Chapter 2..............
Samia thought back to the day her young life had changed forever. The day she had first set eyes on Hamid Bay, who now played on the beach in front of her with his little fishing line. His black curly hair blowing in the strong breeze that was always present on the island. He was a beautiful child, with his turned down chocolate brown eyes and his dazzling smile, and she'd known from the first day she saw him of his importance to the Medjai.
She remembered like it were yesterday, Hassan bringing the sleeping bundle into her father's home in Malaga and entrusting them both with his safety. Cassim, her father, had long been a trusted member of the Medjai even though he no longer lived within their ranks. His purpose, after the death of her mother had been to give shelter to any member of his tribe that needed it. Even so, he'd never thought that one so important would be entrusted to him.
Hassan had only stayed for a few hours after delivering Hamid to them, he couldn't take the risk that he'd been followed. As he'd prepared to leave, he left instructions that he would return twice a year to bring money for the boy's upkeep, once again stressing the importance of the boy remaining undiscovered until such a time that it was considered safe for his father to come for him. They were to do anything and everything in their power to keep the boy's whereabouts secret.
That had been four years ago, when Hamid was only ten months old. In the first two years that followed, Samia and her father moved house several times in a desperate attempt to shake off any unwelcome attention. Hamid was still only a toddler at this time and seemed to take the constant moves in his stride. Samia had played it out to him as a big adventure. Her father had always met with Hassan at the appointed time, and the appointed place twice a year until his death eighteen months ago. It had then been down to Samia to care for the young Hamid and keep up the lines of contact with the Medjai.
"Aunt Sami,aunt Sami," called out Hamid joyfully. "Look aunt Sami, I caught one, I caught a fish."
"Well done," shouted Samia, as she ran down the beach towards him, her toes burning in the hot sand.
Samia unhooked the small fish from the line, watching the look of pride at having caught something at last wash over Hamid's smiling face. "Shall I cook it for dinner?" she asked, as she pulled him into a tight embrace and began to tickle him. Oh how he loved to be tickled, his little face crinkled up as he shrieked and laughed in amusement.
"Take a picture aunt Sami, I want to show daddy, Is he coming today?" Hamid cried happily.
Samia sighed, knowing that she would once again have to tell him that no, she didn't know just when daddy was coming, but she was sure it'd be soon. This had been going on ever since Hamid had learned to talk properly, ever since she'd explained that his father would come for him one day.
"Not today cheeky, soon, I promise it'll be soon," she said with as big a smile as she could muster.
Things had definitely taken a turn for the worst a couple of months ago. They'd been settled in Cadiz then, on the Spanish mainland. When she'd gone to meet Hassan alone, for she would never risk taking Hamid with her, she found another man waiting in his place. Luckily for her the other man had no clue what she looked like and before he'd had chance to see her approach the meeting place she'd bolted in panic. She knew instinctively with his body language that the other man wasn't Medjai and feared the worst had happened to Hassan. At the previous visit Hassan had warned her that if he ever didn't show up, and another Medjai wasn't there in his place, she was to take Hamid and head out to the Islands.
She'd made it home in record time and packed up quickly, taking only what was necessary before heading off to the port. As they'd approached the port she'd seen the huge boat anchored in the harbor and prayed it would be the one she needed. For Hassan had told her to head to the Island that most resembled the desert. Hamid had taken it in his stride once again, bursting with excitement at the prospect of a boat trip. She swore he would never know or feel danger, she would protect him from it, till her last breath if she had to. Nevertheless, her luck wasn't with her and she'd had a terrifying three day wait in a small lodging house outside the town until the right boat arrived.
So now she sat on the beach at El Cotillo, on the island of Fuerteventura, just sixty miles off the coast of North Africa, where she and Hamid had made their home just over six weeks ago, wondering if she'd been forgotten, if Hamid had been forgotten. Had the Medjai given them up for dead? All sorts of thoughts ran through her head as she constantly reassured Hamid that his father would come back for him soon.
"Come on cheeky, time to go and cook that fish," she giggled, as they walked back up the beach towards the harbor.
One of the local fishermen patted Hamid on the back and congratulated him on his fine catch. Samia had befriended the old man and his wife shortly after her arrival, having at first to rely on the couple for advice on a place to set up home. She'd found the pair of them to be honest and something inside her told her they could be trusted. She'd been alone for too long, having to forego company lest it bring any problems for the pair of them. Not that she hadn't had her fair share of offers, her long raven hair and slender body drew a fair amount of stares from the opposite sex.
