September 1st, 892 in the continental calendar. The steamship carrying Poul and Amelia finally arrived at the port of Jeddah after a three-week voyage.
Walking onto the gangway, they already felt the sweltering heat hitting them as the sun above cast its unrelenting rays upon the bustling port city. Poul wiped the beads of sweat forming on his forehead and glanced at Amelia, who looked equally exhausted but determined.
"Quite the welcome, isn't it?" Poul said with a wry smile, his voice slightly muffled by the sounds of seagulls and the commotion of the busy port.
Amelia nodded, adjusting the brim of her sunhat to shield her face from the scorching sun. "I never imagined it would be this hot. But we made it, Poul. We're finally here in Jeddah. I never imagined I would set foot on this land. Anyways, Poul, have you read my report about the House of Saud? The one we are going to meet later?"
"Yeah, I pretty much digest everything," Poul proudly said. "But there's not much use to it don't you think? The House of Saud wants to unify the Arabian Peninsula and steer away from the influence of the Ottomans. To do so, they'll need to strike a deal with us, who will give them the money necessary to purchase arms and ammunition."
Amelia scoffed softly. "It seems that you read it. Now, where is our contact?"
As they stepped foot onto the bustling streets of Jeddah, their attention was caught by a local man dressed in traditional Arabian attire, a white thobe and a red checkered shemagh wrapped around his head. His piercing dark eyes met theirs, and he approached them with a warm smile.
"Greetings, sir, ma'am," he said in accented but fluent English. "I am Abdullah, a guide and a trusted companion of the House of Saud. I've been informed of your arrival, and it is my honor to lead you to the Palace of Saud."
Poul and Amelia exchanged surprised glances. It seemed their reputation had preceded them, and the connection they had been seeking had found them instead.
Amelia extended her hand, expressing gratitude for his timely arrival. "This is Poul Nielsen, founder of the Axelsen and Nielsen Corporation and I'm Amelia Weiss, the executive secretary of the company. This is an official document that outlines our proposal for support and cooperation with the House of Saud. We have been eagerly anticipating this meeting."
Abdullah took a glance at the sealed document and nodded. "Very well, Ms. Weiss, if you would be so kind as to allow me to guide you to the palace. Oh, I must inform you that our land is not as advanced as yours. We do not have steam locomotives and automobiles. Instead, we are going to take camels for the journey to the Palace of Saud. They are the most reliable and suitable mode of transportation in these arid lands."
"It's fine by us," Poul nodded his head. "How far is the palace anyway?"
Abdullah smiled warmly and gestured toward the horizon. "The palace of Saud lies about fifty miles to the northeast of Jeddah, across the vast expanse of the desert.
After saying that, Abdullah led them to a nearby stable where a group of sturdy camels awaited. With Abdullah's guidance, Poul and Amelia mounted their camels, feeling a slight jolt as the animals rose to their feet. Adjusting to the rhythm of their new mode of transportation, they set off on their journey through the bustling streets of Jeddah.
The narrow alleys and bustling markets of Jeddah gradually gave way to open sandy plains as they ventured further away from the city. The camels moved with a steady, swaying gait, their padded feet sinking into the soft desert sand. The sun beat down upon them relentlessly, but a sense of anticipation and purpose carried them forward.
Abdullah rode at the front, skillfully navigating the path through his intimate knowledge of the land. Poul and Amelia followed closely behind, their eyes scanning the mesmerizing landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Three and a half hours later, the silhouette of the Palace of Saud grew larger on the horizon. Its towering minarets and ornate domes glistened in the fading light of the day, evoking a sense of majesty and power.
"Is that the palace?" Poul asked, his tone dry from the arid desert air.
"It is indeed the palace, Mr. Nielsen," Abdullah confirmed.
As they approached the palace gates, a group of guards dressed in ceremonial uniforms stood at attention, their spears gleaming in the dying light. Abdullah halted his camel, signaling for Poul and Amelia's camel riders to do the same.
One of the guards stepped forward, his gaze fixed upon Abdullah. "State your business and present your credentials," the guard commanded.
Abdullah reached into his robe and withdrew a parchment bearing the seal of the House of Saud.
"I am Abdullah, trusted guide and companion of the House of Saud. I bring Poul Nielsen and Amelia Weiss, representatives of the Axelsen and Nielsen Corporation. We come with an important proposal for the House of Saud."
The guard inspected the document carefully, his stern expression softening as he recognized the seal. He then nodded in acknowledgment and signaled for the gates to open.
"Welcome to the Palace of Saud," the guard announced, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Proceed."
Abdullah beckoned Poul and Amelia to off their camels, and together, the three of them walked through the grand entrance of the palace. As they entered, they were greeted by the opulence of the interior—a sprawling courtyard adorned with vibrant mosaics, lush gardens, and the soothing sound of fountains.
They were led through a series of ornate corridors, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpets underfoot. The air was scented with the fragrance of exotic flowers and subtle hints of incense. Finally, they arrived at a set of intricately carved double doors.
Abdullah turned to Poul and Amelia, a reassuring smile on his face. "This is it. The meeting chamber. Inside, you will have the opportunity to present your proposal to Abdulaziz Ibn Saud himself."
Poul straightened his suit, this was it.
