Chapter 10
A hand brushing across his face was enough to awaken Ali from his slumber. Usually, he awoke when his subconscious mind merely sensed another presence. The years in America, however, had dulled his senses and he was shocked that a person had gotten close enough to him to touch him in his sleep. Quickly, he opened his eyes and reached out, snaring a thin wrist in his hand.
"It is only me," Yasmeen said and Ali's eyes focused on the woman's face confirming that.
"What is it?" Ali questioned, still exhausted and irritated by Yasmeen's interruption. He released her wrist roughly, but she remained seated on the edge of his bed.
"It is Ahmad. He called for you. I was sent to find you," she explained.
Ali pushed to a seated position and ran his hands through his hair, then rubbed his face. He studied the clock on the nightstand and calculated that he had slept for six hours. It felt as though he had slept but one.
"I will call him back shortly. I assume the satellite pictures are up?" Ali questioned.
Yasmeen nodded. "It appears to be the case."
Still, she remained, not moving from the spot.
"Ali?" she asked quietly.
"Yes?"
There was an uncharacteristic waiver in Yasmeen's voice as she quietly asked, "Was it so bad between us years ago?"
He turned his head and looked at her. The usually confident temptress was looking rather insecure and Ali was moved by her show of emotion.
"No, it wasn't so bad," he confessed.
"Then what happened?"
"Yasmeen, we were kids."
She nodded in agreement, then said, "You were my first love, Ali."
He smiled down at her, then sweetly kissed the top of her head. "I suppose you were mine too. But that is in the past and you and I have no future."
"I know," she accepted. "But my father."
"Your father has a different version of the future. I have been told," Ali interrupted her to say. "Do not worry, Yasmeen, I can handle your father."
"I have confidence you will. And I have confidence in you as our chief. Rose will make a good wife, Ali, but you have not confessed everything to her," Yasmeen said.
He shrugged, then stood from the bed. "Not yet. But she knows I love her."
"You need to tell her, Ali. She will be angry when she finds out you have been hiding such a huge secret from her," Yasmeen declared.
"She will understand," Ali answered with assurance.
Yasmeen looked up at him and her confidence was again restored. "She will not understand, she is a woman. She will overreact, blame you for all her troubles in the desert and not forgive you for at least a month."
"A month?" Ali chuckled. "Your imagination is too wild." He rubbed her head harshly, messing her perfectly wavy locks like he had done as a child and watched as she fumed beneath her pretty exterior.
Smoothing her hair and dodging his hand again, Yasmeen said, "You will see, I will be right."
Devraj entered the dwelling at that moment, and Ali watched Yasmeen's expression change again. Suddenly, she seemed demure, almost blushing as she nodded to Devraj and skirted the men heading for the door.
"Tell her," she repeated, turning at the doorway, then bolting out into the sunlight.
Devraj closed the door after her and asked, "Did I interrupt anything?"
"No. We were just talking," Ali answered, still querying over Yasmeen's demeanor before she left, then leveling his eyes on his friend. "But I do believe Yasmeen likes you."
"You imagine too much, Ali," Devraj insisted as he walked past his chief to the computer station set up in the corner of the small house. "Yasmeen has only noticed you. It was like that when we were children, and it is like that now. Rumors are circulating quickly around the village. People have heard you brought an American home, others have heard that Yasmeen's father is politicking to have you and she married off. You must address the Council, and soon."
"I will," Ali said. "But first, lets call Ahmad at the university, download the new satellite images and see if there is any evidence of our enemy's helicopter or movement near the fortress. Then we must create a perimeter with guards around the fortress and start contacting our people in the cities to see if anyone knows who chartered that helo. Someone must know something. You can't pay for a helicopter in this country and not leave a trail." ****
Two hours later, Ali was standing before a council of five men. They were aged Medjai, many of whom had served with his father and known his grandfather. The Council upheld the laws and traditions of the Medjai and managed the workings of the village. Ali's position equaled that of the Council, but there were times when five could be stronger than one, and Ali feared tonight was one of those nights.
Yousef sat at the center of the long table, his eyes as confident and calculating as those of his daughter's. It was easy to see where Yasmeen's boldness and spirit had been inherited from her father. Both probed their adversary for weakness and tonight, Ali was at the center of that probe as he explained about the happenings in the desert and his encounters with the dangerous group of Europeans that sought the fortress.
"You say you avenged your father's death and killed the man who assassinated him?" Yousef asked.