"Pedro, how are you today my friend," she asked. "Did you bring in a big catch?"
"Not too bad, not too bad," he replied with his toothless grin. "How's the little one?"
"I'm not little," shouted Hamid. "I'm a big boy now, aunt Samia told me so," Hamid said with a look of importance.
Samia laughed, he certainly was growing quickly and had a real aptitude for language. They spoke Spanish in public, but she had taught him Arabic also, and that was the language they spoke in private. She'd also taught him all about his heritage and the Medjai, only stopping short of telling him how important he and his father were. She surmised that he'd be safer without that knowlege.
"Yes, you are a big boy now, you'll soon be big enough to come out to sea with us," said Pedro.
Hamid's face lit up, "Aunt Samia, could I, really, can I go out on the big boats?"
Samia rolled her eyes, "Well let's just wait and see until after your birthday shall we?"
"Oh all right, but I'll ask again on my birthday," he giggled.
"I'm sure you will," said Samia. "Maybe we could both go on the boat as a birthday treat, how'd you like that?"
Hamid's eyes were like saucers, "I love you aunt Samia," he said as he cuddled her.
That simple statement always brought a tear to Samia's eyes, for she knew that the time would come when she'd have to give up the little boy she loved so much. She never let her mind wander too far down that road, it was just too painful for her to contemplate.
"Come on then, time to go home," said Samia winking at Pedro. "We have a fine fish to cook for dinner."
"I'll see you both in the morning," said Pedro. "You can pick the truck up anytime you like," he said.
"Thanks," said Samia with a warm smile. "Till the morning then."
Hamid made a huge song and dance about being the man of the house and bringing home dinner. Samia had to laugh, he was beginning to sound like a true Medjai without thinking. She thought it sweet that he'd wanted to catch dinner for her and told him it was the tastiest fish she'd ever eaten in her life, as he recounted the struggle he'd had to catch it, his eyes sparkling with pride.
All too soon, a full days fishing and a full belly were taking it's toll on Hamid, he valiantly fought the battle to keep his huge dark eyes from closing, but it was one battle too many for the little warrior for today, and he was soon fast asleep on the sofa. Samia went over and picked him up, he wrapped his arms tightly around her neck as he always did, clinging on for one last cuddle before she put him in his bed. "Goodnight cheeky," she whispered as she planted a little kiss on his forehead.
After Hamid was safely tucked up in bed, Samia took herself off out onto the terrace overlooking the harbor. She loved to sit out here at night, watching the village light up. The little lights on the fishing boats twinkling like stars against the darkening sky. Her only regret was that she had no-one to share these moments with. She was only twenty five, but had seen so much grief and had to be so careful with every move she made there'd been no room in her life for romance. She showered all her love and attention on Hamid instead. She knew she was more than rewarded with the love that Hamid gave her back, but still, it was times like these that made her long for a normal life, a life where she'd have a loving husband to snuggle up next to during the night. Would she ever be able to have those things ?she wondered. "Oh get a grip woman," she told herself. "At least you've still got your little prince to love."
The next morning Hamid came bounding into her bedroom, bright as a button from a long nights sleep. She sighed as she looked at the small clock that showed six a.m. "Oh well," she said to an overexcited Hamid. "We may as well make an early start," she laughed, as she pointed to the bathroom.
Hamid padded over to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and washed his face, giving Samia just enough time to get up and dressed in her usual attire of baggy shirt and pants before going into the kitchen and setting out their breakfast. Hamid always talked with his mouth full, he was just so full of conversation she didn't have the heart to scold him for it. He finished his breakfast quickly and was clearing away by the time Samia had finished in the bathroom.
"Are we ready now aunt Samia?" he begged.
"As we'll ever be," she replied brightly. "Let's go and find Pedro shall we?" she said, picking up the heavy picnic basket they were taking with them on their trip to the south of the island.
Pedro greeted them with his usual toothless grin and explained that he'd be busy all day. The cargo ship from Spain was arriving at Puerto de Cabras in a couple of hours and he was sailing around the headland to pick up supplies. He told them to take as long as they wanted with the truck and not to worry about being late back.
"You're too good to us Pedro," she laughed, as she put the picnic basket on the blankets in the back of the dusty old truck.
"Are you sure you can handle this old thing?" Pedro asked skittishly as she crunched into first gear.
"No problem, no problem at all, I have my little helper with me don't I?" she giggled, as she shakily drove away.
