Lariat of Power
Chapter Four
Refreshed after a quick nap, Ardeth retrieved a fresh tunic, breeches, and robes from the small wardrobe in his tent. His thoughts turned to the coming meeting with the Council Elders and he grimaced slightly as he donned his clothing.
He had every intention of reporting the details of the goings on at Hamunaptra, but he was in no mood to discuss his personal life with any of the Elders. All nine would be in attendance, he was sure. He truly understood their reluctance to give up the old ways and traditions. He was not asking them to forgo the practices and lifestyle the Medjai had sustained these untold generations. Far from it. He was merely asking for acceptance of the woman he loved.
What he could not understand was their adamant stance that she was an outsider. She was three quarters Egyptian, and although not raised in the conventional ways, she was Egyptian nonetheless. Her claim of being a descendent of Neffara traced her history back to the Pharaohs and Queens of Egypt just as the Medjai's history was. That alone should warrant her the acceptance she deserved.
Ghazi's resistance puzzled him. Perhaps it was all just a way for him to gain respect as the father of the Chieftain's wife. To Ardeth, it seemed farfetched, and yet, it was the one thing he came back to whenever he thought of the Elder and his reasons for being so stubborn when it came to Najya.
Recalling memories of his youth and talks with his father, Ardeth realized Ghazi had been an adequate warrior in his time, but had never managed to move up in the ranks of his tribe. It was possible that Ghazi looked upon that as a failure, but every Medjai warrior was taught upon coming of age that all warriors were valuable.
Even as his thoughts continued to dwell upon the reasoning behind Ghazi's insistence his daughter was the rightful woman to wed the Chieftain, Ardeth exited his tent and made his way toward the Council meeting. When the discussion inevitably turned to his choice of a wife, he needed to keep his temper under control. If the last meeting he attended was any indication, talks would heat up.
There was a time when each tribe had their own Council, but disagreements between the Councils' edicts gave Ardeth a cause to unify them into one Council. Nine members were chosen from the Twelve Tribes. When it was necessary to choose a replacement, a member was selected from one of the tribes not yet represented in the Council. Placing the Council within the Seventh Tribe had been an easy choice; it was a central point for all the tribes. It was the Council member's decision whether to move his household to the Seventh Tribe or travel from their tribe for the necessary meetings.
Ardeth saw Jubran standing just outside the Council building and nodded a silent greeting. Jubran responded in turn.
"The Elders are assembled and waiting, ya ra'îs," Jubran informed Ardeth. "It might also interest you to know that Elder Ghazi has transferred to the Seventh Tribe permanently and thusly, Sidrah is here in camp."
Ardeth bit back a groan. As of yet, he had seen very little of Ghazi's daughter since she was chosen by the Council to be his bride. He had nothing against the girl; she was a fine maiden with pleasant manners, although quite shy. "Then I will be sure to pay her a visit before I leave for the First Tribe," he commented in an even tone. Nothing about this situation was the girl's fault and he would not treat her with disrespect.
Jubran nodded and stepped behind Ardeth as they made their way inside the Council building. It was his hope that while they had been overseeing the expedition at Hamunaptra, the Elders had agreed to Ardeth's petition of marriage. He was sure Ardeth harbored the same expectation.
From her vantage point beneath the welcome shade of a tall palm tree, Sidrah watched the Chieftain and Commander Masruq enter the Council meeting. Shadows cast by the leaves of the palm tree hid the look of sadness that haunted the delicate features of her face.
As the hour passed, she gathered the sewing materials she had been working with and ventured closer to the building. It wasn't long before raised voices were heard, although muffled by the walls. She was sure her father was arguing his stance in regards to the Chieftain's marriage. Truth be told, she feared he would get his way and she would be anchored to a loveless marriage. But whatever the outcome, she was raised to be dutiful, and she would follow whatever decision was put before her.
Silently she prayed against a marriage to the Chieftain. She only knew the man in passing. She had spoken to him a total of five times in her young life. Her instincts assured her he was an honorable man, and yet...
