East of Sudan

The events unfold in late 1884 during the Mahdist insurrection in Sudan and the siege atmosphere around Khartoum. Outposts and battles between Mahdist forces and British troops frame the perilous journey toward Khartoum. The timeline centers on the river escape and the fragile alliances formed along the way.

Barash is a British outpost perched along the Nile about 200 miles upriver from Khartoum. The river is both highway and hazard as the survivors bail water from a leaky boat and fight to reach safety. The setting spans harsh riverbanks, desert margins, and frontier clashes between colonial forces and the Mahdist insurrection.

🗺️ Survival

The group faces harsh natural elements, river dangers, and hostile forces as they move toward safety. Resourceful decision-making and teamwork become essential to endure the Nile crossing and shelter the vulnerable. Every obstacle tests endurance, courage, and the will to keep going.

❤️ Love and Loyalty

Baker and Margaret develop a precarious romance amid competing loyalties, with Murchison also vying for Margaret's attention. The relationships strain trust and influence choices under pressure. Affection intertwines with duty, desertion, and the drive to survive.

⚔️ Conflict

The Mahdist uprising casts a constant threat, from slavers to siege-like danger on the march toward Khartoum. Cross-cultural alliances become crucial to withstand the surrounding violence. The narrative builds toward a decisive clash that tests courage and strategy.