"I did," Ali answered respectfully.
Though he was chief of his people, the Council was also powerful and it was usually with mutual respect that the two entities addressed one another.
"How many more were in this group?" another Council member asked.
"I do not know. I came across only three. Two died, one was injured. I heard them communicating on a radio and know there were more somewhere. A helicopter flew in to extract them shortly after my confrontation with the other men," Ali explained.
The Council put their heads together and whispered to each other. Ali looked over his shoulder at Devraj who stood loyally by. Devraj would make a good leader and Ali planned to name him as his second in command tonight in front of the Council.
"What else have you discovered, my lord?" Yousef asked.
"Not much, I'm afraid. The satellite images show no unusual movement or traces of a helicopter near the fortress. We are currently trying to track down the charter service that may have supplied the helicopter to these people. I've hacked into charter company websites looking for reservation records and am trying to access credit card information as well. I have found nothing yet," Ali reported.
"Keep trying, Ali," Yousef encouraged. "Meanwhile, let us ensure the fortress is well guarded."
"I have already sent men, Yousef," Ali told him, "and I will personally check on them tonight."
"Very well. You also need to know that Mohammad's son, Tarek, is working at an international bank in Switzerland. He said he noticed some strange movement of money from an outside source in Germany through his bank here to Egypt. He would like for you to call him to discuss this further," Yousef added.
"Of course, I will call him before I leave tonight," Ali promised.
"Good, then if we are all through with talk of the fortress, let us bring forth new business," Yousef began. "Do you have any items to mention, my lord?"
"I do," Ali stated. "I would like to inform you of my plans to make Devraj my second in command. He has served me well and would make a fine chief if harm befell me."
Yousef glanced past Ali to Devraj, then turned to look at the other four members of the Council who nodded their agreement.
"Agreed," Yousef announced. "And I am glad you brought up the subject of succession, Ali. As you know, we lost your father much sooner than any of us had planned. The Bays have served the Medjai as chiefs for hundreds of years. Currently, you are the last of your line and you are already thirty. The Council fears a crisis in the making with this current situation before us. Your grandfather, Ardeth, prolonged marriage until he was much older and many Medjai feared that would be the end of the Bay lineage. As you know, after that scare, the Council enacted a new law wherein if a chief has no brothers or uncles to take command, we would have the power to implore the chief to marry as quickly as possible to ensure a proper heir. Devraj is loyal indeed, but he is not a Bay. The Council will accept him as chief should you die, but we would also like for you to marry so that the option of producing an heir is still available. Do you not agree that this is a prudent course to take?"
Ali bowed his head. "Yes, Yousef, it is a prudent and proper course."
"Good!" Yousef suddenly shouted with joy and stood, clapping his hands. "It is done. You and Yasmeen shall marry by the week's end."
Ali's head suddenly shot up and his eyes landed on the joyous look upon Yousef's face. Then he glanced over his shoulder at Devraj who looked pale and then found Yasmeen standing in the corner, a horrified expression on her face. Though Ali possessed the greatest amount of respect for the Council, he was still chief, and he would not agree.
"We will not marry," Ali said firmly and all celebration on Yousef's face disappeared.
"What? You defy the Council?" Yousef challenged.
"I will defy the Council," Ali answered.
"But we already voted, three to two to create this marriage," the man argued.
"Yes, but I too have a vote and that makes it three to three," Ali said. "Yasmeen does not want to marry me. I do not want to marry her."
Yousef's eyes traveled across the room and landed on his daughter. She stepped forward and Ali prayed she spoke honestly from her heart. He realized she still harbored something for him, but he trusted she would not ruin his chances at happiness with Rose by interfering in this.
"He is correct, father," Yasmeen announced. "I do not wish to marry him."
"What?" Yousef cried out. "My daughter would deny the chief of the Medjai?"
"He does not love me," Yasmeen explained, then added, "And I do not love him."
Yousef turned his eyes to the ceiling of the large meeting room. It was so reminiscent of what had happened with Ali's grandfather. It was recorded in their Council records how Ardeth had refused marriage for several years, despite the Council's urging, for he had not loved his suitors. Rumor was, he had lost a woman whom he had loved and it had taken until after World War Two, when he was nearly fifty, before he married and produced an heir. Yousef couldn't quite comprehend the stubborn ways of the Bay family, but the Medjai were in a crisis and all stubbornness would have to be put aside.
