate under pristine Islamic law and order. It should be noted that anyone who sacrificed for the actualization of this vision will reap bountiful reward in paradise and for those that survive, history will always remember them,’he lauded.

  Everyone see,’he continued getting up and pointing at the stream. Look when it came in contact with the mount, it disappeared at the bottom only to reappear at the other side bigger, gushing forcefully. What does it implys, that you’re standing on holy ground and here is prove, the mountain dividing the stream into two section, the latter greater than the former. The future holds much promises and it’s of paramount importance to mallam Talib-aziz that everyone of his followers go through this process, withness it and return back transformed. The completion of this task marks the beginning of the initiation process,’he concluded.

  The journey donwards was far less tedious. When they got to where Umar lay, Rasaq appointed Aliyu and Rabiu to be his pall bearer.

  There’s a special place designated for anyone who died undergoing this pilgrimage,’he said solemnly. His soul is already in paradise. When they got to the base of the mountain, Aliyu paused to drink from his keg when he thought he heard a splashing sound accompany by a mild vibration that gently shook the ground they stood.He paused to listened to it repeat all over again.

  Do you hear that? He muttered tapping Rabiu gently.

  Hear what? Rasaq cut in from behind. Oh that is one of the mysteries of this holy place. It has a hearbeat, it’s actually alive.

  After he was through with his bath, Aliyu whipped a handful of the mentholated cream Rabiu provided earlier applying it all over his feet and other swollen parts of his body massaging gently.The biggle was blown and with it came an unusual loud noise from people rushing and talking in a flurry. Rabiu bounced into the room exclaiming at the top of his voice that they’ve arrived.

  Who? He quizzed.

  The troops, they’re here,’he said dashing off immediately.

  The troops were expected back three days ago, the reason for their delay wasn’t obvious and it didn’t matter much to Aliyu either who was more concerned about nursing his feet back to good use. Everyday the bruises keep increasing but none had ever been of this magnitude and it kind of scared him. Satisfied with the bandage he neatly wrapped around it, he limped slowly outside to the arena where people were gathered. As he approaches he saw many vehicles of different categories packed or still driving inside. He went across where his friends where to watch the procession. Rabiu nudge him slightly at his side.

  I heard they were given instructions by Kazeem to meet him by the Camerounian border which was the reason for the delay.

  Pardon me but who is Kazeem?

  He’s the first among others, the highest ranking officer and personality on the field; suffix me to say the general. Abdul kazeem was one of the foremost students of Talib-Azziz. I heard he was a homeless broken youth when Mallam Talib-aziz discovered him and later sent him for further education and military training in Saudi Arabia. He is seconded by Husseini, his right hand man.

  Oh, I see.

  Aside from the bountiful loot, there were also many hostages mostly women, children and teenager. The troops were greeted with accolades accompanied by series of gunshot in the air by their collegues as they trod past the velvet rope while the hostages were diverted away by another group of gaurds to their quarters. An armored jeep spranged forth from nowhere drove sporadically in complete circle for several minutes, jerking and raising enough dust before finally coming to an abrupt halt after succeeding in grabbing everyone’s attention. The passenger’s door flung open and a thick bearded dark skin man in a brownish top and camouflage pants holding an Ak47 got out shouting as he did in excitement. He fired continously to the sky chanting war songs which everyone else seems to know—except the newbies—chorused accordingly. This went on for the better half of an hour until the driver’s door of the jeep opened, everything slowed down considerably, everyone following suit. Another man got out of the jeep much similar in physique to the first guy only slightly taller and thicker. Aliyu couldn’t make out his look properly because of the turban he wore but he had quite the beard similar to the former. He too held onto an Ak47 in his left arm and a sickle shaped sword in the other, emblems of the brotherhood. He walked gallantly to the podium where he stood facing the crowd, immediately he raised both weapons up everyone chanted the sect anthem. He brought his hands down upon the ending of the song but still stood motionless, transfixed watching the crowd with an eagle like expression for several more minutes before commencing his victory speech. Midway through the speech, Rabiu nudge him again whispering to his hearing, that is Abdulkazeem, great mujahedeen, warrior of Allah, soldier of justice, defender of the truth and many other accolade he had earned from his relentless effort towards making Al-sahad what it is today. Abdulkazeem with bloodshot eyes and a loud yet charming voice gave a concise speech highlighting his skills and talents on the field, his conquest and unveiling of their next plan of action in taking over the entire State and beyond. He called on everyone to be dedicated and focus because greater task lies ahead. Before finally dismissing the crowd he requested a meeting with all units head later in the day. After he’d left everywhere became rowdy again as everyone went back to their duty post. Aliyu headed back to his quarters in the company of Rabiu and other fellows, chating casually when he heard a familiar voice call his name. He turned and there he was, walking towards him grinning heavily in the company of Jafar, Rasaq and a host of others. He asquisced to Aliyu frozen stare as he walk pass him, turning back to winked at him. Rabiu inch closer a bit curious to know who that was but met an equally cold reception from Aliyu who sauntered off visibly shaken with rage.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The next day training was as tough and intense as usual but somewhat less cumbersome. Husseini the second commanding officer whom Aliyu instantly recognized as the man welding an Ak47 from the previous day, righthand man to Abdulkazeem opted to participate and be their instructor for the day. He was both soft spoken and patient throughout the rigorious exercise despite his rogue undertone. After the intense drilling exercise which took a better part of their morning he went on to lecture them on war ethics, the quickest way to couple and decouple a military rifle, positioning and control and so forth. He worked them really hard all the while encouraging them to improve on their effort. They were grateful to have a veteran tutor them, savouring his every word. Like his father used to say to him “no knowledge is waste”. Aliyu put in a hundred percent into the exercise since it commenced, having a premonition that someday his survival will depend on it. His efforts soon paid off by grabbing the interest of all the instructors including Husseni who gave him a pat on his back after the end of the day’s activity in acknowledgement of his effort.

