THE OLD GATE

there; it used to be locked at night in olden times to protect the city from its enemies.

The soldier leaned against the gate. He thought he could hear the clash of swords, the neighing of horses and voices repeating the words “Allahu akbar!” “God is great!”

All of a sudden he felt scared. Hearing the sound of footsteps he shivered in fright and pushed his back even closer to the gate. A man and woman appeared; they were walking together and holding an intimate conversation. The woman was wearing a black milaya. The soldier managed to catch a glimpse of her face before she pulled the black veil over it with a swift hand gesture. It was a white and youthful face whose sweetness and allure helped it to penetrate the darkness.

The soldier now felt even lonelier; his sense of aggravation at something or other intensified. He found himself moving unconsciously and standing in the way of the man and woman. He suddenly had an overwhelming desire to see the woman’s face unveiled and up close. The woman let out a muffled shout of panic and moved behind the man for protection, holding on to his hips.

The soldier moved forward, his hands thrust before him like a blind man. He staggered to one side trying to grab hold of the woman, but the man stopped him with a hand and then gave him a powerful shove in the chest which made him totter backwards. The woman let out a shrill scream. He was riveted to the spot and stood there feeling confused and very angry. The sound of running feet was heard, and three men soon appeared wearing black trousers and red tarbushes on their heads. They immediately surrounded the woman and her man.

“Don’t be scared, my sister,” one of them told her, “there’s nothing to worry about!”

The four men stood there poised and ready, facing the soldier. An incredible silence prevailed; the roar of the river was clearly audible as it made its way from one end of the city to the other. The soldier realised he was threatened with mortal danger. He put his hand to his waist and tried to pull out a revolver from its leather holster. The four men pounced. Grabbing hold of him they forced him to the ground. The soldier opened his mouth and tried to yell for help, but at that very moment a sharp dagger struck his neck. The cry was lost, and all that remained was a mute gasp mingled with the

BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015 143