"Love is not important here," Yousef argued.
"It is all that is important," Ali said. "Besides, I have already chosen a wife. She is here now."
Yousef sat and gaped at Ali. "The American woman? She is your chosen bride?"
Ali nodded.
"But she does not know our ways," Yousef insisted.
"She will learn them. My grandmother was not of our people and she learned our ways."
Yousef shrugged. "That was nearly sixty years ago, Ali. Modern women these days will not understand our duties. Especially an American woman. She will only bring conflict to our tribe. We have worked hard at learning to blend in with the modern and traditional worlds. She would stand out. She would not fit in here."
"You do not know her," Ali argued. "She will learn our ways, she will fit in."
Looking to his left at another Council member, Yousef stated with weary, "Sometimes I wonder if this generation that we have sent out to learn about the technology and culture of the modern world will not betray us and our traditions. I fear an end to our ways."
"I will not betray my people!" Ali shouted out with anger. "And this generation of Medjai will serve the desert and her secrets as loyally as any generation before. But do not betray me by questioning my judgment. I am chief now, Yousef, and you must accept that. Do not force me into a loveless marriage and do not force your daughter into the same. Besides, I have seen my chosen's face upon the Cave of Prophecies."
A low murmur erupted in the room and Yousef sighed and rubbed at his forehead. The stubborn man was debating, but Ali knew that it would take more than an outburst from the chief to change Yousef's mind. The tide that would persuade Yousef revealed itself from a quiet corner. Slowly, the eldest of the warriors stood and pulled the hood of his light colored robe from his head. Hammad was ancient. There was no other word to describe the man. He had served under Ardeth and the wisdom that he had acquired throughout his ninety years was well respected by the entire tribe. Whenever there was a standoff between Council and chief, he was the one to whom the decision was deferred.
"Go get me this American woman," Hammad said with quiet command.
Quickly, Yasmeen raced out of the meeting room to fetch Rose.
****
"And what of Ali's father?" Rose asked Iman. "Where is he now?"
Iman sighed and stood from the kitchen table, taking hers and Rose's tea cups with her.
"All these questions, Rose. You have warn me out," Iman stated with weary.
"I'm sorry," Rose said. "I'm just so curious about this place. And I haven't seen Ali since this morning, or I'd be asking him." Rose stood from her seat and carried the teapot to the sink. Standing next to Iman, she asked, "Do you think tomorrow we could go out into the village a bit? I'm dying to see this place more closely."
"Are you up to it?" the woman inquired. "After all, you did sleep much of the afternoon today." Iman reached up and touched Rose's head. "And you still have quite a bruise on your head."
"I'm feeling better. Today was a day of much needed rest. But I really just want to get out some."
Rose's words were punctuated with an urgent knocking on the door. Iman moved to the door and an almost incoherent Yasmeen burst through.
"Rose, you must come!" Yasmeen insisted as she shoved a skirt and shirt in Rose's hands. "Put these on first, Rose. If you look too American tonight, there's no way the Council will agree."
Iman calmly placed her hands on Yasmeen's shoulders and said firmly, "Yasmeen, slow down. Please tell us what is going on."
"The Council and Ali are." Yasmeen glanced at Rose and halted her words. Quickly changing into her fluent Arabic, Yasmeen explained the situation to Iman.
Rose frowned as she watched Iman pale, but had no idea why the woman was reacting so. Yasmeen had purposely stopped talking in English to obviously hide something about Ali from her and Rose was just about to demand someone explain things to her when Iman turned to Rose and urged, "Rose, go change. Hurry."
Rose did as the women instructed and donned the black wrap-around skirt with the golden-leaf print and a simple cotton peasant top of the same golden color. It was an elegant outfit, loose fitting and quite appropriate for the hot, dry weather. She'd certainly have to thank Yasmeen for it later, but when she exited her bedroom, Yasmeen was quickly placing a black scarf over her head and shoulders and dragging her out the door barefoot.
"My shoes," Rose complained, as she was spirited through the cobblestone pathway that wove between adobe houses and buildings. She lost track as to which direction was which and was only able to make out a few passerbys who were dressed in a variety of styles and fashions ranging from western influences to traditional.
"You will only have to take them off once we arrive at the Council's meeting hall," Yasmeen explained.
"What Council?" Rose questioned.
