by Chuks Gerry
The general consensus was divided between these two polarizing individuals however a little more was with Rasaq. Meanwhile with the Nigerian forces already converging on their trails, Rasaq quickly orchestrated an exit plan that will reduce casualty as they flee back to base, gingering the deflated spirit of his troops.
What bullshit am I hearing, you call this a plan. It is both tacky and lacks credibility and so bound to fail. Imagine the travesty such a plan will bring to the entire organization. If you must go ahead with it I will walk away,’ Sanni roared.
No you will not,’ spluttered Rasaq angrily,’ it was the last command of Husseni and we are all going to abide by it.
That was the order of a frail semi conscious, dying man. He wasn’t in his right thinking faculty, his judgement clouded. I insist we fight, put these infidel were they belong and claim back the loots we discarded in a flurry as well as our glory.
If you repeat those words again you will be held in contempt for being subversive to the order and charged with treason the punishment of which is beheading.
You’ve no such power over me,’ Sanni snapped in anger, his tone rising several notched higher, veins flexing from his neck and forehead.
Try me,’ Rasaq replied icily returning with a formidable look of his own, with clenched fist towering several inches above him as they stood facing each other daringly.
Enough of this diatribe the both of you, isn’t it belittling both of you are fighting in the presence of our subordinates,’Jafar interjected. An army is on our trail and what we required now is a subterfuge to divert their attention as we retreat. What I suggest we do is divide the army into three portions, each led by one of us. While a third wages battle with the advancing army, it’ll give the remaining two third ample time to proceed and lay siege before fleeing. I believe if we follow through with this plan, the possibility of a debacle at the hands of our more formidable rival will be quite unlikely.
Bravo,’ Sanni exclaimed clapping and nodding excitedly. What an excellent idea, infact I recommend you should be promoted and moved to act in any sector that requires shrewdness. I’m with him on this one, are you? He asked nodding at Rasaq.
Yea, while it may sound foolproof it has its loopholes....erm but
No but please, I think we better set things in motion pronto,’ Sanni shouted upon hearing a bomb exploding several kilometers away.
The sect army was quickly divided according to the plan and Rasaq was positioned to battle it out with the federal forces while the others proceed further into the plains
Why should I be the one to stay behind and do combat when I’d insisted we all flee at once,’ queried Rasaq.
The lots chose you,’ Jafar replied. Refusal to do so mean you’ll be stripped off your rank and entitlement.
What? He asked looking befuddled at Jafar. So you’re with him on this huh? Alright but if guys dare betray me, pray I die else both of you will pay severely for it.
On the contrary I’m not on anyone’s side, rather am on the side of progression for the brotherhood,’expounded Jafar. I believe you’re the right man for this job because of your exceptional skills and prowess in battle and if there’s one person to make those infidels pay for killing Husseni it’s you. Choosing you to fight automatically makes you the commander of this troop, successor to Husseni a title not conferred to fairies that flee at the mere sight of a challenge but for brave men of steel. This is your time brother, prove yourself.
Rasaq was quiet assimilating the words of Jafar, weighing the pros and cons amidst more explosions in the air. Standing his ground to do battle and surviving will immensely elevate him to one of the highest ranks possible but being brainwashed into doing it will be suicidal. But the troop needs a leader, someone courageous, formidable and capable of getting things done. Right now he saw himself as the most qualified among the trio and so must uphold the mantle if this is what it takes.
Alright everyone take position, you guys put your men together and get moving he yelled in command.
