The Caliphate

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

A cacophony of bugles jars me out of a fitful sleep. I slide out from underneath the covers and shriek when I fall five feet instead of the narrow aisle between mine and Nasirah's bed.

I crouch down, trembling, as men shout and boots go stomping past me. Everything aches. It takes a moment before the last four days come tumbling back in a rush.

I am in a cave. Surrounded by the Ghuraba's enemies.

I touch my bruised eyelid. At least it's gone down enough to see, but my vision remains blurry. My ribs ache as I straighten up and force myself to stand. I grab a spare blanket and raise my hands to begin the pre-dawn adhan.

"Allah is great." I kneel and bow my head to the floor. "Glory be to Allah, praise to be Allah, there is no god except Allah…"

Yong appears.

"Hey, McCarthy