Chapter 5
It was early morning, barely even dawn, when Yasmeen and Rose loaded their bags and supplies into the back of the old Jeep. The Jeep was dented and dirty, but it looked sturdy enough to get them through the desert. Its tires were large and new, its engine purred perfectly. Despite all that, Rose felt uneasy.
Perhaps her uneasy feelings were due to the fact that she was traveling with Yasmeen, a woman who obviously disliked her presence. Or maybe, she felt off because she was still not entirely recovered from the nasty bump on her head. But mostly, Rose was certain her feelings were caused by Ali's absence. She'd seen him in the middle of the night and heard him confess some shocking feelings. Now, he was nowhere to be found, just as he had said would be the case until they were reunited in his village.
"Ready?" Yasmeen inquired as Rose stood next to the passenger seat, staring at their surroundings. Egypt was a hot, deserty place and as Rose felt the heat of the morning already growing uncomfortable, she wondered for the first time just how she was going to survive in such a desolate country.
"Sure," she finally said, though her enthusiasm was weak.
They hopped in the Jeep and Yasmeen maneuvered the vehicle down the last few narrow roads that led out of the city limits. Within only a few miles they were on dirt roads and leaving all civilization behind. A few other vehicles traveled down the same dirt road sharing the path with camels, horses and walkers carrying their wares. None of that, however, held much interest for Rose until she spotted a group of a dozen riders in the distance dressed entirely in black, their heads and faces covered with turbans and veils and riding magnificent Arabian steeds.
"That's interesting," Rose said out loud of her observations. "Are they Bedouin?"
Yasmeen's eyes left the road for only a moment to gaze at the group riding by themselves in the distance toward the city.
"No. The Bedouin are a very different group. They are nomads, herders. And they do not carry arms," Yasmeen said.
Rose squinted her eyes trying to make out the figures. She could see no evidence of weapons other than the glint of sunlight off the scimitars they carried at their sides.
"I see swords," Rose remarked.
"Swords, yes. That is their traditional weapon." Yasmeen veered off the dusty path onto the dunes and began driving straight toward the group on horseback.
"Don't we follow the road?" Rose inquired.
"No, we drive through the desert. Our village is not located on any main route."
They closed the gap on the horsemen quickly and as they drove past, Rose studied them closely. The group was dangerous looking. Though the men's faces were covered, their eyes followed the path of the Jeep as Yasmeen sped by. And not only did their stare cause a shiver to traverse Rose's spine, so did the bold display of automatic weapons slung over their shoulders.
"Who are they?" Rose questioned as she pulled her eyes away from the group. They were walking their horses slowly toward the city and leading four rider-less horses with them.
"They are called the Medjai," Yasmeen said with a slight grin.
"Are they dangerous? They're carrying automatic weapons."
"They can be very dangerous if you enter their territory."
"And just where is their territory?" Rose asked, thinking it odd to see a band of men who exuded such tradition in their dress of black robes and turbans, while displaying modern weaponry at the same time.
"Any part of the Sahara that hides ancient Egyptian ruins is the territory they protect. They are the guardians of the Pharos. Warriors of the desert."
"They sound almost mythical," Rose said.
Yasmeen's smile widened and Rose had to wonder why she found such pleasure in this conversation when she had done nothing but frown her way before.
"Most believe they are. It is a rare glimpse we just received of them on their way toward Cairo. They keep a very low profile," Yasmeen said.
"Low profile? They're carrying guns and not even attempting to hide them. Won't they get arrested going into the city armed?" Rose asked.
Yasmeen shook her head. "No. They are allowed much leeway in Egypt. The government leaves the Medjai to their business."
It was an interesting story and Rose was still curious, wanting to know more. She figured as long as she was going to be living in Egypt for a while, she may as well learn of its history.
"And what is their business now to bring them into the city? This seems to be a pretty blatant display for a covert group," Rose observed.
Yasmeen's smile disappeared. "Not long ago, their chief was killed. Their new chief is preparing to take over. I would guess that would bring them to the city for a rare visit."
"Really? Their new chief lives in Cairo?" Rose asked with disbelief thinking a desert tribe would not have members traipsing about in a large city.
"The Medjai have people everywhere. They are just well hidden."
"You sound like you know much about these people," Rose observed.
"I do," Yasmeen answered simply and the conversation was ended.
****
Word had been sent to him that his men had arrived. They were awaiting him on the outskirts of town and Ali was just gathering the last of his things and heading out of the hotel lobby when the manager halted him.
"Mr. Bay, you have a phone call," the manager said to him quietly as he stopped him with a hand to his arm.
Ali halted his exit and followed the man to his office to take the call. Again, Ali was pleased with the desecration of the manager and would see to it that he was rewarded for his efforts.
"Thank you," Ali said as the manager left him to his call.
Ali was thankful he had not left any quicker, for the call was quite urgent. Saed was on the line and he had news that caused the pit of Ali's stomach to spasm with dread.
"Ali, I heard some news from a contact of mine at the airport that two American men were asking around about an American woman who may have arrived on a private plane a few days ago," Saed began.
"Go on," Ali insisted.
