Chapter 45 - 49
Vance POV
The red walls of the city and various buildings are constructed in red sandstone. Marrakesh comprises an old fortified city packed with vendors and their stalls, which houses one of the biggest traditional markets. A major economic center. The region of Marrakesh is like a desert in character with semi-arid temperatures, hot and humid.
The ramparts of Marrakech, which stretch for at least nineteen kilometers around the medina of the city. The walls are made of a distinct orange-red clay and chalk. The corner-pieces are embellished with floral decorations. This ornamentation is framed by three panels marked with an inscription from the Quran.
I thought my father would be eager to escape the punishing heat, but he has fallen under the thrall of this place. He even orders the entire convoy to take a detour so we can enjoy the market. My father and Mayor Du Pont pair up and meander away to browse the stalls, followed by two guards. The rest of us clump together by force. Silas and Luciano walk shoulder-to-shoulder behind Avara and I whereas Landen dawdles behind the four of us on his own with his black shades on. The pathways are packed with sun-kissed people, some even leading mules by their reins.
Souk SKelseyrine, which sells everything from brightly coloured bejewelled sandals and slippers and leather pouffes and kaftans. Other stalls display hand-woven baskets, natural perfumes, knitted hats, scarves, tee shirts, and Ramadan tea. Between the four of us, Luciano and Silas are the only ones engaged in a riveting conversation. Avara has been on a call since we descended. Considering the unending interval, I’m certain she’s talking to Kelsey. I know she misses her and wishes that she could’ve come along. I know I do. I cast her frequent looks, a radiant expression with a smile so luminous, speaking excitedly with enviable elation.
"Who she talking to for so long?" Silas asks from behind us.
Luciano snorts. "Kelsey, who else?"
Momentarily, they both rush past me to glomp down on Avara. A web of arms around her from the playful ambush.
"Kelsey, that you?" Silas hollers towards her phone. "We miss you, babe!"
Avara’s face suddenly turns fierce, and she shoves them away with unexpected aggression. She shakes her head and walks a couple steps ahead to send a clear message that her conversation is private. Luciano and Silas exchange looks, acting unaffected as they resume their stroll, eyeing an extensive collection of babouches and belts.
Landen sidles my flank, exuding an air of mischievous intent. "I’m sure her phone call has broken some kind of world record by now."
"You more than anyone know how women like to talk," I mutter back.