April 18th 1810
Dear Diary,
After four months of crossing through the lawless and harsh terrain of the country of Afghanistan, I can finally state that we have made it within Herat’s great wall and finally fulfill our assignment in good spirit and health. I must declare that I feel like a new man; having to travel miles, endure the heat, be wary of bandits, I must declare that it appears like I have been blessed with a new soul.
I’ve never ventured this far from my home Nushki, and now to have set foot in Heart so far and distant, I cannot help but feel entranced by the beauty and proud of my acts. Never in my life have I come across a place filled with lush greens, the shades far richer than the coarse fields that were planted back at home. The city of Herat lay in between highly elevated mountains, settling in a lavishly cultivated valley. The river that ran through the valley started up in the mountain, twisting and curving its way through the entire length of the valley. Farmers must be very fortunate as their gardens flowed with colours, indicating a rich harvest was imminent; the villagers themselves were fortunate as they could enjoy the majestic landscape Herat had to offer them. The walls that surrounded Herat were meant to keep intruders out, however, to me; they seemed to be very welcoming, especially since the drawbridge opened at our arrival. Perhaps I should stay here instead of returning back to Nushki; like I always say diary, what have I got to come home to?
Once again the Tartan traded his guise, returning back to the horse dealer I had met him as. As it may be, the Tartan does not mean any harm; his change of guise was due to his safety as well as us, his escorts, and is not due to any secrets he may have or may not have. The horse dealer has not bought the horses for his wealthy employer; instead he has chosen to go on a brief pilgrimage to the holy city of Meshed, before returning to India with the horses. Although I still do not believe he really is Muslim, I do respect that he is choosing a fulfilling life for himself.
As for me, I have decided not to accompany the Tartan as he embarks upon his own pilgrimage. I also have decided not to accompany the other Nushki villagers as they make their way back through the hash environment of Afghanistan to return to their families and or businesses. However, I did seek them out, giving them my blessings before they embarked. I’m ready to begin a new life, maybe as a farmer or continue as a merchant in Herat. This town itself has proven to me that great things are to be expected, and that is why I am staying.
Maybe one day I shall come across this Tartan horse dealer, and be able to thank him for changing my life vastly. Through this voyage I have experienced a whole new side of life that I would not have expected if I were to stay in Nushki. Yes, I did view the journey as an obligation; however, more as if it was given to me by Allah himself.
We shall be expecting better things my dear diary,
Arman Husayn