They took one of the only two main roads that ran down the island passing through Corralejo, one of the bigger towns on the island. Just outside of the town they drove through the vast sand dunes that swept from way inland right down to the waterside. Hamid was enthralled quickly asking just where did all the sand come from. Samia explained to him that many many years ago the sand had blown over from the great Sahara desert. Hamid was impressed, very impressed indeed.
Driving away from the rolling dunes they neared the town of Puerto De Cabras where they had first landed on the island a few months ago.
"Look aunt Samia, there's a big boat just like the one we sailed on in the harbor, can we go and see it?"
"Not today cheeky, today I'm taking you to see some camels," she said.
"Camels, like in Egypt?" he said excitedly.
"Yes, like in Egypt," Samia laughed.
"Are there horses as well," he cried. He really missed the horses in Spain. Uncle Cassim had taught him to ride nearly before he could walk, and he'd loved it from the start.
"I don't think so," said Samia regretfully, knowing how much he'd loved to ride.
"Oh well, never mind then, a camel will just have to do for now," he reasoned.
After an hour or so they arrived in La Lajita, Hamid was bursting at the seams after seeing the men walking the vast lines of camels up and down the golden beaches. They parked up the truck and Hamid asked if he could go for a swim first.
"Tell you what, I'll come and swim with you," Samia said. She'd never visited this part of the island before and had been warned that there were strong currents in most of the waters around the island, so she was taking no chances that her dear Hamid would get into any difficulty.
The water had been gently warmed by the early morning sun and soon they were both splashing around on the deserted beach without a care in the world. Time passed quickly and Hamid's belly began to growl. She picked him up and tossed him into the water one last time, making him squeal with delight before picking him up and settling them both back onto the beach for their lunch.
This had to be one of the best days they'd enjoyed on the island since their arrival and soon Hamid was engaged in a game of soccer with some of the local children who'd some down to the beach to play. Samia thought what a shame it was that they never stayed anywhere long enough for Hamid to make any proper friends. She remembered her own childhood in the desert, always having hordes of other children to play with. But still, Hamid seemed happy enough, but in her heart she knew that his happiness would only be complete when he saw his father.
An hour later Hamid was being jostled from side to side on the top of one of the biggest camels she'd ever seen. The handler was laughing hard at the little boy who constantly wanted to go faster.
"You have yourself a little daredevil here," he joked to Samia. "I think if he could he'd take off at a run."
"You don't need to remind me," she giggled, thinking back to the time Hamid had scared the life out of her father, taking off at a gallop at the tender age of three. If only Ardeth would come for him soon, he could experience the proper life of a young boy, a life amongst other boys the same as him, a carefree life just as a child should have.
"Hamid, five more minutes and then we have to go," she said, cringing as she saw his little face drop. "We can come back again soon though," she promised, watching the half smile re-appear as he took off at speed, leaving the poor handler running for his life behind him, but fortunately, still laughing.
As they approached El Cotillo a couple of hours later Samia's sixth sense told her that something wasn't right. She parked the truck behind one of the small tavens that lined the quayside and covered the sleeping Hamid with a large blanket. She crept around to Pedro's house and peered into the back window. Pedro's wife Maria was serving coffee to two men. Her mind suddenly flashed back to the warnings her father had given her about the men faithful to Lock Nah, her stomach turned over as she realized she'd been found.
Quickly running back to the truck, her eyes stinging with tears, she bumped straight into Pedro.
"You don't have much time," he said. "They've been asking about you and Hamid all over the village, and I get the impression they don't mean you well," he said.
"I have to leave Pedro, if they find Hamid..........."
"Samia, my brother Carlos, you know him, yes?" he said. "He's in my boat now waiting for you. Samia you can trust him just as you can trust me, you have to know that," Pedro stressed. "We've been to your house and collected some things for you and the boy, take Hamid and get to the boat quickly, we'll stall them as long as we can. He'll take you out to Lobos Island across the way and anchor up behind it in one of the sheltered bays. I'll come and get you when it's safe."
"How did it ever get to this again?" Samia cried. "Is this never going to end?"
Pedro gave her a swift hug and helped her get the sleeping Hamid out of the truck.
"Now go, and go quickly, I'll see you again soon."
She carried the sleeping boy over to the boat, Carlos met her and quickly ushered them below the decks, hiding tham in a small compartment.
Hamid woke up with a jolt asking where they were.
"Hamid," Samia said with as much calm as she could. "We're going on another adventure."
Hamid accepted this without question and Samia once again marvelled at the little boys adaptability. Pulling him tightly to her she lulled him back to sleep, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat as they left the harbor.