Yasmeen slowed as they approached a large, square building. A small crowd was gathered in front of the door, murmuring quietly. When Rose and Yasmeen neared them, they hushed and quickly moved aside, making Rose think she was suddenly a spectacle in this village.
Yasmeen tugged on Rose's hand, but as they were about to enter the building, Rose refused to take another step.
"Yasmeen, tell me what is going on," Rose insisted.
Fixing her scarf and trying to cover the side of her head with the visible bruise, Yasmeen said, "This is the village Council. They have asked to see you. It is best if you say nothing unless they ask you a question. My father is the Council's chairman, he is a stubborn and traditional man. Remember that. And whatever you do, please make it sound like you are open to learning new ways."
"I am," Rose said.
Yasmeen smiled and fixed her own pink scarf that had fallen from her head in their mad rush.
"Good, then you will do just fine."
She pulled Rose into the building behind her and Rose was shocked at what she saw. The room was unremarkable with plain walls and a bare floor. What was remarkable, however, were the several tall, handsome men who were kneeling in rows on the floor, their faces serious and stoic. They were dressed in a variety of styles, just like the villagers Rose had passed on the way and again Rose remembered how Yasmeen had talked earlier of the vast experiences of the villagers who inhabited this unique place. A few women were scattered throughout the room as well and that made Rose feel more at ease knowing they weren't exactly stepping into an entirely male domain.
Yasmeen continued to pull Rose forward, kicking off her sandals out of respect for the Council and their importance. Rose noticed that heads were turning to glance at her with curiosity. There was no suspicion or hatred in any of the glances, they were merely inquisitive.
Rose spotted Ali in the middle of the room, standing before a long table seated with five older men. Ali was dressed in a beige tunic shirt, the collar embroidered with golden thread and loose-fitting cotton pants. His feet were bare and his hair was loose, falling near his shoulders. He never turned his head to look at Rose when she approached, instead his eyes were trained on the men at the table, a defiant look upon his handsome face. He stood before the group, his arms crossed over his chest and his chin set in a resolute expression. To his right stood another man, dressed in a similar outfit but in dark gray, and his stance mirrored that of Ali's. The five men at the table, meanwhile, stared back at Ali with the same determination set in their faces.
Rose wondered what Yasmeen had dragged her into when she caught the looks on the faces of the main players in the room. But she wasn't about to inquire, for she remembered Yasmeen's warning to her before they had entered the building. She was, however, going to grill Ali just as soon as this ordeal was over.
The man at the center of the table suddenly stood and called loudly to Yasmeen. Rose understood nothing he said and she wished they would all use that English that Yasmeen had divulged that the entire village knew. The man spoke a few more sentences, before Yasmeen announced in English, "This is the woman you asked for, father."
"Bring her forward," Yasmeen's father insisted, and Rose shouldn't have been surprised that Yasmeen's father was the man at the center of the table, for he carried the same confident air as his daughter.
"This is the village Council," Yasmeen whispered. "Kneel before them. Just answer their questions and do not be afraid."
Suddenly Yasmeen was backing away and Rose was left standing alone. Slowly, she sunk to her knees, unsure of how to proceed and turned her head to look at Ali for some guidance. He however, was still stubbornly staring down Yasmeen's father, and Rose again queried over what this scene was about.
"Are you the American woman Ali Bay speaks of?" Yasmeen's father asked in English.
Rose nodded and answered, "Yes, sir. I am." Then she again threw a sideways glance at Ali, wondering just what he had spoken of her, but he still refused to look away from the council of men before him.
"What is your name?" the man then asked.
"Rose," a male voice answered for her. "Rose Sanchez."
Suddenly a male form cloaked in a very traditional robe shuffled before her and held a withered old hand down to her.
"Stand, my child, so that I might look upon your face," the man demanded softly.
Rose took his hand and stood. She felt all eyes upon her back and even noticed that Ali was finally looking her way.
The man before her was a bit taller than her and much older in years. His skin was wrinkled and dark, his hair and beard white. Upon his face were faded marks that Rose thought could have once been tattoos, yet were too dull to identify clearly. He reached up and removed her scarf from her head and his twinkling brown eyes surveyed her face for a long moment before he finally smiled and patted her hand warmly.
"It has seemed almost a lifetime since I have glimpsed your face, Rose," he said to her. "You do not yet understand your importance here, but you will."
Curiosity was eating away at her, but Rose held her tongue and quelled the desire to ask about the man's strange words.