  Listening to the riveting war tales that gushes from Husseni, filled Aliyu with an imaginary depiction of what a war front actually entails, enabling him to create an escape plan if need be. As usual after the day’s training he heads straight to the shower when he gets to his quarters because of how filthy he always ends up. This doesn’t always go down well with Rabiu who will rather hangout a little while before taking his bath. As he bath, he recounted what Husseni had said about going days without food, water or bath for many days in the battlefield but until then he can’t relish the thought
of remaining filthy when he can help it. Rabiu joined him this time around and after they were both thoroughly clean and refreshed they headed to the mess for lunch and latest gist. On reaching there the hall was empty to their amazement which prompted them carrying out a little inquring and were duly informed there will no food for anyone, order from above until after the honourary ceremony holding later in the evening at the arena. Tired and famished they left angrily; no one had informed them earlier of this impromptu arrangement, atleast they would have made provision for their breakfast to be kept for them. They went outside and sat underneath a giant neem tree watching the procession of events in preparation for the evening event while languishing in their hunger and wondering how to survive the whole afternoon till evening on an empty stomach. Thankfully there won’t be an evening training session because of same event. Rasaq burst in on them yelling furiously and accusingly much to their stupefaction and without further ado sent them on a series of errands. Aliyu was sent to the warehouse to assist in conveying materials needed to get the venue ready. He nodded and left without complain but hissed and cursed under his breath on his way over, greatly incensed by his hunger. Mariam stood at the entrance of the warehouse, a pen stock away somewhere in her hair and a book in hand, she was giving directives. It had been a while since they last saw each other. When she raised her face from her notepad to see him advancing her expression was uncertain as if he wasn’t recognizable to her. Her eyes never left his and it spoke, volumes he quickly understood. He didn’t approach her any further than necessary but watch her body language, that when she walked into a partially enclave partition in the warehouse, he picked it as a signal to follow suit. She took one look at his lean, tired, disheveled frame and became disconcerted. She was genuinely concerned for his health and safety, and didn’t hesitate in letting him know during their hasty catch up. No sooner had they settled down to discourse more relevant issues they heard multiple footsteps and voices approaching. She hastily handed him a bulky file, changing her tone to issueing rapid instructions which he nodded to, frantically observing her disposition. He was about walking out files in hand but was blocked at the entrance by Sanni, chewing a gum and grinning mischieviously at both of them.

  I’ve been searching everywhere for you unaware you’ve hooded yourself in here, abandoning your duty post,’ he said referring to Mariam.

  This was his first face to face confrontation with Sanni after the previous day encounter when he called out to him at the field. Being this close to him made him realize just how much he hated his gut which is quite obvious despite the effort he put in concealing it, the reddening of his eyes betrayed him easily. Noticing it, Sanni laugh heartily using his hands to clasp his aching stomach for support. Aliyu hissed, shove him aside going on his way.

  Hey stop there,’he yelled at him but he walk on, knowing what could happen with all the fury pent within him. Two gaurds emerged barricading him from proceeding any further.

  Do you think you’re in the comfort of your father’s palace when you can afford to be insolent ehh, mummy’s boy? In this place you obey orders set by the authorities, authorities which include me. You are hereby my subordinate and must obey my command.

  You’ve got this planned all along, don’t you? Aliyu muttered

  He nodded.

  But why, they don’t deserve this.

  Who, your parents? He hissed. Maybe not, maybe worse.

  They loved you and treated you like a son is this how you chose to repay them?

  That is a fallacy; they only took pity on me and made me your stooge.

  What, how can you say a thing like that?

  So it is, actually you weren’t that condescending but I can’t say the same for the rest and our friends, Ahmed and Val, most especially Val,’he emphasized between grithed teeth.

  Val loved you, same with the rest of us. I get it we used to argue, quarrel and fight but that never change the way we feel for each other. But for you to have allowed it sink this deep even to the extent it change you then I think you need help. If you’d allow I’ll gladly help you.

  Sanni was silient, giving him a bland stare as he made an effort to appeal on his good side.

  If you let me out of here, I promise to make sure you get the best treatment ever and we can put this whole issue behind us forever.