Movement caught her eye and curiosity held her spectator as two riders approached the entrance to the tribe's village. The argument within the Council chamber was forgotten as she focused on the newcomers -- a man and a woman -- strangers both. She marveled at the female's courage to go without the traditional veil and hair-covering Egyptian women were forced to wear, although her long, hooded cloak hid almost as much as Sidrah's own Medjai robes. Thankfully, Medjai women were not required to cover their hair or faces. When the woman pushed back the hood of her cloak, the sapphire blue of the stranger's eyes amazed Sidrah.
With all the woman's apparent differences, she did, at least, allow the blonde man with her to speak on their behalf. Sidrah moved closer when two warriors stepped forward to answer the man. She recognized them immediately, having grown up admiring the brothers. One in particular.
"Marhaba," Rami greeted, extending his hand to the man when both riders had dismounted.
"It's a pleasure," Kyle returned, shaking the warrior's hand. "My name is Kyle Shearer and this is Najya Zaghloul," he introduced.
"Rami Mu'afa," Rami returned, inclining his head respectfully in Najya's direction. "My brother, Marid," he continued.
Marid shook Kyle's hand, and then he too gave Najya a slight bow. "The Chieftain will be greatly surprised by your arrival."
"Then we have not missed him?" Najya asked, happiness shining in the depth of her eyes.
"Lâ," Marid answered. "However, he is meeting with the Elders."
Najya nodded her understanding and offered a curt nod to him. She had expected a cold reception when it was known who she was, but she saw no animosity in Marid's hazel eyes. She was completely thrown when he smiled boyishly and held out a hand to her just as a sudden breeze swirled the long tendrils of his wavy brown hair about his face.
"Allow me to assist you from your horse, yâ sitt," he offered
Najya took his hand and climbed down from her horse with his assistance. "Shukran, Marid. I was not expecting any kindness, if I may be honest."
"We do not all feel you should not marry our Chieftain," Marid spoke softly. If many of his people heard him speaking such words to her, he might be ostracized. Although, such fears were easily set aside when he looked into her eyes; he had always prided himself on his judge of character, and was certain of the goodness he saw in their blue depths.
"It is good to know this, warrior," she answered, her smile matching the brightness of his. "Your support will be depended upon in the days to come."
"You may count upon it, yâ sitt. I can guarantee you the support of the Mu'afa family."
Rami then signaled to two small boys nearby who immediately ran to his side. "Take their horses to the stables. See that they are watered and fed."
"Right away, yâ sîdi," one of the boys answered respectfully.
Both Najya and Kyle noted the hub of activity around the large village. Many people stared openly at them, while most only spared them a glance and moved quickly on their way.
"If you will come with us," Rami started. "We will show you where you may wait until we can inform Ardeth of your arrival."
Extremely disappointed she would have to wait even to see Ardeth, Najya did her best not to show it. She took Kyle's arm and walked beside him while the brothers escorted them to a large tent. Inside the tent, two young women were busy preparing an evening meal.
"Nida, Sabira..." Marid began and then introduced his cousins to Kyle and Najya.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Najya said, finding her voice now that she didn't feel so many eyes upon her.
"And you both as well," Nida returned.
"If you will excuse us...we will wait for the Council to adjourn so that we may inform the Chieftain of your presence," Rami said as he moved toward the tent flap. "If you are in need of anything..."
"Actually," Kyle began, a boyish grin blooming on his face. "If someone wouldn't mind terribly showing me around the village..."
Marid nodded. "Of course. While Rami waits to speak to the Chieftain..." He trailed off while lifting a hand toward the tent's opening.
"Be good, Naj," Kyle whispered and then winked as he followed Marid from the tent.
Najya smiled a bit nervously after all three men departed and she was left standing alone with Nida and Sabira. Both were regarding her rather studiously at first, but soon they both began asking questions about living in the city amongst foreigners. They asked about the rumors they had heard about her and Ardeth and the strange things that happened at the Temple of Philae.
Najya answered all their questions honestly and within a short amount of time struck up a friendship with the two young ladies. It was a friendship that would prove to be a blessing to her in the coming hours.
...to be continued.
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yâ ra'îs -- my chief
Shukran -- thank you
Ma'assalama -- goodbye
Marhaba -- hello
yâ sîdi -- Sir
lâ – no
yâ sitt – my lady