"Someone informed them that she had been taken to a hotel near the edge of town. Your hotel. They were seen in a beige Range Rover outside your hotel last night."
"Really? Does anyone know what they were after?" Ali asked, though he already knew that Rose's problems had made their way to Egypt.
"My contact just told me they followed two women in a Jeep out of Cairo today. Did you send Yasmeen and your friend on ahead?" Saed inquired.
Ali cursed in every language he knew and Saed needed to ask no more. Instead, he suggested, "I do not believe you are too far behind them, Ali. Go with your men and you can certainly catch Yasmeen by nightfall."
"I will, Saed. Thank you for the information. I will be in contact once I arrive home," Ali said quickly in parting and bolted out of the hotel. Rose had ensured him she would be safe in Egypt, but it was obvious she was wrong. If things weren't complicated enough for Ali already with a dangerous renegade faction combing the desert for the fortress, now he had to track down Rose and Yasmeen and deal with whatever men were following them. He was certain his strengths and patience would be stretched by the time he solved all his troubles.
****
"We're stopping here?" Rose asked as nightfall descended, turning the desert sky a deep velvet hue. "We're in the middle of nowhere."
"Did you expect a roadside inn along the way?" Yasmeen asked with sarcasm.
Rose would have snapped back at Yasmeen for her tone, but it was nearly the first conversation they had held since leaving Cairo and she welcomed the sound of words. However, she was already tired and weary from the long, hot drive in the old Jeep who's seats were lacking in comfort and the thought of spending the night in the middle of a desert canyon did not appeal to her.
"I would like one, yes," Rose said back, hoping she didn't sound as sarcastic as Yasmeen. "But what has me more concerned than my own comfort is our safety. Is it safe out here?"
Yasmeen gave a small laugh as she went about unpacking the Jeep.
"Safe? Rose, we are in the middle of nowhere. Who would harm us?"
"Well, you did happen to say that those darkly robed men we saw outside Cairo could be dangerous. How do we know they are not lurking about?"
"They may very well be lurking about," Yasmeen teased. "But we are nowhere near any ancient ruins. Do not worry."
Then, as if to add emphasis to her words, Yasmeen pulled open the long- sleeved khaki overshirt she wore and revealed a handgun holstered at her hip.
"Like I said, do not worry," Yasmeen repeated.
The gun actually caused Rose more concern for now a woman who obviously disliked her was armed and they were very much alone in the desert.
She tried to push those worries out of her mind as they set up a small camp with a tent, sleeping bags and fire. Rose was thankful for the tent, for it meant any nocturnal creatures who combed the earth for their food at night would not have access to her. Unless of course they were the types of creatures strong enough to push their way through a nylon tent. Still, she felt safer with the idea of something over her head for the night and she mentioned so to Yasmeen.
"I figured as much," Yasmeen replied as she made herself comfortable in front of the fire and ate from the dried fruit and meat they had brought. "That is why I packed the tent. I prefer to lay out under the stars, but I had a feeling you would not."
"Its not that I haven't before," Rose defended. "In fact, I enjoy the outdoors quite a lot. It's just the thought of this vast desert that has me wary. I'm not familiar with the territory."
"You will be eventually, if you can last that long out here," Yasmeen commented.
"Are you implying that I'll run back to America in a few days, afraid of the mighty Sahara?" Rose challenged.
"I am."
Rose could see the glint of jest in Yasmeen's eyes. It was obvious this woman was not afraid to express her opinion and challenge everyone and everything in her path. Unfortunately, tonight, Rose was in her path.
"Well, you're wrong. I have nothing to return to in America. Here at least, I have Ali."
Yasmeen laughed for a good long time, then narrowed her gaze on Rose across the fire. "You only think you have Ali. The desert owns him."
Rose found her comment strange and she stared at Yasmeen for a moment before replying. "Are you jealous of my friendship with Ali?"
The smug look on Yasmeen's face disappeared and she turned her eyes back to her food.
"Jealous? What is there to be jealous of? I can have any man I want, I do not need Ali too."
Her words were bold, but Rose did not entirely believe them.
"You may not need him," Rose stated, "but you want him."
Quickly, Yasmeen stood and carried the remains of her food to the Jeep and repacked it in her bag. Her long dark hair was braided down her back and her olive drab military style pants covered her womanly curves. She was not only beautiful, but fierce as well. Rose could see how nearly every man could fall victim to Yasmeen. And it was obvious Yasmeen was still after Ali. Rose only hoped that what Ali had told her last night about caring for her would hold true, for she had a feeling Yasmeen was not in the mood to give up on Ali despite her words.
"If we are venturing into a personal conversation here, why don't you tell me who you really are and what you're hiding from?" Yasmeen said curtly, changing the focus from her to Rose.
Her turn to laugh, Rose chuckled and replied caustically, "Why, I'm just a working gal from southern California who was the unlucky victim of some thug."
Yasmeen turned away from the Jeep and glared at Rose. "Of course you are. Just like Ali is nothing but a computer programmer who's spent one too many hours in front of a monitor writing code."
Again, her tone was taunting, and Rose immediately understood that Yasmeen knew something about Ali that was very important. Something Rose was not privy to.
