Push Back

The sheikh decided it was time to venture further afield.
Crossing Syria's borders was a bold proposition, but the prizes around Al Bukamál were too good to pass on.
The homestead they came to "negotiate" with wasn't the biggest.
The jeeps stopped in front of the gate, with Abdul getting out and going to announce the sheikh.
Mawhub took up his customary meditative pose, eyes closed.
Suddenly the jeep shot backwards with full speed. The others scattered in different directions.
Moments later bullets hit the sand where it had stood.
"Sons of dogs," the sorcerer gritted. "They have magical defences."