Walata, February, 1324, Morning.” The caravan now stretches several days ahead of you and several days behind. You are thankful for
the water in this oasis town. Your next leg to Taghaza will be across waterless desert, and the water
supply is critical. Luckily, the rainy season is beginning, although rainfall will be spotty at best. You
are impressed by the trade activity in town. Blacks from the Sudan to the south meet with Berbers
from northern Africa to exchange their goods. You sit in the shade of a date palm to record your
thoughts and impressions.