Standing and brushing the dirt of the hard-packed valley floor from the seat of her khaki pants, Rose asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you are both living a lie, Rose," Yasmeen spat out.
Rose was poised to retort for she was positive she knew exactly who Ali was, when a male voice erupted in the night and sent a chill down her spine.
"Rose? So that's the name you've acquired."
Rose swallowed her fear at the sound of Victor's voice and slowly turned around. There stood her worst nightmare-her ex-fiancé.
Victor was dressed, as always, stylishly, though the desert was a harsh environment. His short dark hair was in perfect place and his masculine face showed no hint of dirt or dust. Just how he accomplished that always baffled her, but what baffled her most was how he had found her in the middle of the Sahara.
"Victor," she said on a gasp. "What.what are you doing here?"
With a wide smile, which showed no hint of humor or goodwill, he replied, "I came to take you home, Rosa."
Just then the deep, vibrating sound of a car engine filled the air and a beige Range Rover pulled up behind him and flicked on its lights blinding her in the bright glare. Several men piled out of the car and just as Rose saw Yasmeen pull her handgun, the men exiting the vehicle all extracted their own handguns.
"I'd put that down if I were you, sweetheart. You're outgunned here," Victor said to Yasmeen.
Yasmeen's face showed with fury, but she slowly placed the gun on the ground and kicked it a few feet away none-the-less.
"That's a good girl," Victor cooed. Then he turned to Rose. "Tell me, is that the person responsible for taking out my men in California?"
"I wouldn't know," Rose said and it was the truth. She had been unconscious during the attack and knew nothing of what had transpired.
"Are the weapons really necessary?" Yasmeen suddenly said from behind. "After all, we are only women and there is nowhere we can run to."
Victor laughed at her words and it was obvious he had already figured out Yasmeen was more than just a frightened female incapable of acting. He suddenly raised a gun and aimed it at Yasmeen. Rose was ready to scream at him to halt, when he fired two quick shots, flattening two tires of the Jeep. Yasmeen surprisingly didn't move an inch during the entire episode.
"Yeah, right. And I'm only the concerned ex waiting to take my Rosa back with open arms." Victor reached for Rose and grasped her arm harshly, yanking her against him. "Isn't that right, Rosalinda?"
"Vic," another male voice suddenly chastised from beside the vehicle. "Leave her be for now."
It was Tony and Rose's heart leapt in her chest. Her beloved brother, the only person she had missed these past five years, was here too and she knew immediately from the look in his blue eyes that he would protect her from Victor's wrath.
A high pitched whistle, possibly the sound from a night bird, bounced through the canyon and brought an eerie feel to the night. The air became still around them and Rose felt a deep vibration in the earth beneath her feet.
"Yes, leave us both be," Yasmeen suddenly spoke up with devious knowledge in her voice, "or you will suffer the consequences."
Victor and the men with him broke out with laughter and before they could finish a loud cry issued through the night and was followed by several other voices. The vibration in the ground increased and the sound of thundering hooves echoed around them. Before Rose knew what was happening, several men on horseback, cloaked in black, appeared in a rush and Victor's men panicked with wild shots from their guns.
It seemed as if the men were firing at ghosts, for the swirl of riders around them disappeared and reappeared almost magically, never remaining in one spot long enough to make a decent target. Rose pulled away from Victor and turned just in time to see a tall rider on a black Arabian wield his scimitar and swing his blade across the chest of an unlucky man, sending him to his death with one blow. The man's gun fell from his grasp and the rider continued toward Rose. She fled from the path of his horse toward Yasmeen and found her discarded gun on the ground. Picking it up, she aimed it at the rider and ordered, "Stop, or I swear I'll blow you away!"
The rider halted his horse and the animal danced from foot to foot. She saw the man's dark eyes burrow into her face with a hint of disbelief and then the language of Egypt spilled from his mouth in a loud retort.
"Put the gun down and you will not be harmed," Yasmeen said to Rose by way of translation.
"Yes, put the gun down, Rosa honey," Victor added, "and toss it this way."
Rose swung her eyes toward the Rover and Victor's voice. All of Victor's men were disarmed or injured and a robed figure held each hostage with a gun or sword. It was then that Rose could take stock of what had transpired. The robed men were the same she had seen earlier, the Medjai. Rose wondered which group was more dangerous, Victor's or the Medjai.
"Tell the guy to let us go, Yasmeen, and I won't have to kill him," Rose said as she continued to aim the gun at the man on the horse.
The dark men all laughed when Yasmeen spoke and the man before her returned words.
"He does not think you know how to shoot. He insists you are too fragile for that," Yasmeen relayed.
"Really?" Rose asked back. Just then she swung her aim away from the man and shot at the right headlight of the Rover, hitting her target squarely. "Ask him if he'd like to reconsider his first impression."
Any previous laughter died down and the man before her threw her a dark stare of anger.
Rose looked at his determined eyes, for that was all upon his face that was not covered, and then at the blood upon his sword. He was certainly not a man to threaten idly, but when it came to fighting for her life, Rose was dauntless even before this desert warrior.
"I believe you got his attention," Yasmeen said lowly under her breath. "And I suggest you put the gun down. It is not wise to provoke these men."
