The Tracks are Calling by Meiring Fouche

9. SAHARA ADVENTURE SERIES - THE TRACKS ARE CALLING

The narrative commences in the scorching Sahara, where Teuns Stegmann, a member of the French Foreign Legion, makes a disturbing discovery alongside his patrol. Near the tumultuous region between Dini Salam and Doetra, they observe vultures circling a scene of devastation. A caravan has been attacked, and twelve bodies lie mutilated in the sand. Amidst the chaos, Teuns finds a delicate, golden powder compact, marked with the initials “J.T.”, as well as a small bag. These are all signs indicating the presence of Berbers and the possible abduction of a white woman, an event confirming the initial conflict.

Teuns’s determination and acuity propel the narrative forward, positioning him as the linchpin of the search, having to interpret clues such as the perfumed handkerchief, an ivory bracelet, and later, a hairbrush which is also found. These confirm that a woman was indeed present during the attack. A sense of escalating urgency and peril builds as their attempts to follow the trail are hampered by the treacherous desert wind. Even amidst the discovery of a tortured man in Harba, Teuns remains focused, although the situation becomes further complicated by the disappearance of Petacci, a member of his own patrol.

Driven by a mixture of duty and a strong protective instinct, Teuns takes increasing risks because he has no other choice. Following a series of perilous confrontations, including disguising himself as an Arab and his own capture and torture, Teuns manages to escape alongside the abducted woman, Jenene. Yet, even in their apparent freedom, the shadow of the Berbers and their enigmatic motives still looms over them. What is the true significance behind the machine gun and the abduction, and what unseen forces might still lurk within the vast, unforgiving desert?