Memories are short. People talk about the trouble being stirred up now. This is nothing compared to the madness back then. I pulled Muhammad into my house to make him listen. His influence is growing in the tribe. He understands trade, and I trade in power. If Mecca collapses, the Arabs will be powerless. We are devouring ourselves. “Once you hear me out, you can alert the others,” I began. “You are young, but your counsel means something.” “Am I here for a history lesson?” Muhammad asked with a serious smile. “It’s a lesson about danger,” I said. “Last time the danger came from without. This time it festers within, like a disease. I feel the plague spreading. Trust me, I’ve seen the worst.” Muhammad bowed and took a seat. “Tell me.” I cast my mind back. “News spread of an attacker marching across the desert. Bedouin boys tending sheep in the mountains were the first to spot the enemy. They ran to town crying that huge monsters were in league with thousands of soldiers.