  There was a shuffling from behind; they both turn to see Mariam pulling a box full of old dusty files. For reasons unknown to him, he noticed a subtle fiery glint of hatred in Sanni’s eyes towards her.

  You were sent here to carry out a chore instead you chose to huddle up here in a corner with her doing or discussing whatever,’Sanni spat charging all of a sudden. This is not Garuba young man where your priviledges afforded you the reputation of a ladies man. Can you imagine even in the heart of Histar valley, you still manage to smuggle yourself a lady, loverboy. Given the rules and regulation around here the both of you are in deep trouble.

  C’mon Sanni this is part of my chore, afterall she is the one supervising.

  Then why were you in a hurry to leave when you heard my footseps. You two alone together even for an infinitesimal of a second will be up to no good given your track records. Get me the chief officer on duty he ordered one of the gaurds.

  Honestly I wasn’t aware I was breaking any law when she asked me to assist with this bulk of writing paraphernalias. But by all means I will bear the consequences alone, leave her out of it please,’he pleaded, hoping to change his mind even as more footsteps approached.

  The chief officer was still in mid sentence with his greetings when Sanni attacked, berating him for gross negligence of his duty. He demanded to know how possible under his watch some people were able to sneak away from their duty post for a quiet time with their possible lover. He went ahead criticizing him for his lack of observation, oversight and incompetence promising to take it up with the authorithies and have his duty changed. The middle aged man with a paunch caved quickly to his knees pleading, not willing to loose his job at the warehouse which afforded him all sort of luxury and perks ranging from women to lifetime secuirity as he needn’t ever have to bother with the grosteque of war. After which he ordered his men to drag them both outside for a little disciplinary session. The gaurds were rough pushing and pulling at them even when they calmly comply. One slapped Mariam hard on the cheek calling her a whore simultaneously giving her a punch on the stomach. Aliyu saw her scream buckling to her knee. Unable to withstand the anger he felt any longer, he went after the gaurd delivering several punches in his face. Picking a log on the ground, he used it to defend himself when the other two came after him. He used the log to knock off the matchete which one of them welded at him, hitting him severally with it until he was almost unconscious then picking up the matchete he used it to defend himself against the second guy who now seems reluctant to attack for fear of facing the same fate. He heard a trigger clickd and turned to see the chief guard pointing a pistol at him. Sanni who have been observing from behind the chief guard was greatly impressed by his skills. Disarming three armed men wasn’t such an easy feat even for veterans. Now he understood why he is so popular not only among his peers but even within the authorities and it filled him with much joy he was his protégé. With such skillfulness at the war front gurantees rapid promotion for them both.

  Put down the matchete now,’the chief guard howled as beads of sweat trinkled downs his hair line to his fat face strickened with fear. Still he remained unflinched refusing to move an inched, holding defiantly to the weapon. He fired a shot to the air then pointed it at him again with a more menacing tone orders him to surrender. The scene has drawn the attention of a small crowd watching with different expressions at the brazenness of his actions. Mariam pleaded, whispering to him from the floor she were lay to please do as he was told.

  You better do as you’re told because at the count of three, I’ll instruct he aims for your brain,’Sanni cutted in tersely. One, two —thr.

  The matchete fell t
o the floor; Sanni gave him a sly smile as six gaurds pounced on him, beating him until he almost blacked out. Thereafter he was dragged around on the floor resulting in the spiky sharp desert tearing away at every exposed part of his body. When they were done they left him alone in the heat under the blistering sun for several minutes. He made an effort to sit up as three people approached. Sanni was giving Husseni an update of all that transpired. Husseni asked Rasaq to handle the issue of the lady while in instructed the gaurds to give Aliyu twenty strokes as his penalty for utter insubordination and undue harmonization with an opposite sex. Sanni who was to supervise the exercise complained Husseni was far too lenient on Aliyu, suggesting he deserve upwards of fifty strokes and isolatry confinement for the next forty eight hours as he led Aliyu to the stable in the company of other gaurds. Jafar brandishing a horse whip took position waiting patiently for the gaurds to anchor Aliyu on the post properly.

  Aliyu passed out after the twelveth lashes, only to reawaken four hours later in a private chamber with an elderly man attending to his injuries. Seeing he was awake, he assisted him to sit up properly amid intense pains which sent a grating stimulus to his brains which in return enshroud his eyes in tears. He blinked severally as the tears drop kept falling, sniffing severally inbetween he closed his eyes and rested his back gently on the wall. The injuries on his back have been nursed and bandage but other parts of his body still revealed glaring injuries. The elderly man gave him a bitter black liquid to drink after which he advised him to eat something. Besides his bed was a plate of food, water and other drugs which he urge him to drink before leaving to attend to other pressing issues. Few minutes later Rabiu breezed in to check up on him only to see him staring into space despondently. He beckoned on him to try eating something but he couldn’t raise his hand yet as a result of the pain. Rabiu then went ahead to feed and humour him by discussing about exciting past events. When he was through, he assisted him with his drugs thereafter help him position properly back on the bed.