Book 1, Tea in the Sahara: Chapters 5-6 Summary

In Chapter 5, Smail leads Port back into the outskirts of Oran, past any semblance of civilization. Port grows concerned and asks where they are going. Smail is evasive, but he tells Port that they are going to an old fortress. Upon arriving, Smail guides him down a treacherous flight of stairs to a couple of tents. In one, Port can hear men talking. Smail excuses himself to the other tent. While Port waits, he gets the feeling that Tunner may be sleeping with Kit. He is about to leave the fortress when Smail returns.

Inside the filthy tent, Smail introduces Port to Marhnia, a young Arab girl. She does not speak French of English, and Smail serves as an interpreter. He tells Port a fable Marhnia learned on her adolescent retreat...