In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, al-Qaida leadership flees high into the mountains of Afghanistan. Their flight takes a few captives, including Nabil, an 11 year-old boy. Only years later does Nabil privately unveil the story of their captivity, and of their savior, Samira, a heroine who leads them in survival and escape. Al-Oda is a novel based on Nabil's recount of their perilous plight.