“Master, do you trust me?” Shimon stared hard into Ali’s eyes

Ali took a deep breath and handed the knife back to Shimon.

“Thank you.” Shimon thrust the knife into his belt. “Now why was that so hard?”

“Because I’m nervous about this deal, all of a sudden.”

“Let’s just go to sleep already.”

“No, let’s get out of here. I want to go back home. I have a terrible feeling about all of this.”

“It will all be alright, okay? Calm down.”

“I can’t calm down, Shimon. I always had a nagging suspicion about that smiley man Achmed. He’s just a little too friendly, if you know what I mean. I thought his smile was sincere, but now every time I imagine his face, I have second thoughts about his true intentions.”

“Master, do you trust me?” Shimon stared hard into Ali’s eyes. “Because if you do, I’m telling you right now to stop fretting. We’ll meet with Achmed tomorrow, he’ll give you the money you both agreed upon, and you’ll return home a richer man.”

“That’s the thing, Shimon. I don’t know if I even trust you, anymore.”

Shimon closed his eyes, his heart beating wildly inside his chest. The dagger was digging into his leg, but he did not care anymore. He knew he was past the point of being able to dispose of his master. He just did not have the ability to stoop so low. But how would Farik react when Ali and himself would come knocking on his door?

Neither men slept that night, both watching each other closely in the dark tent. When the sun finally rose again, they exited the tent into the mud outside and began loading the mules with carpets.

“Whatever happens, I’m trusting you to protect me,” Ali said as they set off toward their rendezvous with Farik. “That’s what the dagger is for, as per your own words.”

“Your wish is my command.” Shimon gritted his teeth. “Always.”