He turned from her abruptly and spoke aloud to the Council before him. "I am afraid, Yousef, that your wishes will not be granted this time. This woman belongs here."
Yousef sighed and sank back in his chair. "If fate so wishes it, then it must be."
A murmur of relief flooded the room for a moment before the Council rose and bowed their heads toward Ali. He in turn bowed to them and the men filed out quickly.
Rose looked at Ali who smiled her way briefly, then he turned and shook hands with the man at his side. Looking for the old man who had been speaking with her only moments before, Rose discovered that he was gone. The room was abuzz with activity and people standing to leave, and Rose was unable to spot the old man. It was as if he had been an apparition that had vanished into thin air.
Suddenly, Ali was at her side and he again smiled down at her as he offered her his arm.
"Ali, what's going on?" Rose asked.
"Not now, Rose," Ali answered in a subtly commanding tone and the look in his brown eyes mirrored that tone.
Letting go of his arm, Rose snapped lowly, "No, now. I want to know."
Before she could finish her retort, Ali had replaced her hand on his arm and was silencing her with a harsh look.
"I said, not now," he whispered to her, his perfectly straight white teeth clenched with the effort of keeping his voice low. "When we are alone, I will explain. Now is not the time."
She was again reminded of the Medjai chief and his warning to her about questioning him in front of his men. How was it that Ali could resemble that veiled man in such a respect? It puzzled Rose and she used that thought to distract her mind from her other burning curiosities as she exited with Ali from the building.
They passed through the crowd leaving the meeting hall and several people bowed their heads in a show of obvious respect for Ali. It was an odd sight, as odd as the sight of Ali standing defiantly in front of the Council had been. Again, Rose was going to make sure she questioned Ali thoroughly just as soon as they were alone.
They walked together down a path, leaving the crowd and meeting hall behind and Rose noticed that Yasmeen followed along with the man who'd been Ali's companion at the meeting. He was a handsome man with shaggy dark hair, but possessed a darker, more menacing look than Ali. His eyes were hawkish, surveying each and every person who crossed their path with a suspicion that Rose knew she had once herself owned when she'd been hiding from her father in America.
The path ended at the greenery of the meandering riverbank and Rose was delighted to finally have an opportunity to see something of the village. The landscape was a heavenly oasis in the middle of the dry Sahara and Rose took a deep breath, enjoying the clean smell of the dimming evening in her new home. At least, she thought this was going to be her new home. Was that what the Council meeting had been about-her staying here?
She turned toward Ali as soon as they reached the riverbank and noticed that their escorts had wandered downstream further. Knowing they were out of earshot, Rose immediately asked, "What in the hell is going on, Ali?"
He didn't answer her, instead he grabbed her up in his arms and soundly kissed her. His lips did a wonderful job of distracting her and diminishing her anger and as they worked their magic her desires flared.
When Ali pulled back, Rose was speechless and gazing up at him with a glazed expression.
"The desired effect I was hoping for, my love," Ali said with a crooked grin. "Please, do not berate me about the Council meeting. It was unavoidable if you were going to stay here with me."
"But why? I don't get it. Do you have to get permission for every foreign guest you bring in to stay?"
"No," Ali said, shaking his head. "Only permission for every foreign woman I plan to marry."
Rose laughed and swatted at his arm like she had done a million times before to him.
"Really, Ali, be serious," she insisted.
Ali frowned furiously. If his faithful followers could see this now, they'd surely wonder if he'd lost his senses. He had just proposed to the woman he was destined to marry and she was laughing at him like he'd told a joke! That was no proper response to give to a Medjai chief! Then again, Rose knew nothing of his true heritage and to her, he was simply her long- time friend whom she had just recently begun seeing as more. Perhaps the idea of marriage now was too much too soon. Yet Ali had little choice, for the Council expected him to marry as soon as possible. He had avoided the fate of marrying Yasmeen, but he would not be successful at delaying his wedding to Rose for too long. The Council and his people needed him to marry quickly.
"I am serious, Rose," he argued.
Rose's blue eyes, the color of the sky on a perfect sunny day, darkened with fear and she looked away from him, frowning herself.
"I wish you weren't," she said in a whisper. "The last man I got engaged to tried to kidnap me the other day. I don't think I'm ready to get engaged again."
"You're comparing me to Victor?" Ali questioned incredulously. "Surely by now you must know he and I are very different."
"Yes, you are. But after all I've been through I'd just like to settle into things before we start talking happily ever after," she explained.
