Lariat of Power

Chapter Three

Two days after breaking camp at Hamunaptra, Ardeth and his warriors drew up to the bustling community of the Seventh Tribe. Chores and exercises were forgotten while the residents clamored to greet their Chieftain and returning warriors. Even the smaller children, who had been busy playing ball games or tug-of-war, stopped what they were doing to pay homage to their leader.

Dismounting, the new arrivals excitedly welcomed fellow warriors, friends, and old acquaintances. While introductions were made, Elder Hamid al Mu'afa and his associate Elder Ghazi al Khashshab unexpectedly joined them.

"Chieftain, I believe you know my father and Elder al Khashshab," Rami spoke up as the men gathered in a small circle.

"Aiwa," Ardeth acknowledged, clasping each man in turn by the forearm in the Medjai's traditional handshake. "It is good to see you both."

"Elders, if I may," Rami continued. "Honored Commander Jubran Masruq and his Honored Second, Hadad Thaqib from the Eighth Tribe. Also from their tribe, Warrior Qadir Omran."

"It is a pleasure," both Elders said in unison.

"And there is no need to introduce yourself or your brother," Hamid commented amusedly. "As always, I welcome my sons home with gladness in my heart." He gave a brief hug to both Rami and Marid.

"When can we expect a report to the Council?" Ghazi interrupted the family reunion. "I believe we have several matters that must be settled immediately."

Hamid's eyes immediately flew from Ghazi to Ardeth and then back again. Before Ardeth's departure to watch over the activities of Hamunaptra, the two had participated in several heated arguments over the Chieftain's choice of brides. Ardeth had yet to convince Ghazi that his choice of the "outsider" would be a better match for him than Ghazi's daughter, Sidrah. Neither were going to budge, and Hamid feared the conflict could cause insurrection amongst the Medjai nation. If the Elders did not respect the Chieftain's decision, Hamid feared the people might also turn against him if he went ahead with his plans to take Najya Zaghloul as his wife.

Ardeth forced his expression to remain blank, fighting the scowl that threatened to appear. Because Ghazi persisted with his rights to have his daughter wed to the Chieftain, the nine council members were divided. Four were in Ardeth's favor and four against. Only Hamid had not announced his decision.

Privately, the Head Elder had expressed his worry for anything but a unanimous decision. Civil unrest was a huge risk, but Hamid knew Ardeth truly believed in his heart that once the Medjai had time to know Najya, they would accept her as one of their own. With Ghazi's dissention, however, Hamid knew the decision would never be unanimous.

"We most assuredly have matters to discuss, Elder Khashshab; however, my men and I do require rest after our journey."

"So you do," Hamid agreed, placing a friendly hand to Ardeth's shoulder. "You should find your tent in readiness, yâ ra'îs. My nieces have seen to its care," he explained. "As for our other guests, Rami and Marid will find suitable quarters for them during your stay."

"Shukran, Elder Mu'afa," Jubran said, bowing his head respectfully.

"Nonsense. Call me Hamid, Commander," the Elder insisted. "Rami...Marid..."

Both warriors nodded. "We shall see to it, Abu," Rami answered. "Min faDlak, follow me to the stables and we will first see to the horses."

"Let us go," Jubran ordered as he reached for the reins of Ardeth's horse. "I will see to your horse, yâ SâHib."

"Shukran, Jubran. Meet me at the Council assemblage in two hours," Ardeth said. "If you should need me, or something important should arise, you will find me in my tent."

"Aiwa, yâ ra'is," Jubran acknowledged.

Ardeth turned to the two Elders. "If you will excuse me..." He bowed respectfully and then left the group to retire to his tent.

Stepping out of the stables and back into the bright sunlight, Qadir raised a hand to shield his wolf-gray eyes from the glare. His adoptive father frequently teased him that his light eyes with their flecks of olive green were especially attractive to the maidens of his tribe. Qadir often wondered where these maidens were hiding, because he had yet to meet one.

"I must say," he said, observing the activity of the vast village. "Your tribe is much more active at this time of the day than the Eighth Tribe."

"It does appear so," Hadad agreed. "Perhaps it has to do with the Oasis this village resides near. We are not so fortunate."

Rami and Marid had exited the stables just behind Hadad and Qadir. Jubran soon followed after making sure the horses were in capable hands.

"There is much more natural shade here," Jubran observed, joining in the conversation with his tribe mates.

"We are most fortunate," Rami commented. "The palms offer much shade."