Samia thought back to the day her young life had changed forever. The day she had first set eyes on Hamid Bay, who now played on the beach in front of her with his little fishing line. His black curly hair blowing in the strong breeze that was always present on the island. He was a beautiful child, with his turned down chocolate brown eyes and his dazzling smile, and she'd known from the first day she saw him of his importance to the Medjai.
She remembered like it were yesterday, Hassan bringing the sleeping bundle into her father's home in Malaga and entrusting them both with his safety. Cassim, her father, had long been a trusted member of the Medjai even though he no longer lived within their ranks. His purpose, after the death of her mother had been to give shelter to any member of his tribe that needed it. Even so, he'd never thought that one so important would be entrusted to him.
Hassan had only stayed for a few hours after delivering Hamid to them, he couldn't take the risk that he'd been followed. As he'd prepared to leave, he left instructions that he would return twice a year to bring money for the boy's upkeep, once again stressing the importance of the boy remaining undiscovered until such a time that it was considered safe for his father to come for him. They were to do anything and everything in their power to keep the boy's whereabouts secret.
That had been four years ago, when Hamid was only ten months old. In the first two years that followed, Samia and her father moved house several times in a desperate attempt to shake off any unwelcome attention. Hamid was still only a toddler at this time and seemed to take the constant moves in his stride. Samia had played it out to him as a big adventure. Her father had always met with Hassan at the appointed time, and the appointed place twice a year until his death eighteen months ago. It had then been down to Samia to care for the young Hamid and keep up the lines of contact with the Medjai.
"Aunt Sami,aunt Sami," called out Hamid joyfully. "Look aunt Sami, I caught one, I caught a fish."
"Well done," shouted Samia, as she ran down the beach towards him, her toes burning in the hot sand.
Samia unhooked the small fish from the line, watching the look of pride at having caught something at last wash over Hamid's smiling face. "Shall I cook it for dinner?" she asked, as she pulled him into a tight embrace and began to tickle him. Oh how he loved to be tickled, his little face crinkled up as he shrieked and laughed in amusement.
"Take a picture aunt Sami, I want to show daddy, Is he coming today?" Hamid cried happily.
Samia sighed, knowing that she would once again have to tell him that no, she didn't know just when daddy was coming, but she was sure it'd be soon. This had been going on ever since Hamid had learned to talk properly, ever since she'd explained that his father would come for him one day.
"Not today cheeky, soon, I promise it'll be soon," she said with as big a smile as she could muster.
Things had definitely taken a turn for the worst a couple of months ago. They'd been settled in Cadiz then, on the Spanish mainland. When she'd gone to meet Hassan alone, for she would never risk taking Hamid with her, she found another man waiting in his place. Luckily for her the other man had no clue what she looked like and before he'd had chance to see her approach the meeting place she'd bolted in panic. She knew instinctively with his body language that the other man wasn't Medjai and feared the worst had happened to Hassan. At the previous visit Hassan had warned her that if he ever didn't show up, and another Medjai wasn't there in his place, she was to take Hamid and head out to the Islands.
She'd made it home in record time and packed up quickly, taking only what was necessary before heading off to the port. As they'd approached the port she'd seen the huge boat anchored in the harbor and prayed it would be the one she needed. For Hassan had told her to head to the Island that most resembled the desert. Hamid had taken it in his stride once again, bursting with excitement at the prospect of a boat trip. She swore he would never know or feel danger, she would protect him from it, till her last breath if she had to. Nevertheless, her luck wasn't with her and she'd had a terrifying three day wait in a small lodging house outside the town until the right boat arrived.
So now she sat on the beach at El Cotillo, on the island of Fuerteventura, just sixty miles off the coast of North Africa, where she and Hamid had made their home just over six weeks ago, wondering if she'd been forgotten, if Hamid had been forgotten. Had the Medjai given them up for dead? All sorts of thoughts ran through her head as she constantly reassured Hamid that his father would come back for him soon.
"Come on cheeky, time to go and cook that fish," she giggled, as they walked back up the beach towards the harbor.
One of the local fishermen patted Hamid on the back and congratulated him on his fine catch. Samia had befriended the old man and his wife shortly after her arrival, having at first to rely on the couple for advice on a place to set up home. She'd found the pair of them to be honest and something inside her told her they could be trusted. She'd been alone for too long, having to forego company lest it bring any problems for the pair of them. Not that she hadn't had her fair share of offers, her long raven hair and slender body drew a fair amount of stares from the opposite sex.
