After a week had passed on their trip through the scorching desert, Bethany got used to the slow rhythm of the caravan. It was a relief to realize that Ben was not suffering the effects of the trip so much because he was always protected by the shadows and well-fed. Adjia had proved to be of great help since she loved to play with Ben and his laughter could be heard by his mom while she had her meals or talked to her brother.

Then one day, there was a change in the scene. They were near some rock formations and a dozen men dressed in dark robes climbed down and approached them. It was clear that their intention was to plunder.

Immediately Habibdul and his men reached inside the coffee grains´ bags and took out the most impressive machine guns that Bethany had ever seen.

The outlaws seemed to be impressed too because they took some steps back and stayed quiet, just watching the caravan pass.

Scott rode beside Bethany´s wagon and shouted to her,