"Why should I put the gun down?" Rose asked back. "Is it better to surrender to these men?"
"Perhaps," Yasmeen replied.
"Don't listen to her, honey," Victor called. "You're better off with me and you know it. Just toss me the gun and we'll settle all this right now."
The man holding Victor hostage suddenly drew his sword and placed it at Victor's neck. His actions caused the other Medjai to follow suit. When Rose saw the sharp blade at her brother's neck, his handsome face filled with fear, she knew she had to act.
"No!" she shouted to Yasmeen. "Tell them not to kill anyone!"
Yasmeen spoke aloud in Arabic and the Medjai hesitated as the man on the horse in front of Rose also spoke. It was obvious to Rose he was their leader. He was giving the orders and the other men were obeying completely.
"That's a girl, Rosa," Victor said with a smug voice though a sword was at his throat.
"They can kill him," Rose snapped and inclined her head toward Victor.
"Rosa!" Victor threatened.
At her distraction, the leader dismounted and stood before her. She was startled by his bold move and took a moment to assess him. There wasn't much she could make out aside from the fierce look in his brown eyes, but she did catch a glimpse of long, raven hair falling near his shoulders from under his turban and an automatic weapon slung over his back that he could easily have already acquired and used on her. But he hadn't and she wondered why.
Then he spoke and Rose waited for Yasmeen to interpret.
"He again insists you put the gun down or suffer the consequences," Yasmeen said. "You are outgunned and outmanned."
"Tell him to let us go. Let us get in the Jeep and drive away," Rose demanded.
The man returned with an answer and all of his men laughed again.
"What did he say?" Rose asked.
With a sigh of frustration, Yasmeen returned, "He says he can't let you go because he wants to add you to his harem and because the Jeep's incapacitated."
"What?" Rose shot out. "They still do that out here?"
Yasmeen merely shrugged.
"What about you?" Rose inquired of Yasmeen.
"He does not want me," Yasmeen replied with sarcasm as she glanced at the man.
As Yasmeen finished her words, a look of sheer impatience crossed the man's eyes and he spoke with force.
"He says enough play," Yasmeen said. "And I agree, Rose. It is dangerous to taunt the chief of the Medjai."
"So, he's the chief, huh?" She then glanced at Victor who was still at the mercy of the warrior's sword. "I guess I'm better off in the chief's harem than with Victor."
"Is that so, Rosa? Well, make sure you tell the man I had you first," Victor shot out, his voice conveying his anger. "He may not want you then, once he finds out you're not so pure."
Just then, the Medjai chief swung around and strode toward Victor. His warrior moved back and the chief struck out, landing a blow to Victor's face and sending him sprawling to the ground. He then wiped the blood from his sword on Victor's clean shirt. Again, he shouted out some command, and when Yasmeen said the chief had ordered Victor and his men to be killed, Rose quickly threw her gun to the ground.
"No," she again pleaded. "Tell him he can take me, but don't kill anyone else." She could care less what became of Victor, but her brother she had to protect. She knew Tony had come with Victor to make sure she came to no harm. He would always look out for his little sister, and she had to return the favor. As for the other men in the group, she didn't know them and did not want to see harm befall them too. Her father operated in a world filled with violence, and she had escaped that world. She didn't want to have to relive it now by watching all these men die at the hands of desert warriors.
The Medjai chief turned slowly from Victor's fallen body and stared at Rose. It was obvious he was considering her offer. Finally, after only a moment, he shouted out an order and moved toward Rose.
Rose looked at Yasmeen for translation and when the woman told her that the man had insisted all the vehicles be disabled and weapons collected but no lives taken, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"He will not kill them," Yasmeen said, "but he is certain the Sahara will."
"And what about us?" Rose inquired.
Yasmeen glanced at Rose with mild amusement. "We go with them. After all, you just pledged yourself to their leader."
No sooner did Yasmeen finish talking than a man came up to Rose and tied a blindfold over her eyes and bound her hands in front. She felt herself being handed up to a man on horseback and placed in front of him upon his horse. A strong arm looped around her waist and she was positive it would be a difficult task to escape this man. And when he called out a few minutes later, she realized it was the chief she was riding with and knew her fate for the time being was sealed.
****
"I'll get you, Rosa!" Victor's voice shouted after the departing horsemen. "So help me, I'll get you back and you'll be sorry."
Those words chased after them and Ali wanted nothing less than to turn around and drive the tip of his scimitar through the man's abdomen. Yet Rose had been so insistent he not kill anyone and even sacrificed herself for those men back at the camp, that Ali had granted her wish.
It had not surprised him that the men after Rose were dangerous. What did surprise him, however, was Rose's desire to protect them. Then there was the issue of her name. Rosa, they called her. Was that her real name or just a nickname? And what about her ability to handle a weapon? Ali never would have guessed sweet Rose would brandish a gun and threaten to kill him while taking out a target with the skill of a marksman. Too much about Rose was now a mystery and because Ali had so many questions, he had decided to keep his identity hidden from her until he could get her to confess what she was hiding. And perhaps pretending to be somebody else would be the perfect way to discover all. ****
It was early morning, barely even dawn, when Yasmeen and Rose loaded their bags and supplies into the back of the old Jeep. The Jeep was dented and dirty, but it looked sturdy enough to get them through the desert. Its tires were large and new, its engine purred perfectly. Despite all that, Rose felt uneasy.
