• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

"The American is here, in captivity?"

"He is," said Mahmoud.

"He knows how to work the equipment you've captured?"

"He does," said Mahmoud. "Several of the captives appear to know something of its operation."

Siriner thought for a long moment, and then called for a soldier who served as his master-at-arms. The brawny young man hurried into the office and saluted. Military formalities were strictly observed among the twenty-five soldiers who were permanently stationed at the base.

The commander returned the salute. "Sadik," he said, "I want the American leader tortured where the others can hear."

Ibrahim wasn't convinced that the American would break. However, he didn't offer his unsolicited opinion. The only answers Siriner accepted from his people were "Yes, sir," and "I'm sorry, sir."

"Yes, sir," the master-at-arms said.

"Mahmoud," said Siriner, "I've heard that there are women prisoners as well?"

"Yes, sir."

Siriner looked back at Sadik. "Select a woman to watch the torture. She will go second. I want this vehicle working for the next part of our operation. It may help us guide the infiltrators."

"Yes, sir."

Siriner dismissed his master-at-arms. He turned back to Mahmoud and Ibrahim. "Mahmoud. I see you wear Walid's ring."

"Yes, sir. He gave it to me before he--left us."

"He was my oldest friend," said Siriner. "He will not die unavenged."

Siriner walked from behind the desk. His expression was a strange mix of grief and pride. Ibrahim had seen the expression before in the faces of people who had lost friends or brothers, husbands or sons to a cause that was equally close to them.

"As we expected, Syrian Army troops have begun moving to the north. Mahmoud. You're acquainted with the role that Walid was to have played in the second phase of our operation?"

"I am, sir," Mahmoud replied. "Upon his return he was going to relieve Field Commander Kenan. Kenan is going to lead the raid upon the Syrian Army outpost in Quteife."

Siriner stood in front of Mahmoud and peered into his eyes. "The raid is vital to our plan. However, Allah is merciful. He has returned you to us. I see in that a sign, Mahmoud al-Rashid. A sign that you and not Kenan are to take Walid's part."

Mahmoud's tired eyelids raised slightly. "Commander?"

"I would like you to lead the Base Deir group to Quteife and then Damascus. Our man there awaits the signal. Set out with the others and I will give it."

Mahmoud was still surprised. He bowed his head. "Of course, Commander. I am honored."

Siriner embraced Mahmoud. He patted his back. "I know you must be tired. But it is important that I be represented in Damascus by a hero of our cause. Go and see Kenan. He will give you your instructions. You can sleep while you wait for the Syrians."

"Again, sir, I am honored."

Siriner moved over to Ibrahim. "I am equally proud of you, Ibrahim."

"Thank you, sir."

"Because of your role in the day's victory, I have special need of you," Siriner said. "I wish for you to remain with me."

Ibrahim's mouth fell at the edges. "Sir! I would like to be allowed to go with my brother!"

"That is understandable," Siriner said as he hugged Ibrahim. "But I need a man who has dealt with the Americans and their van. This is not a question of courage but of efficiency."

"But commander. It was Hasan who spoke--"

"You will remain here," Siriner said firmly. He stepped back. "You drove the van from Turkey. You may have seen something that will prove helpful. And you have experience with machines. That in itself is more than many of my soldiers have."

"I understand, sir," Ibrahim said. He looked narrowly at his brother without moving his head. He fought hard to conceal his disappointment.

"I will have a talk with the Americans," Siriner told him. "For now I want you to rest. You've earned it."

"Thank you, sir," Ibrahim replied.

Siriner looked at Mahmoud. "Good luck," he said, and then went back to his desk. The men had been dismissed

Ibrahim and Mahmoud turned smartly, then returned to the tunnel. They