An angry growl emanated from Ali's throat and he turned his back on her, picking up small stones from the ground and chucking them into the running river waters to ease his stress.
"You'll drive me insane, woman," he mumbled.
Turning toward him, her hands thrown on her hips in defiance, Rose asked, "What did you just call me?"
Ali caught the look in her eyes and he realized it had changed from fear to fight. She was again that woman who'd fought him in the Cave of Prophesies and if he retorted now, she'd only continue the struggle.
"Darling," he answered lightly with a smile.
Rose lost her armor and her mouth pulled into a grin. She sighed. "Ali, it's just too soon for me."
"Too soon? How long has it been since you left Victor and your father?" he inquired.
"Five years," she answered, then quickly added, "But what I mean is.it's too soon for us."
"Your logic evades me, Rose."
"And your persistence confuses me, Ali."
They stood in the growing dusk, staring at each other, neither relenting. It would have surely continued on for hours, if Ali had not decided he would have to take the first step.
Taking her hand, he led her to a spot suitable for sitting and began with what was in his heart. "Darling, I want you to know that I would never treat you badly. I realize your father and Victor hurt you and I understand why you've hidden the truth about them from me these past few years. The entire time we were growing as friends, I sensed you had trouble trusting and I never pushed you for anything."
Smiling up at his handsome face and touching his cheek, Rose agreed, "No, you never pushed for anything. You were always a wonderful friend and such a gentleman, Ali. I felt safe with you. I still do."
"Then know that when I say I see marriage in our future, that you will be safe with me. You can trust that this is best for us."
Rose studied his face for a long while, her blue eyes searching for.something.
"You look so sure of this decision," Rose finally declared. "How can you be so sure when we just recently discovered we felt something more than friendship for one another?"
With a wry smile, Ali answered, "Because I felt something more for you for a long while. It didn't happen just recently for me. And I am so sure that destiny means for us to be together, that I announced it to my entire village tonight."
"So that's what that little meeting was all about," Rose said. "Tell me, who was that old man who seemed to know who I was?"
"Hammad. He is the eldest member of our tr.uh, village," Ali said, correcting the word "tribe" he almost allowed to slip. "He has much influence." He was also the Medjai prophet, in a manner of speaking, and Ali was somehow sure now that it was he who was responsible for Rose's picture being on the Cave of Prophecies' wall.
"And your influence in this village? What exactly is it? I sensed from that meeting that you hold some power here," Rose guessed.
"I do," Ali answered hesitantly. He was playing a volatile game with Rose. He needed to tell her the truth and not just bits and pieces here and there. He had confidence that she would understand, yet he felt unsure about confessing the entire tale in one setting. Perhaps if he eased her into it, she would willingly accept his role. Or perhaps, if he just came right out and told all, she'd simply laugh it off.
No. He knew better than that. Rose wouldn't find it humorous, but he doubted she'd overreact as Yasmeen had insisted she would.
Deciding to still play it safe, Ali began giving her some information about his role in the village, but not the entire truth.
"My family has been with this village for several generations. In fact, it was my grandfather's leadership that finally settled our people here permanently. Before that, they had lived a more nomadic existence. The Bays have been the.leaders of this group of people since the time of ancient Egypt."
Rose laughed and slapped her hand onto Ali's knee, squeezing playfully.
"Ancient Egypt? Tell me another!" she jested.
"Its true. Rose, remember, my country has been around for thousands of years. Your homeland is a mere infant compared to Egypt and her culture. Of course you cannot fathom being able to trace your lineage back so far. But I am the descendent of several generations of." Of what? Of mighty chiefs? Of great warriors? If Ali mentioned any of those titles, his entire secret would be revealed in an instant.
Apparently not catching the missed ending to his statement, Rose then asked, "You mean, you're almost like royalty around here?"
Ali shrugged. "In a manner of speaking. My role is important and lets just leave it at that." "Is that why you had to leave America? To come back here and help run your village?" Rose asked.
Ali nodded. "Yes. It was my duty to return."
"And your father? Did he run this place before you?"
"He did. My father, however,.died.not too long ago," Ali answered. "A few months ago. Remember, I went out of town for a week."
Rose wrinkled her fine brow with confusion. "You said you were going to a computer conference."
"I know. I lied. I'm sorry. I came back here for the funeral. I didn't want to talk about it then."