"And the pool is magnificent for cooling off after a strenuous sparring match," Marid added.

"Aiwa," Rami agreed. He couldn't stop the smirk that appeared on his face. "It is also good for bathing naked and frightening all the young girls in the village."

"Lâ!" Marid shouted much louder than he had intended. "Do not speak of that, Rami, or by all that is holy..."

Rami threw his head back in laughter. "Is there a problem, yâ ukh?" he asked when his laughter abated.

"You must tell us," Qadir goaded. A devilish grin appeared on his handsome face.

"Qadir," Hadad reproached. "We are guests here and..."

Jubran just shook his head as the other four taunted each other. The months they had spent together at Hamunaptra had molded their friendship into a brotherhood of sorts. It was good to see the jovial camaraderie for a change; their lives were filled with serious matters far too often for it to happen frequently.

"Perhaps we should discuss the time you got lost while leading..." Marid began, but was suddenly stopped when a papyrus hockey ball whizzed past him.

Laughter ensued when Rami was not quite so lucky and tripped over the nearby horse trough while evading the ball. Water sloshed over the sides from his added weight when he landed full force on his backside.

"SamaH ana, yâ sîdi," a young boy of nearly seven called out as he ran over to the trough. He picked up the ball that lay nearby and bowed to the warrior who struggled to free his large body from the small confines.

The young boy looked up at the imposing, dripping wet warrior and was held fast by the stern look on his face. Rami stood to a tall six foot two inches, but in the boy's mind he was over ten feet tall. His dark brown eyes held such a hard look, the boy thought for sure he was about to be punished severely for soaking the warrior's robes. The neatly trimmed mustache and beard that lined his jaw and chin only emphasized the rigid line of his mouth.

Rami reached out and nearly laughed when the boy visibly jumped. He tousled the boy's hair and smiled down at him. Contrary to what others thought, he had not completely lost his sense of humor as he grew older.

"There is nothing to forgive," Rami finally spoke, alleviating the boy's fears. "Now, go...rejoin your friends. They are anxious to resume the game."

After the boy's departure, Marid clapped his brother on the back, causing water to spray in all directions. "There was a time, ukh, when you were much lighter on your feet."

A harsh look greeted Marid. "I will remind you of that during our next sparring match."

Ardeth's tent was located slightly away from those of the other members of the tribe and only done so to give him a bit more privacy. This tent was much like the other tents that were erected for him at each of the other tribes. The only one that was different and more personal was his tent at the First Tribe, the tribe in which he was raised.

He hadn't been inside long before he heard a soft feminine voice call out to him. He pushed aside the breezy material that covered the tent opening to see two young women, and when they lowered their veils once inside, he noticed a resemblance between them. Dark or black hair was not uncommon among the Medjai, and both wore their long locks braided at the back of their heads, the length touching the small of their backs. Their robes hid their womanly curves from sight, but Ardeth had the feeling they were both graced with beauty there as well. Their noses and mouths were nearly identical, the slightly oval shape of their faces as well. The only unique quality he could find upon immediate study was their eyes. One had eyes so dark they reminded him of liquid ebony. The other had eyes as blue as a Lapis stone.

"We bring fresh water and fruit, yâ ra'îs," the one with black eyes spoke.

"By request of our 'Amm Hamid," the blue eyed girl added.

"Shukran," he said, moving aside to bid them entrance. When the large pitcher of water and bowl of fruit were deposited on the small table just inside the entrance, the women turned to leave. "You are the nieces of Elder Hamid?"

"Aiwa," the dark eyed one answered. "Ana ismee Nida." She bowed respectfully.

Ardeth inclined his head in acknowledgement and then turned to the girl with blue eyes. "And your name?"

"Sabira," she answered, smiling. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Chieftain. "'Amm speaks very highly of you."

Although he shook his head as though he did not warrant such praise, a warm smile formed on his lips. "Shukran for your thoughtfulness."

"If you are in need of anything, do not hesitate to call upon us," Nida added and smiled at Ardeth. "Ma'assalama, Chieftain."

"Ma'assalama...Nida, Sabira," Ardeth replied.

...to be continued

--

Min faDlak – please (spoke to a male; making a request)

SâHib -- friend

yâ ra'îs -- my chief

Aiwa – yes

Abu -- father

Shukran -- thank you

Ma'assalama -- goodbye

'Amm -- Uncle

Marhaba -- hello

yâ sîdi -- Sir

ukh -- my brother

-- no

Ana ismee – my name is