Perhaps her uneasy feelings were due to the fact that she was traveling with Yasmeen, a woman who obviously disliked her presence. Or maybe, she felt off because she was still not entirely recovered from the nasty bump on her head. But mostly, Rose was certain her feelings were caused by Ali's absence. She'd seen him in the middle of the night and heard him confess some shocking feelings. Now, he was nowhere to be found, just as he had said would be the case until they were reunited in his village.
"Ready?" Yasmeen inquired as Rose stood next to the passenger seat, staring at their surroundings. Egypt was a hot, deserty place and as Rose felt the heat of the morning already growing uncomfortable, she wondered for the first time just how she was going to survive in such a desolate country.
"Sure," she finally said, though her enthusiasm was weak.
They hopped in the Jeep and Yasmeen maneuvered the vehicle down the last few narrow roads that led out of the city limits. Within only a few miles they were on dirt roads and leaving all civilization behind. A few other vehicles traveled down the same dirt road sharing the path with camels, horses and walkers carrying their wares. None of that, however, held much interest for Rose until she spotted a group of a dozen riders in the distance dressed entirely in black, their heads and faces covered with turbans and veils and riding magnificent Arabian steeds.
"That's interesting," Rose said out loud of her observations. "Are they Bedouin?"
Yasmeen's eyes left the road for only a moment to gaze at the group riding by themselves in the distance toward the city.
"No. The Bedouin are a very different group. They are nomads, herders. And they do not carry arms," Yasmeen said.
Rose squinted her eyes trying to make out the figures. She could see no evidence of weapons other than the glint of sunlight off the scimitars they carried at their sides.
"I see swords," Rose remarked.
"Swords, yes. That is their traditional weapon." Yasmeen veered off the dusty path onto the dunes and began driving straight toward the group on horseback.
"Don't we follow the road?" Rose inquired.
"No, we drive through the desert. Our village is not located on any main route."
They closed the gap on the horsemen quickly and as they drove past, Rose studied them closely. The group was dangerous looking. Though the men's faces were covered, their eyes followed the path of the Jeep as Yasmeen sped by. And not only did their stare cause a shiver to traverse Rose's spine, so did the bold display of automatic weapons slung over their shoulders.
"Who are they?" Rose questioned as she pulled her eyes away from the group. They were walking their horses slowly toward the city and leading four rider-less horses with them.
"They are called the Medjai," Yasmeen said with a slight grin.
"Are they dangerous? They're carrying automatic weapons."
"They can be very dangerous if you enter their territory."
"And just where is their territory?" Rose asked, thinking it odd to see a band of men who exuded such tradition in their dress of black robes and turbans, while displaying modern weaponry at the same time.
"Any part of the Sahara that hides ancient Egyptian ruins is the territory they protect. They are the guardians of the Pharos. Warriors of the desert."
"They sound almost mythical," Rose said.
Yasmeen's smile widened and Rose had to wonder why she found such pleasure in this conversation when she had done nothing but frown her way before.
"Most believe they are. It is a rare glimpse we just received of them on their way toward Cairo. They keep a very low profile," Yasmeen said.
"Low profile? They're carrying guns and not even attempting to hide them. Won't they get arrested going into the city armed?" Rose asked.
Yasmeen shook her head. "No. They are allowed much leeway in Egypt. The government leaves the Medjai to their business."
It was an interesting story and Rose was still curious, wanting to know more. She figured as long as she was going to be living in Egypt for a while, she may as well learn of its history.
"And what is their business now to bring them into the city? This seems to be a pretty blatant display for a covert group," Rose observed.
Yasmeen's smile disappeared. "Not long ago, their chief was killed. Their new chief is preparing to take over. I would guess that would bring them to the city for a rare visit."
"Really? Their new chief lives in Cairo?" Rose asked with disbelief thinking a desert tribe would not have members traipsing about in a large city.
"The Medjai have people everywhere. They are just well hidden."
"You sound like you know much about these people," Rose observed.
"I do," Yasmeen answered simply and the conversation was ended.
****
Word had been sent to him that his men had arrived. They were awaiting him on the outskirts of town and Ali was just gathering the last of his things and heading out of the hotel lobby when the manager halted him.
"Mr. Bay, you have a phone call," the manager said to him quietly as he stopped him with a hand to his arm.
Ali halted his exit and followed the man to his office to take the call. Again, Ali was pleased with the desecration of the manager and would see to it that he was rewarded for his efforts.
"Thank you," Ali said as the manager left him to his call.
Ali was thankful he had not left any quicker, for the call was quite urgent. Saed was on the line and he had news that caused the pit of Ali's stomach to spasm with dread.
"Ali, I heard some news from a contact of mine at the airport that two American men were asking around about an American woman who may have arrived on a private plane a few days ago," Saed began.
"Go on," Ali insisted.