"Pedro, how are you today my friend," she asked. "Did you bring in a big catch?"
"Not too bad, not too bad," he replied with his toothless grin. "How's the little one?"
"I'm not little," shouted Hamid. "I'm a big boy now, aunt Samia told me so," Hamid said with a look of importance.
Samia laughed, he certainly was growing quickly and had a real aptitude for language. They spoke Spanish in public, but she had taught him Arabic also, and that was the language they spoke in private. She'd also taught him all about his heritage and the Medjai, only stopping short of telling him how important he and his father were. She surmised that he'd be safer without that knowlege.
"Yes, you are a big boy now, you'll soon be big enough to come out to sea with us," said Pedro.
Hamid's face lit up, "Aunt Samia, could I, really, can I go out on the big boats?"
Samia rolled her eyes, "Well let's just wait and see until after your birthday shall we?"
"Oh all right, but I'll ask again on my birthday," he giggled.
"I'm sure you will," said Samia. "Maybe we could both go on the boat as a birthday treat, how'd you like that?"
Hamid's eyes were like saucers, "I love you aunt Samia," he said as he cuddled her.
That simple statement always brought a tear to Samia's eyes, for she knew that the time would come when she'd have to give up the little boy she loved so much. She never let her mind wander too far down that road, it was just too painful for her to contemplate.
"Come on then, time to go home," said Samia winking at Pedro. "We have a fine fish to cook for dinner."
"I'll see you both in the morning," said Pedro. "You can pick the truck up anytime you like," he said.
"Thanks," said Samia with a warm smile. "Till the morning then."
Hamid made a huge song and dance about being the man of the house and bringing home dinner. Samia had to laugh, he was beginning to sound like a true Medjai without thinking. She thought it sweet that he'd wanted to catch dinner for her and told him it was the tastiest fish she'd ever eaten in her life, as he recounted the struggle he'd had to catch it, his eyes sparkling with pride.
All too soon, a full days fishing and a full belly were taking it's toll on Hamid, he valiantly fought the battle to keep his huge dark eyes from closing, but it was one battle too many for the little warrior for today, and he was soon fast asleep on the sofa. Samia went over and picked him up, he wrapped his arms tightly around her neck as he always did, clinging on for one last cuddle before she put him in his bed. "Goodnight cheeky," she whispered as she planted a little kiss on his forehead.
After Hamid was safely tucked up in bed, Samia took herself off out onto the terrace overlooking the harbor. She loved to sit out here at night, watching the village light up. The little lights on the fishing boats twinkling like stars against the darkening sky. Her only regret was that she had no-one to share these moments with. She was only twenty five, but had seen so much grief and had to be so careful with every move she made there'd been no room in her life for romance. She showered all her love and attention on Hamid instead. She knew she was more than rewarded with the love that Hamid gave her back, but still, it was times like these that made her long for a normal life, a life where she'd have a loving husband to snuggle up next to during the night. Would she ever be able to have those things ?she wondered. "Oh get a grip woman," she told herself. "At least you've still got your little prince to love."
The next morning Hamid came bounding into her bedroom, bright as a button from a long nights sleep. She sighed as she looked at the small clock that showed six a.m. "Oh well," she said to an overexcited Hamid. "We may as well make an early start," she laughed, as she pointed to the bathroom.
Hamid padded over to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and washed his face, giving Samia just enough time to get up and dressed in her usual attire of baggy shirt and pants before going into the kitchen and setting out their breakfast. Hamid always talked with his mouth full, he was just so full of conversation she didn't have the heart to scold him for it. He finished his breakfast quickly and was clearing away by the time Samia had finished in the bathroom.
"Are we ready now aunt Samia?" he begged.
"As we'll ever be," she replied brightly. "Let's go and find Pedro shall we?" she said, picking up the heavy picnic basket they were taking with them on their trip to the south of the island.
Pedro greeted them with his usual toothless grin and explained that he'd be busy all day. The cargo ship from Spain was arriving at Puerto de Cabras in a couple of hours and he was sailing around the headland to pick up supplies. He told them to take as long as they wanted with the truck and not to worry about being late back.
"You're too good to us Pedro," she laughed, as she put the picnic basket on the blankets in the back of the dusty old truck.
"Are you sure you can handle this old thing?" Pedro asked skittishly as she crunched into first gear.
"No problem, no problem at all, I have my little helper with me don't I?" she giggled, as she shakily drove away.
