When Rammah entered, his father was sitting and once again preparing to receive the elders of the tribe. Rammah asked for permission to talk, so his father authorized him, and before he spoke one of the soldiers entered and cut him off.

“Sir, a messenger came from Bani Al-Badr.”

Rammah was surprised. “Did he come to ask for provisions? Or to ask for war in revenge for what happened to his son Shaddad?”

Qais pointed to the soldier, said, “let him enter,” then grabbed his cane and leaned against it.

The Messenger entered, and after greeting Qais and his son, he started. “Master Safwan asks you for an important meeting.”

Rammah's eyes narrowed. “Which meeting is this?”

He shook his head. “I do not know, Sir. But Master Safwan emphasized on the importance of the presence of Master Qais as soon as possible. In addition to this, he extended this invitation to Master Salama Ibn Qahtan, leader of the Bani Al-Shams.”

Qais thought a little and looked as his son, who looked distressed.

The son said to the messenger, “leave now and tell your master that we accept the invitation.”

And no more was said of it.

The messenger went out and the moment he did, Rammah rushed toward his father, speaking with fury.

“How do you agree, Dad? Aren't you afraid that it will be a trap?

“What trap, my son, they might have? We passed this level a long time ago. Now only the need is what brings us together. I do not think Safwan even thinks about getting revenge for his son. So, we have always fought, won, and been defeated. Prepare yourself – my son – to accompany me, because I am of an old age, as you can see.” He added, “and summon your brother, Otba.”

Rammah left his father’s tent and asked one of the soldiers to summon Otba.

At first, Otba was anxious. It made sense to him that Rammah would have complained and slandered him to his father because of what happened. He hesitated for a long time. Eventually, he gathered up his courage and entered his father’s tent, though he did so with caution. He tried to seize the eyeline of his father, who indicated to him to sit by his saide. He sat, looking at the tent with anxiety.

His father's voice cut his thoughts. “How are you, son?”

Sadly and overburdened, he replied, “I am as you can see it, Dad. I miss the place I have always been in.”

“Is your loyalty to me subject to your mandate?”

“God forbid, Dad. But—"

“If you had not committed that mistake, I would not have handed over the mandate of the covenant to your brother, Rammah. In the end, you are brothers and your goal is one, which is the interest of Bani Al-Nagm. Do not let hatred pull that thought from you.”

Otba’s silence pushed his father to continue. “I called you here because I and your brother, Rammah, are going to attend an emergency meeting at Safwan’s place. I pledge the tribe a great leader in you, placing their trust in you. Our journey may take days, and this oasis needs protection and constant monitoring.”

His lineament was relaxed, “trust me, Dad. I will not disappoint you.”