"Someone informed them that she had been taken to a hotel near the edge of town. Your hotel. They were seen in a beige Range Rover outside your hotel last night."
"Really? Does anyone know what they were after?" Ali asked, though he already knew that Rose's problems had made their way to Egypt.
"My contact just told me they followed two women in a Jeep out of Cairo today. Did you send Yasmeen and your friend on ahead?" Saed inquired.
Ali cursed in every language he knew and Saed needed to ask no more. Instead, he suggested, "I do not believe you are too far behind them, Ali. Go with your men and you can certainly catch Yasmeen by nightfall."
"I will, Saed. Thank you for the information. I will be in contact once I arrive home," Ali said quickly in parting and bolted out of the hotel. Rose had ensured him she would be safe in Egypt, but it was obvious she was wrong. If things weren't complicated enough for Ali already with a dangerous renegade faction combing the desert for the fortress, now he had to track down Rose and Yasmeen and deal with whatever men were following them. He was certain his strengths and patience would be stretched by the time he solved all his troubles.
****
"We're stopping here?" Rose asked as nightfall descended, turning the desert sky a deep velvet hue. "We're in the middle of nowhere."
"Did you expect a roadside inn along the way?" Yasmeen asked with sarcasm.
Rose would have snapped back at Yasmeen for her tone, but it was nearly the first conversation they had held since leaving Cairo and she welcomed the sound of words. However, she was already tired and weary from the long, hot drive in the old Jeep who's seats were lacking in comfort and the thought of spending the night in the middle of a desert canyon did not appeal to her.
"I would like one, yes," Rose said back, hoping she didn't sound as sarcastic as Yasmeen. "But what has me more concerned than my own comfort is our safety. Is it safe out here?"
Yasmeen gave a small laugh as she went about unpacking the Jeep.
"Safe? Rose, we are in the middle of nowhere. Who would harm us?"
"Well, you did happen to say that those darkly robed men we saw outside Cairo could be dangerous. How do we know they are not lurking about?"
"They may very well be lurking about," Yasmeen teased. "But we are nowhere near any ancient ruins. Do not worry."
Then, as if to add emphasis to her words, Yasmeen pulled open the long- sleeved khaki overshirt she wore and revealed a handgun holstered at her hip.
"Like I said, do not worry," Yasmeen repeated.
The gun actually caused Rose more concern for now a woman who obviously disliked her was armed and they were very much alone in the desert.
She tried to push those worries out of her mind as they set up a small camp with a tent, sleeping bags and fire. Rose was thankful for the tent, for it meant any nocturnal creatures who combed the earth for their food at night would not have access to her. Unless of course they were the types of creatures strong enough to push their way through a nylon tent. Still, she felt safer with the idea of something over her head for the night and she mentioned so to Yasmeen.
"I figured as much," Yasmeen replied as she made herself comfortable in front of the fire and ate from the dried fruit and meat they had brought. "That is why I packed the tent. I prefer to lay out under the stars, but I had a feeling you would not."
"Its not that I haven't before," Rose defended. "In fact, I enjoy the outdoors quite a lot. It's just the thought of this vast desert that has me wary. I'm not familiar with the territory."
"You will be eventually, if you can last that long out here," Yasmeen commented.
"Are you implying that I'll run back to America in a few days, afraid of the mighty Sahara?" Rose challenged.
"I am."
Rose could see the glint of jest in Yasmeen's eyes. It was obvious this woman was not afraid to express her opinion and challenge everyone and everything in her path. Unfortunately, tonight, Rose was in her path.
"Well, you're wrong. I have nothing to return to in America. Here at least, I have Ali."
Yasmeen laughed for a good long time, then narrowed her gaze on Rose across the fire. "You only think you have Ali. The desert owns him."
Rose found her comment strange and she stared at Yasmeen for a moment before replying. "Are you jealous of my friendship with Ali?"
The smug look on Yasmeen's face disappeared and she turned her eyes back to her food.
"Jealous? What is there to be jealous of? I can have any man I want, I do not need Ali too."
Her words were bold, but Rose did not entirely believe them.
"You may not need him," Rose stated, "but you want him."
Quickly, Yasmeen stood and carried the remains of her food to the Jeep and repacked it in her bag. Her long dark hair was braided down her back and her olive drab military style pants covered her womanly curves. She was not only beautiful, but fierce as well. Rose could see how nearly every man could fall victim to Yasmeen. And it was obvious Yasmeen was still after Ali. Rose only hoped that what Ali had told her last night about caring for her would hold true, for she had a feeling Yasmeen was not in the mood to give up on Ali despite her words.
"If we are venturing into a personal conversation here, why don't you tell me who you really are and what you're hiding from?" Yasmeen said curtly, changing the focus from her to Rose.
Her turn to laugh, Rose chuckled and replied caustically, "Why, I'm just a working gal from southern California who was the unlucky victim of some thug."
Yasmeen turned away from the Jeep and glared at Rose. "Of course you are. Just like Ali is nothing but a computer programmer who's spent one too many hours in front of a monitor writing code."
Again, her tone was taunting, and Rose immediately understood that Yasmeen knew something about Ali that was very important. Something Rose was not privy to.