And the battle raged on, a fighter chopper belonging to the federal armed forces was shot down by the sect forces using their ground to air missile launcher before it was totally crushed by an anti air strike among numerous that followed suit. This impact gave the military upper hand as they advance menacingly. Finally Rasaq gave the signal for a retreat. Aliyu got up from underneath the rubbles he hid, fired some shot as he ran several metres to join the rest of his team in a truck ahead. He slanged the rifle across his shoulder so as to have a firmer grip on the already moving truck. Onboard he took position and kept firing steadily into the enemy line. Several missiles was fired at them, one exploded in front of a section of the fleeing trucks creating a huge ditch were several trucks met their end bursting into flames. Aliyu swallowed hard imagining he was one of the several occupants of those trucks running around in flame. He looked around for any trace of Rabiu hoping to see him around. Another explosion again and the truck he was in swayed several times toppling most of its occupant but Aliyu held firmly to one of its crisscrossing iron rails until it finally came to a halt in front of a huge ditch created by the blast. Hastily he jumped out of the truck fearing it might explode like its predecessors when he felt a sharp pain across his ribs which send a rupturing signal to his brain, he closed his eyes for several minutes gasping for breath. He spat the dustiness he felt in his mouth, it was bloody. The pain gradually grew all the more intense, he fell on his knee grimacin veritably sure he had ruptured a rib. In hellish blinding pain he knelt down, close his eyes oblivious of his surrounding and prayed for redemption even as people fled by. He soon felt a hand on his shoulder and a grip around his waist yanking him up, blinking open his eyes it was Rasaq. With a little effort on his part he was soon able to scurry along manageably.
Now is not the time to give in to the enemy,’ he said brusquely to him. Better die with a weapon in hand than on your knees in pity.
Get in,’ Rasaq ordered pushing him into another truck with the assistance of some of his colleagues pulling him onboard. He was soon seated amidst them clutching his rifle between his knees. The chase continued. On reaching the set point, Sanni and his men were nowhere to be found. Rasaq surveyed the area with a frightful weary look on his face. The military at proximity were not relenting and his men badly beaten. They needs solace by all means or risk loosing their life as they retreated further. He was now obviously apprehensive, looking frantically around for the reinforcement. Finally at almost a kilometer from the set point, Sanni and his men chantings was heard coming to their aid in fury. Aliyu looked ahead and smiled, he wasn’t going to die today and be eaten in the field by wild beasts after all. As they approached closer he caught a glimpse of Rabiu and was stupefied wondering when had he left his side to join Sanni, all the while thinking he might be dead. Their approaching counterpart brought a feeling of resurgence to their team mate giving them a fair playing field as they held their own against the armed forces. In the heat of battle, Rasaq went in search of Sanni who was busy giving orders to his men. He beckoned on him and together they moved away from the maelstrom of gunshots and explosion to have a word.
What the hell were you thinking abandoning me behind? That wasn’t the initial plan and I lost almost three dozen men as a result of your negligence,’ he yelled at Sanni.
Is that the reason you called me out here,’ he hissed. You should even be thanking your stars you aren’t among the damned.
You would have loved that, won’t you?
He shrugged.
You don’t care for anyone but yourself. Anyway it is your turn to wage the army, me and my troops will proceed henceforth to Histar valley. We have fulfilled our script, when you’re done with yours hand over to Jafar our intelligence expert to round up before proceeding.
You will do no such thing Rasaq, leaving me behind alone to do combat is tantamount to treason,’ he yelled nervously
I don’t care and you can’t stop me,’ he shrugged,’ afterall it was
your idea all along to fight to the finish, now I’m leaving you to fulfil your dream. Cheers,’he walked away biding him farewell
Stop there right now,’ he yelled but Rasaq didn’t pause. There was a loud bang and a whistle flew pass his ears. He swirled around to face a pistle pointed at him.
No one leaves here except I say so,’ Sanni warned.
I don’t take orders from you and never will.
Don’t push me.
You can’t possibly shoot me because you know you will be held accountable.
Not when no one is watching, I’ll just say you got hit by a stray bullet. You will be celebrated a martyr. Everyone will be singing your praises, applauding you for all eternity when I’m through with your eulogy.
I’ll beat you to a pulp if lay my grips on you,’ he said gnashing his teeth at Sanni’s sarcasm, with that he turned sharply and walked away briskly. A couple of feet away he felt a piercing pain in his lap, the bullet rupturing his femur. He lost his balance and fell flat on the floor as he was about taking another step.
Arrgh you shot me, you bastard,’ he shrieked in pain.
