The sunset dyed the Kirkuk Plain dark red, and the steel frames of the oil wells silently pierced the sky in the dusk.
The air was filled with the pungent scent of sulfur mixed with unrefined petroleum, a smell of both wealth and danger.
The soldiers of the Abu You Brigade were reinforcing defensive fortifications.
Sandbags were stacked layer upon layer, forming half-height barricades; barbed wire gleamed coldly in the last light of day; at several critical high points, 12.7mm heavy machine guns were in position, barrels aimed northward toward Elbil.
"Sir, the northern checkpoint reports that three civilian trucks are requesting entry, claiming to be a supply convoy from Elbil."
The messenger's voice lifted Abu You's gaze from the map.
"Have they been checked?"
Abu You asked.
"Checked, and the trucks indeed contain food and medicine, but..."
The young messenger lowered his voice, moving closer, "The driver told me alone that they have a message from Chairman Masoud."