Standing and brushing the dirt of the hard-packed valley floor from the seat of her khaki pants, Rose asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you are both living a lie, Rose," Yasmeen spat out.
Rose was poised to retort for she was positive she knew exactly who Ali was, when a male voice erupted in the night and sent a chill down her spine.
"Rose? So that's the name you've acquired."
Rose swallowed her fear at the sound of Victor's voice and slowly turned around. There stood her worst nightmare-her ex-fiancé.
Victor was dressed, as always, stylishly, though the desert was a harsh environment. His short dark hair was in perfect place and his masculine face showed no hint of dirt or dust. Just how he accomplished that always baffled her, but what baffled her most was how he had found her in the middle of the Sahara.
"Victor," she said on a gasp. "What.what are you doing here?"
With a wide smile, which showed no hint of humor or goodwill, he replied, "I came to take you home, Rosa."
Just then the deep, vibrating sound of a car engine filled the air and a beige Range Rover pulled up behind him and flicked on its lights blinding her in the bright glare. Several men piled out of the car and just as Rose saw Yasmeen pull her handgun, the men exiting the vehicle all extracted their own handguns.
"I'd put that down if I were you, sweetheart. You're outgunned here," Victor said to Yasmeen.
Yasmeen's face showed with fury, but she slowly placed the gun on the ground and kicked it a few feet away none-the-less.
"That's a good girl," Victor cooed. Then he turned to Rose. "Tell me, is that the person responsible for taking out my men in California?"
"I wouldn't know," Rose said and it was the truth. She had been unconscious during the attack and knew nothing of what had transpired.
"Are the weapons really necessary?" Yasmeen suddenly said from behind. "After all, we are only women and there is nowhere we can run to."
Victor laughed at her words and it was obvious he had already figured out Yasmeen was more than just a frightened female incapable of acting. He suddenly raised a gun and aimed it at Yasmeen. Rose was ready to scream at him to halt, when he fired two quick shots, flattening two tires of the Jeep. Yasmeen surprisingly didn't move an inch during the entire episode.
"Yeah, right. And I'm only the concerned ex waiting to take my Rosa back with open arms." Victor reached for Rose and grasped her arm harshly, yanking her against him. "Isn't that right, Rosalinda?"
"Vic," another male voice suddenly chastised from beside the vehicle. "Leave her be for now."
It was Tony and Rose's heart leapt in her chest. Her beloved brother, the only person she had missed these past five years, was here too and she knew immediately from the look in his blue eyes that he would protect her from Victor's wrath.
A high pitched whistle, possibly the sound from a night bird, bounced through the canyon and brought an eerie feel to the night. The air became still around them and Rose felt a deep vibration in the earth beneath her feet.
"Yes, leave us both be," Yasmeen suddenly spoke up with devious knowledge in her voice, "or you will suffer the consequences."
Victor and the men with him broke out with laughter and before they could finish a loud cry issued through the night and was followed by several other voices. The vibration in the ground increased and the sound of thundering hooves echoed around them. Before Rose knew what was happening, several men on horseback, cloaked in black, appeared in a rush and Victor's men panicked with wild shots from their guns.
It seemed as if the men were firing at ghosts, for the swirl of riders around them disappeared and reappeared almost magically, never remaining in one spot long enough to make a decent target. Rose pulled away from Victor and turned just in time to see a tall rider on a black Arabian wield his scimitar and swing his blade across the chest of an unlucky man, sending him to his death with one blow. The man's gun fell from his grasp and the rider continued toward Rose. She fled from the path of his horse toward Yasmeen and found her discarded gun on the ground. Picking it up, she aimed it at the rider and ordered, "Stop, or I swear I'll blow you away!"
The rider halted his horse and the animal danced from foot to foot. She saw the man's dark eyes burrow into her face with a hint of disbelief and then the language of Egypt spilled from his mouth in a loud retort.
"Put the gun down and you will not be harmed," Yasmeen said to Rose by way of translation.
"Yes, put the gun down, Rosa honey," Victor added, "and toss it this way."
Rose swung her eyes toward the Rover and Victor's voice. All of Victor's men were disarmed or injured and a robed figure held each hostage with a gun or sword. It was then that Rose could take stock of what had transpired. The robed men were the same she had seen earlier, the Medjai. Rose wondered which group was more dangerous, Victor's or the Medjai.
"Tell the guy to let us go, Yasmeen, and I won't have to kill him," Rose said as she continued to aim the gun at the man on the horse.
The dark men all laughed when Yasmeen spoke and the man before her returned words.
"He does not think you know how to shoot. He insists you are too fragile for that," Yasmeen relayed.
"Really?" Rose asked back. Just then she swung her aim away from the man and shot at the right headlight of the Rover, hitting her target squarely. "Ask him if he'd like to reconsider his first impression."
Any previous laughter died down and the man before her threw her a dark stare of anger.
Rose looked at his determined eyes, for that was all upon his face that was not covered, and then at the blood upon his sword. He was certainly not a man to threaten idly, but when it came to fighting for her life, Rose was dauntless even before this desert warrior.
"I believe you got his attention," Yasmeen said lowly under her breath. "And I suggest you put the gun down. It is not wise to provoke these men."