They took one of the only two main roads that ran down the island passing through Corralejo, one of the bigger towns on the island. Just outside of the town they drove through the vast sand dunes that swept from way inland right down to the waterside. Hamid was enthralled quickly asking just where did all the sand come from. Samia explained to him that many many years ago the sand had blown over from the great Sahara desert. Hamid was impressed, very impressed indeed.
Driving away from the rolling dunes they neared the town of Puerto De Cabras where they had first landed on the island a few months ago.
"Look aunt Samia, there's a big boat just like the one we sailed on in the harbor, can we go and see it?"
"Not today cheeky, today I'm taking you to see some camels," she said.
"Camels, like in Egypt?" he said excitedly.
"Yes, like in Egypt," Samia laughed.
"Are there horses as well," he cried. He really missed the horses in Spain. Uncle Cassim had taught him to ride nearly before he could walk, and he'd loved it from the start.
"I don't think so," said Samia regretfully, knowing how much he'd loved to ride.
"Oh well, never mind then, a camel will just have to do for now," he reasoned.
After an hour or so they arrived in La Lajita, Hamid was bursting at the seams after seeing the men walking the vast lines of camels up and down the golden beaches. They parked up the truck and Hamid asked if he could go for a swim first.
"Tell you what, I'll come and swim with you," Samia said. She'd never visited this part of the island before and had been warned that there were strong currents in most of the waters around the island, so she was taking no chances that her dear Hamid would get into any difficulty.
The water had been gently warmed by the early morning sun and soon they were both splashing around on the deserted beach without a care in the world. Time passed quickly and Hamid's belly began to growl. She picked him up and tossed him into the water one last time, making him squeal with delight before picking him up and settling them both back onto the beach for their lunch.
This had to be one of the best days they'd enjoyed on the island since their arrival and soon Hamid was engaged in a game of soccer with some of the local children who'd some down to the beach to play. Samia thought what a shame it was that they never stayed anywhere long enough for Hamid to make any proper friends. She remembered her own childhood in the desert, always having hordes of other children to play with. But still, Hamid seemed happy enough, but in her heart she knew that his happiness would only be complete when he saw his father.
An hour later Hamid was being jostled from side to side on the top of one of the biggest camels she'd ever seen. The handler was laughing hard at the little boy who constantly wanted to go faster.
"You have yourself a little daredevil here," he joked to Samia. "I think if he could he'd take off at a run."
"You don't need to remind me," she giggled, thinking back to the time Hamid had scared the life out of her father, taking off at a gallop at the tender age of three. If only Ardeth would come for him soon, he could experience the proper life of a young boy, a life amongst other boys the same as him, a carefree life just as a child should have.
"Hamid, five more minutes and then we have to go," she said, cringing as she saw his little face drop. "We can come back again soon though," she promised, watching the half smile re-appear as he took off at speed, leaving the poor handler running for his life behind him, but fortunately, still laughing.
As they approached El Cotillo a couple of hours later Samia's sixth sense told her that something wasn't right. She parked the truck behind one of the small tavens that lined the quayside and covered the sleeping Hamid with a large blanket. She crept around to Pedro's house and peered into the back window. Pedro's wife Maria was serving coffee to two men. Her mind suddenly flashed back to the warnings her father had given her about the men faithful to Lock Nah, her stomach turned over as she realized she'd been found.
Quickly running back to the truck, her eyes stinging with tears, she bumped straight into Pedro.
"You don't have much time," he said. "They've been asking about you and Hamid all over the village, and I get the impression they don't mean you well," he said.
"I have to leave Pedro, if they find Hamid..........."
"Samia, my brother Carlos, you know him, yes?" he said. "He's in my boat now waiting for you. Samia you can trust him just as you can trust me, you have to know that," Pedro stressed. "We've been to your house and collected some things for you and the boy, take Hamid and get to the boat quickly, we'll stall them as long as we can. He'll take you out to Lobos Island across the way and anchor up behind it in one of the sheltered bays. I'll come and get you when it's safe."
"How did it ever get to this again?" Samia cried. "Is this never going to end?"
Pedro gave her a swift hug and helped her get the sleeping Hamid out of the truck.
"Now go, and go quickly, I'll see you again soon."
She carried the sleeping boy over to the boat, Carlos met her and quickly ushered them below the decks, hiding tham in a small compartment.
Hamid woke up with a jolt asking where they were.
"Hamid," Samia said with as much calm as she could. "We're going on another adventure."
Hamid accepted this without question and Samia once again marvelled at the little boys adaptability. Pulling him tightly to her she lulled him back to sleep, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat as they left the harbor.