The Camel Riders

A troupe of camel riders is trekking through the desert. Their newly elected leader, Mustafa, has recently made a rule that saying anything that is deemed 'negative to morale' is now illegal. Anyone committing this crime of naysayery will immediately be put to death by means of poison arrows. The troupe are very happy with this new rule because their previous leader was a real Eyeore.

One day Mustafa says, "I think we should visit the town of TikTak. We journey there immediately." Upon hearing this news, Ali, a lowly member of the tribe, is alarmed. He had recently heard that TikTak had been taken over by cannibals. He had heard of a case where visitors to the town, initially welcomed in, had been captured, killed and served up for the king's dinner. He hadn't told anyone because he worried tales of cannibalism weren't very cheerful and could be classed as naysayery. He was just sort of hoping that the troupe would never end up going there. However now he has no choice.

Ali tries suggesting an alternative, being as enthusiastic as possible: 'Great idea, oh wise Mustafa, TikTak is wonderful I have heard! However, what is even more wonderful, is the town of Shan - simply beautiful. How about we consider that too?' Mustafa glowers back. 'However?', he says, disapprovingly, 'that is a negative word. Scribe! Add it to the ban list! We simply cannot have this negativity in the tribe. . Ali - you must be quiet now.' The rest of the tribesmen look down nervously.

Ali starts to panic. To make things worse, his daughter, whom he adores more than anything else and would gladly give his life for, is currently under 'special protection'. This means her camel rides tethered to Mustafa's, supposedly so as to gain from his wisdom by proximity. To question this, to request the release of his daughter, would mean sure death.

Ali weighs up his options. But he sees no good way forward. What would you do?