I warned you not to dare me mister,’ Sanni smirked dangling his pistle and hovering around him,’ but you wouldn’t listen. You and your guts which I had slowly hated for a while now, which came to be as a result of Husseni affinity towards you. He favors you most even though I was here before you, rising in ranks and achieving a lot more but still he gave you a nudge ahead. He always gives you the best commendation, you are nothing without him and you know it. Henceforth you’re going to take orders from me or risk lo——,’he was cut mid sentence landing heavily on the earthen floor with Rasaq on top of him, his fist clench tightly around his neck, the pistle falling several feet away from them. Sanni struggle to break free from the choking grasp of Rasaq by delivering several blows to his side but it got even tighter. At the verge of almost giving up his feet landed feebly on Rasaq gunshot wound emanating a painful screamed from him. Feeling the succor it gave him, he indulges in it hitting on the spot several more times until his fist loosen then he punched him hard on the face, got to his feet and went for his gun. Twitching his head sideways readjusting his strained neck, he spat a bloody spit on the floor feeling the bruises on both his lips and inside his mouth. Pointing the gun at Rasaq who was crawling in pain he fired a shot at him, spat and walked off to join his men. He gave order for an immediate retreat but Aliyu noticing he was alone became a little suspicious because he had earlier caught glimpse of both of them walking together however he joined the others as they prepared to retreat, limping to the nearest truck with Rabiu by his side who was called upon by Sanni. He heard him screamed; running towards the direction Sanni pointed and right then Aliyu knew something was up. He came across to a colleague who broke the news about Rasaq being mortally wounded. He joined the others running towards were he lay surrounded by his men, his brother held on to him crying.
Get him into one of the truck quickly we don’t have time. We must leave the plains before nightfall,’ Sanni’s voice sliced through the gathering. Together they quickly lifted him into one of the waiting truck, his head resting on Rabiu laps whose tears flowed freely watching his brother groaned in so much pain. They drove on maneuvering the undulating terrains with so much force its impact rattled everyone immensely. With dusk fast approaching the Nigerian military force slowed down considerably especially with their unawareness of the terrains which came as a huge relief to the sect as they sped off into the horizon.
Fourty five minutes later when they arrived at where Jafar and his men lay siege, they came to a halt. Sanni got out of his truck and blew a whistle signalling Jafar and his troops to come forth.
Is he still alive? Aliyu asked wearily
I think so but I doubt he will be for long. He needs special medical attention ASAP which is unlikely to happen,’he replied sniffing severally. I can’t bear to lose my brother; he is all I have left.
Not to worry he’ll make it. Rasaq is a strong man and he will make it to base where he will be given proper treatment.
They looked up upon hearing some voices and footsteps, to see Sanni and Jafar approaching.
How is he? Sanni asked raspily.
Not good, he has been coughing non stop. I don’t think he’ll make it through the night,’ replied Rabiu.
Then I suggest we tarry here tonight and bury him before commencing on our sojourn to Histar valley at dawn,’ remarked Jafar.
But he isn’t dead yet.
Yes but he’ll be and we can’t risk stopping to bury him on the highway in broad daylight. We will remain here until he dies,’ he continued peering at Rasaq limp bloody body with a touchlight, his breath was heavy and it came with a struggle. He withdrew the touchlight and handed Rabiu a shovel.
Since you’re his brother you will have the honor of digging his grave, take it.
No please I can’t do it,’pleaded a weeping Rabiu.
It is an order, get down right away and come with us,’ Sanni yelled. Cautiously he raised Rasaq head from his lap with the assistance of Aliyu, took the shovel and went off with them. Rasaq cough grew more virulent agitating his entire body.
Water, I need water,’ Aliyu heard his hoarse voice say to him. Surprised he called out to a colleague to get some water but was advised nothing was to be given to him.
Rabiu I said get me some water he kept insisting. Aliyu turned to his counterpart to get the water, it was a dying man’s request afterall he reasoned with the guy who nodded and left with a mug to fetched the water.
Rabiu I’m sorry please forgive me for all the wrongs I’ve done to you,’ Rasaq said feebly.
