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The small Bavarian town was almost as good as seeing home. Zeke rode down the narrow streets, exhausted, relieved and triumphant. He patted the satchel hanging on the side of horse, the books secure. Mission accomplished.
The townsfolk greeted him with a range of attention, from curious glares to welcoming smiles. A group of children followed him from a distance, whispering, pointing and laughing. A stern looking constable finally approached him.
“You are Famara’s friend?” he said in stilted English.
“That I am,” Zeke replied. “You wouldn’t know where I could find him, would you?”
“He’s at Helmut’s home,” the constable replied. “I will take you there.”
He followed the constable to the center of town. Helmut’s home was near the city hall, a quaint building with empty flower holders under the windows. The constable knocked on the door as Zeke hitched his horse then slung the satchel holding the books over his shoulder.
Helmut met him at the door, his eyes widen.
“Where is Annette?” he asked.
Zeke smirked. “I’m happy to see you, too. Miss Annette had to stay behind for a spell. Don’t worry, she’s in good hands.”
Zeke stepped around the disappointed burgermeister. Famara rose from a chair before a small table, his eyes expectant. Zeke sauntered up to the table the placed the satchel down.
"Here are your books," Zeke said.
A wide smile creased Famara’s face.
"You've done well, horro," he said.
Zeke pulled up a chair then sat.
“Is Annette okay?” Famara asked.
“That pretty lady is as tough as nails,” Zeke answered. “Old’ Dolph had a backup laboratory. We took it down, but Annette was wounded kind of bad in the process. A local doctor patched her up good but she needed a rest. She insisted I get a move on and get you these books. Like I told her boyfriend –he looked at Helmut- she’s in good hands.”
“As I said, good job, horro.”
Zeke folded his hands behind his head. "I don't know about this horro stuff, but we have business to attend to."
Famara nodded. "I can pay you immediately, but there is another option."
Zeke smirked. "I'm listening."
"Come to Timbuktu with me. I'll need your protection since I'm recovering, and the Elders can be much more generous than I can be."
Zeke rubbed his chin. "I suspect me going to Timbuktu has nothing to do with protection you or a bigger payday."
"It doesn't," Famara admitted. "Come to Timbuktu, Zeke. You deserve to know why the books are so important."
"What about Annette? She had a hand in this as well."
Famara grinned. “Annette answers to people who need not know what is at stake at this point.”
“So you don’t trust Annette and you trust me?” Zeke asked.
“Your motivations are simple,” Famara replied. “But I think there is more to you than even you suspect.”
“I think you’re seeing too much,” Zeke replied. “Most people do. All I want to do is get back home to my farm and my woman.”
Famara leaned forward. “It’s a simple choice. I can pay you a small sum now, or a much larger sum in Timbuktu. So what do you say, Zeke. Will you accompany me?"
Zeke played with his cross. "Always wanted to go to Africa. You sure those Elders will spring for more gold?"
Famara's smile widened. "I'm positive."
Zeke extended his hand and they shook.
"So when do we leave?"