INTO THE VOID

CHAPTER 29: THE SCORPION OF THE NORTH

Galahardy…” Abdulsamad exclaimed. Immediately he saw their car pull up, he became very excited. Abdulsamad was a tall, muscular, bearded Arabian man. He was a tough man, you could tell from his gait and actions. This was a man who had seen difficult times and survived them all. He worked with different archeologists in his lifetime, going into deep tunnels and excavation pits. He had also as a negotiator, helping the army to deliver ransoms to kidnappers. He had been in the heart of conflict; he has handled rifles, shot them and has been shot at with them.

Abdulsamad, the scorpion was a tough man; the tough man Xaviere and Petrichor were meeting today.

“Scorpion Samad, it has been a while …” Galahad said shaking the man firmly. They brought their heads together for a moment in the way Arabian men greeted themselves. The two men were friends; it was obvious.

How did the butler of the Macpherson household and the Scorpion of the North become friends abd close friends for that matter? Petrichor wanted to ask but the ordeal in the car has taught her to respect Galahad’s privacy.

“Yes my friend, it has been a while. Where is Andrew?” Abdulsamad asked.

“He is off sand drifting the dunes of Gaza.” Galahad said.

“Oh, yes he is about the age.” Abdulsamad said. They both laughed and shook themselves again. “I knew that boy when he was level little; very bratty kid I tell you.” Abdulsamad said turning towards Petrichor and Xaviere who stood in silence and watched the reunion.

“He is a man now; I doubt you would recognize him” Galahad said.

“Nonsense…” Abdulsamad exclaimed. “I carried that boy in my hands when he was barely seven; The Scorpion of The North does not forget faces. You of all people should know that Galahardy.”

“I used to think that was a myth but you proved me wrong on that Quicksand Recon. Now I believe anything you say.” Galahad said smiling; Abdulsamad laughed.

“Who are these people?” Samad asked Galahad loudly as though Petrichor and Xaviere were not standing just a few feet from him.

“Friendlies…” Galahad said. “Acquaintances of Andrew…”

“Oh, why didn’t you say so sooner? Any friend of Galahad is a friend of mine.” Abdulsamad said shaking Xaviere very hardly. He drew his closer and butted heads with him. After the surprise shake, he waved at Petrichor and nodded; that was the best he could do. It was against his believes to touch women he was not related to by blood or who were not his wives. Petrichor already experienced this at the airport but it was still a shock to her.

“So, you two want to see Gaza huh? Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.” Abdulsamad said.