"Why should I put the gun down?" Rose asked back. "Is it better to surrender to these men?"
"Perhaps," Yasmeen replied.
"Don't listen to her, honey," Victor called. "You're better off with me and you know it. Just toss me the gun and we'll settle all this right now."
The man holding Victor hostage suddenly drew his sword and placed it at Victor's neck. His actions caused the other Medjai to follow suit. When Rose saw the sharp blade at her brother's neck, his handsome face filled with fear, she knew she had to act.
"No!" she shouted to Yasmeen. "Tell them not to kill anyone!"
Yasmeen spoke aloud in Arabic and the Medjai hesitated as the man on the horse in front of Rose also spoke. It was obvious to Rose he was their leader. He was giving the orders and the other men were obeying completely.
"That's a girl, Rosa," Victor said with a smug voice though a sword was at his throat.
"They can kill him," Rose snapped and inclined her head toward Victor.
"Rosa!" Victor threatened.
At her distraction, the leader dismounted and stood before her. She was startled by his bold move and took a moment to assess him. There wasn't much she could make out aside from the fierce look in his brown eyes, but she did catch a glimpse of long, raven hair falling near his shoulders from under his turban and an automatic weapon slung over his back that he could easily have already acquired and used on her. But he hadn't and she wondered why.
Then he spoke and Rose waited for Yasmeen to interpret.
"He again insists you put the gun down or suffer the consequences," Yasmeen said. "You are outgunned and outmanned."
"Tell him to let us go. Let us get in the Jeep and drive away," Rose demanded.
The man returned with an answer and all of his men laughed again.
"What did he say?" Rose asked.
With a sigh of frustration, Yasmeen returned, "He says he can't let you go because he wants to add you to his harem and because the Jeep's incapacitated."
"What?" Rose shot out. "They still do that out here?"
Yasmeen merely shrugged.
"What about you?" Rose inquired of Yasmeen.
"He does not want me," Yasmeen replied with sarcasm as she glanced at the man.
As Yasmeen finished her words, a look of sheer impatience crossed the man's eyes and he spoke with force.
"He says enough play," Yasmeen said. "And I agree, Rose. It is dangerous to taunt the chief of the Medjai."
"So, he's the chief, huh?" She then glanced at Victor who was still at the mercy of the warrior's sword. "I guess I'm better off in the chief's harem than with Victor."
"Is that so, Rosa? Well, make sure you tell the man I had you first," Victor shot out, his voice conveying his anger. "He may not want you then, once he finds out you're not so pure."
Just then, the Medjai chief swung around and strode toward Victor. His warrior moved back and the chief struck out, landing a blow to Victor's face and sending him sprawling to the ground. He then wiped the blood from his sword on Victor's clean shirt. Again, he shouted out some command, and when Yasmeen said the chief had ordered Victor and his men to be killed, Rose quickly threw her gun to the ground.
"No," she again pleaded. "Tell him he can take me, but don't kill anyone else." She could care less what became of Victor, but her brother she had to protect. She knew Tony had come with Victor to make sure she came to no harm. He would always look out for his little sister, and she had to return the favor. As for the other men in the group, she didn't know them and did not want to see harm befall them too. Her father operated in a world filled with violence, and she had escaped that world. She didn't want to have to relive it now by watching all these men die at the hands of desert warriors.
The Medjai chief turned slowly from Victor's fallen body and stared at Rose. It was obvious he was considering her offer. Finally, after only a moment, he shouted out an order and moved toward Rose.
Rose looked at Yasmeen for translation and when the woman told her that the man had insisted all the vehicles be disabled and weapons collected but no lives taken, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"He will not kill them," Yasmeen said, "but he is certain the Sahara will."
"And what about us?" Rose inquired.
Yasmeen glanced at Rose with mild amusement. "We go with them. After all, you just pledged yourself to their leader."
No sooner did Yasmeen finish talking than a man came up to Rose and tied a blindfold over her eyes and bound her hands in front. She felt herself being handed up to a man on horseback and placed in front of him upon his horse. A strong arm looped around her waist and she was positive it would be a difficult task to escape this man. And when he called out a few minutes later, she realized it was the chief she was riding with and knew her fate for the time being was sealed.
****
"I'll get you, Rosa!" Victor's voice shouted after the departing horsemen. "So help me, I'll get you back and you'll be sorry."
Those words chased after them and Ali wanted nothing less than to turn around and drive the tip of his scimitar through the man's abdomen. Yet Rose had been so insistent he not kill anyone and even sacrificed herself for those men back at the camp, that Ali had granted her wish.
It had not surprised him that the men after Rose were dangerous. What did surprise him, however, was Rose's desire to protect them. Then there was the issue of her name. Rosa, they called her. Was that her real name or just a nickname? And what about her ability to handle a weapon? Ali never would have guessed sweet Rose would brandish a gun and threaten to kill him while taking out a target with the skill of a marksman. Too much about Rose was now a mystery and because Ali had so many questions, he had decided to keep his identity hidden from her until he could get her to confess what she was hiding. And perhaps pretending to be somebody else would be the perfect way to discover all. ****