It is okay Rasaq, try and relax bro.
No,’he voiced emphatically,’ it will be well only if you forgive me. Your child is alive. She’s under the guardianship of Mariam my lady. Take very good care of her.
Aliyu was stunned, so the child he saw Mariam with wasn’t her’s afterall but that of Rabiu and Hadiza.
I ‘m sorry I’d ruined your entire life; I guess perhaps I was a little envious of the beautiful life you had managed for yourself despite all odds. Please forgive me so that my soul can finally rest,’ he continued in a lower tone then he coughed some more. Aliyu responded by rubbing his back gently to help sooth the wrecking pain he must be feeling.
Is Sanni responsible for this? He inquired.
Rasaq gave him a faint nod and became still just as the second guy returned with the water.
He is gone,’ Aliyu said to him getting off the truck to go in search of Rabiu to inform him. An hour later after Rasaq was buried they sped of into the night, Aliyu feasted on his thoughts riddled with uncertainties throughout the journey.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Aliyu kept tossing until finally coming awake. He opened his eyes and sat up for a moment damping his face with his bedsheet gathering his wits. Getting up he poured himself a cup of water as the occasional snores of his roommates filled the air. He looked around for his wristwatch with torchlight; four thirty a.m he sighed putting on his shorts, opened the door softly and stepped outside. The atmosphere was cool, calm and foggy making vision a bit difficult as he walked briskly through the fields towards the mountains. He encountered no one as he went neither did anyone beckoned on him, the entire camp felt somewhat desolated as the sect was still licking its wounds suffered in the hands of the army. Never in their imagination did they think they would experience such devastation but then they had neither made an attempt to conquer such a large metropolis as Garuba before. It was a first of all first and as such the impact was immense. Histar valley looks deserted all of a sudden devoid of its exuberance even in broad daylight as its occupants were demoralized.
Walking as fast as possible not pausing to look back or sideways for once until he reaches the foot of mount Histar with its bemusing presence. He went round it till he came across the same exact spot the rock boulders he’d arranged over a week before was. He set to work carefully parting the rocks
aside until the orifice was large enough to fit his entire frame. He pointed the torchlight at the huge emptiness that beholds him before stepping in. Inside was like a huge dome cave floored with different shapes and sizes of rock pebbles. He was particularly mindful of where he step keeping in mind the prevalence of snake in places such as this. He heard a rushing sound, as he went further the floor became damper and the water rose as the quivering increased. Almost ankle deep in water he came to behold what the whole fuse was about. It was actually a waterfall not more than twelve meters high, the heavy torrential downpour of water colliding with massive rocks at the base gave birthed to loud earthquaking vibrations which mildly shook the entire precinct resulting in what Rasaq and the sect termed a heartbeat.
Wow! Aliyu exhilarated at the sheer amazement of his discovery. It was by far the most intriguing sight he has ever beheld; suddenly he noticed the water rising higher reaching up to his knees. Everywhere shooked and he panicked fleeing to higher grounds away from the flood. He pointed his torchlight at the river which has more than doubled in size, overflowing its bank and drowing almost half the entire cave, and when it poured downward Aliyu clutched tightly to an edge, almost popping out of its skin. It was as if an atomic bomb had been detonated as the vibration more than tripled. It went on like this for the better part of an hour before gradually began to subside. Aliyu could now relax on top of the rock boulder trying to dymystify nature’s mysteries. Suddenly there was loud shrieking clantering noise everywhere; he jumped to his feet pointing his torchlight in several directions. Millions of bats were all over the place, coming in from tiny crevices high up. He shone the torch on his watch it was five after six. He had better be going to avoid suspicions, at a time like this when the situation is so tense at Histar valley following the aftermath of the debacle any little thing can get you killed. He lingered a little bit watching the tide subsides and the river returns to its normal size before moving closer for a betterview of the waterfall. The conundrum that is likely going to be his exit out of Histar valley stood before him. With sweaty hands and heavy heartbeats at his new discovery he scurried off to base to prep for the general meeting called upon by Talib-azziz to be held by noon.