"You kept that from me?" Rose asked softly. "Why?"
"I had to. It's complicated." He pushed to his feet and realized he had danced around the topic of his lineage as much as he could without tripping over his own feet. The time to confess was drawing near.
"Everything lately seems to be complicated," Rose remarked. "I miss the simple life we had in California."
"Simple?" Ali questioned back. "Southern California was a rat race."
"I don't mean the place, I mean our life. It was simple. We walked to and from work together. Ate lunch together. Then we'd spend Friday night in watching a movie or Saturday doing something to pass the time." She paused and smiled wistfully. "I really miss movie and pizza nights. Does this village have a pizza parlor or video rental place by any chance?"
Ali chuckled and shook his head looking up at the scattering of stars that were emerging in the heavens above. God, Allah, the ancient gods.whoever was responsible for the order of the universe had really blessed him with a confusing, wonderful woman.
He turned and faced Rose, holding his hand out to her. She accepted and he yanked her from the ground into his arms.
Grinning down at her, Ali said boldly, "You want simple? Just marry me, woman. I love you. It doesn't get any simpler than that."
To punctuate his words, Ali kissed her. The desire that immediately coursed through his body made him wonder why he hadn't kissed her months before. He'd loved her for a long while now and perhaps it had taken the tragic events of late for him to fully realize his feelings. Whatever the reason, he had her in his arms now and was never going to part with her. He'd drop to his knees and beg her to be his wife if need be, but from the intense way Rose was responding to his touch and kiss, Ali was certain begging would not yet be necessary.
Slowly, Ali pulled back from the kiss. Rose was breathing heavily and a faint flush was evident on her cheeks-even in the growing night. Ali nipped at her lips once more, then moved his mouth to the delicate skin of her throat. She moaned quietly and he trailed his kisses to her ear and demanded, "Say you will, my love. Say you'll be my wife."
Ali knew of at least twenty women in the tribe who would have already screamed out their affirmative answer. He'd never been hurting for admirers among his people. Rose, however, was going to make him wait and test his patience, for she was enjoying his affection but not divulging the answer he was seeking.
"Rose," he said urgently.
With an audible groan, Rose pushed away from his tender nuzzling and said, "If you're going to be so persistent, I'll think about it."
Ali stared at her with an amused expression upon his face. "Think about it, huh?"
"It's the best answer you'll get from me tonight," Rose declared.
An evil grin filling his bearded lips, Ali reached out and tugged on the Medjai necklace around Rose's neck. "Would you have given me the answer I wanted had I been your Medjai warrior?"
Rose slapped his hand away and said, "He's not my anything! The man simply has me confused with a picture on a cave wall. I don't believe in destiny or myths or anything remotely resembling fiction. I want to be with you, Ali, and you only. And I do want to marry you.someday. I'm just not sure when."
Recapturing her in his arms and marveling at how incredibly right she felt there, Ali teased, "I only hope someday is soon. After all, I did tell the village Council to expect a wedding very soon. And as for believing in destiny and myths-I do. Does that make me as insane as the Medjai?"
"I never said he was insane. This is just such a vastly different land. And like you said, American is an infant-a child of the Enlightenment. Maybe because of that, our country has never had the opportunity to develop myths and legends worth believing in. Perhaps if I hang around here long enough, I'll start to believe in ancient fortresses and cave walls too."
Ali laughed softly and kissed her cheek. "Perhaps, Rose."
The night had descended upon them and Ali could hear the footsteps of Devraj and Yasmeen meandering back toward them. His private time with Rose was coming to an end and as much as he hated to, he was going to have to leave her for the night. Much work awaited him.
"Well, since we've settled the entire marriage thing for tonight and agreed to think about it, what do you say we go back to your mom's place, make dinner and spend the night getting used to each other as more than friends?" Rose proposed.
Ali was ready to curse the heavens for he was going to have to turn Rose down.
"I'm sorry, darling. I can't," he declined. "I have much work to do."
"Work? Don't tell me you have computer work out here too?" Rose asked.
"Some," he answered truthfully, then added vaguely, "and other responsibilities as well."
His mind was already leaving Rose and thinking about the tasks that awaited him. There were more satellite images to download from Ahmad at the university, air charter service websites to reexamine that he had already successfully hacked into, a banker to call in Switzerland and men to check on in the desert fifty miles away. His wants and desires would have to come later when his duties and responsibilities were fulfilled.
