Nicholas left the aircraft and walked across the tarmac to the terminal
building. As they entered, before they had even approached the row of
waiting immigration officers someone called his name.
'Sir Nicholas!' They both turned to the tall young woman who glided
towards them with all the grace of a features lit by a welcoming dancer,
her dark and delicate smile. She wore full'length tradition al skirts
which enhanced her movements.
'Welcome to my country of Ethiopia. I am Woizero Tessay.' She looked at
Royan with interest, 'And you must be Woizero Royan.' She held out her
hand to her and liked each other Nicholas saw that the two women
immediately.
I will see to the 'If you will let me have your passports. There is a
formalities while you relax in the VIP lounge.
from your British Embassy waiting there to greet you, man Sir Nicholas.
I don't know how he knew that you were arriving.'
the VIP lounge.
There was only one person waiting i He was dressed in a well-cut
tropical suit and wore the orange, yellow and blue diagonally striped
old Sandhurst tie. He stood up and came to greet Nicholas immediately,
Nor, ? it's good to see you again Must be all
'Nicky, how are yo of twelve years, isn't it?'
'Hello, Geoffrey. I had no idea they had stuck you out here.'
'Military attache. His Excellency sent me down to meet you as soon as he
heard that you and I had been at Sandhurst together.' Geoffrey looked at
Royan with marked interest, and with a resigned air Nicholas introduced
them.
'Geoffrey Tennant. Be careful of him. Biggest ram I safe within half a
mile of north of the equator. No girl him.'
'I say,. steady on,, Geoffrey protested, looking pleased with the
reference that Nicholas had given him. 'Please don't believe a word the
man says, Dr Al Simma. Notorious prevaricator.'
Geoffrey drew Nicholas aside and quickly gave him a r6sum6 of conditions
in the country, particularly in the outlying areas. 'HE is a little
worried. He doesn't like the idea of you swarming around out there on
your own. Lots of nasty men down there in the Goiam. I told him that you
knew how to look after yourself.)
In a remarkably short time Woizero Tessay was back.
'I have cleared all your luggage, including the firearm and ammunition.
This is your temporary permit. You must keep it with you at all times
whilst you are in Ethiopia. Here are your passports - the visas are
stamped and in order. Our flight to Lake Tana leaves in an hour, so we
have plenty of time to check in.'
'Any time you need a job, come and see me,'Nicholas commended her
efficiency.
Geoffrey Tennant walked with them as far as the departures gate, where
he shook hands, 'Anything I can do, it goes without saying. 'Serve to
Lead', Nicky.'
''Serve to lead'T Royan asked, as they walked out to the waiting
aircraft.