Rose frowned then shrugged and released him from her hold. Ali felt cold without her body near.
"All right," she said on a sigh. "I'll let you go.this time. But really Ali, if you want me to marry you, you're going to have to at least spend one dinner with me before the month is out."
She was joking and Ali was glad her humor was still with her after all that had happened to her this past week.
"One dinner," he promised.
Devraj and Yasmeen arrived at that moment, and Ali noticed Yasmeen's mouth was in possession of a small, delighted smile. It was an expression he had not seen upon her face before and he wondered if his suspicions about Yasmeen finding interest in Devraj were true. It would be a blessing if it were true, for as troublesome as Yasmeen could be, Ali still shared a history with her and he wanted only her happiness.
"Ali, are you through?" Devraj inquired in English as he stood, tall and broad, in front of his chief.
"For the time being," he answered. Ali moved to loop an arm around Rose to escort her home, when Yasmeen stepped up and halted him.
"You boys run along," Yasmeen insisted, wrapping her arm through Rose's with sisterly affection. "Us girls are going to stay here and gossip some."
Ali threw Yasmeen a hard stare and she waved it off.
"I promise, I'll be nice," she told him.
Devraj nodded at Ali as if to confirm he believed Yasmeen's words and the two men turned to leave. It was a difficult task to do, leaving Rose along the banks of the river, but Ali had no choice. With nightfall came duty and as the new chief of the Medjai, he was prepared to serve the desert. ****
A hand brushing across his face was enough to awaken Ali from his slumber. Usually, he awoke when his subconscious mind merely sensed another presence. The years in America, however, had dulled his senses and he was shocked that a person had gotten close enough to him to touch him in his sleep. Quickly, he opened his eyes and reached out, snaring a thin wrist in his hand.
"It is only me," Yasmeen said and Ali's eyes focused on the woman's face confirming that.
"What is it?" Ali questioned, still exhausted and irritated by Yasmeen's interruption. He released her wrist roughly, but she remained seated on the edge of his bed.
"It is Ahmad. He called for you. I was sent to find you," she explained.
Ali pushed to a seated position and ran his hands through his hair, then rubbed his face. He studied the clock on the nightstand and calculated that he had slept for six hours. It felt as though he had slept but one.
"I will call him back shortly. I assume the satellite pictures are up?" Ali questioned.
Yasmeen nodded. "It appears to be the case."
Still, she remained, not moving from the spot.
"Ali?" she asked quietly.
"Yes?"
There was an uncharacteristic waiver in Yasmeen's voice as she quietly asked, "Was it so bad between us years ago?"
He turned his head and looked at her. The usually confident temptress was looking rather insecure and Ali was moved by her show of emotion.
"No, it wasn't so bad," he confessed.
"Then what happened?"
"Yasmeen, we were kids."
She nodded in agreement, then said, "You were my first love, Ali."
He smiled down at her, then sweetly kissed the top of her head. "I suppose you were mine too. But that is in the past and you and I have no future."
"I know," she accepted. "But my father."
"Your father has a different version of the future. I have been told," Ali interrupted her to say. "Do not worry, Yasmeen, I can handle your father."
"I have confidence you will. And I have confidence in you as our chief. Rose will make a good wife, Ali, but you have not confessed everything to her," Yasmeen said.
He shrugged, then stood from the bed. "Not yet. But she knows I love her."
"You need to tell her, Ali. She will be angry when she finds out you have been hiding such a huge secret from her," Yasmeen declared.
"She will understand," Ali answered with assurance.
Yasmeen looked up at him and her confidence was again restored. "She will not understand, she is a woman. She will overreact, blame you for all her troubles in the desert and not forgive you for at least a month."
"A month?" Ali chuckled. "Your imagination is too wild." He rubbed her head harshly, messing her perfectly wavy locks like he had done as a child and watched as she fumed beneath her pretty exterior.
Smoothing her hair and dodging his hand again, Yasmeen said, "You will see, I will be right."
Devraj entered the dwelling at that moment, and Ali watched Yasmeen's expression change again. Suddenly, she seemed demure, almost blushing as she nodded to Devraj and skirted the men heading for the door.
"Tell her," she repeated, turning at the doorway, then bolting out into the sunlight.
Devraj closed the door after her and asked, "Did I interrupt anything?"
"No. We were just talking," Ali answered, still querying over Yasmeen's demeanor before she left, then leveling his eyes on his friend. "But I do believe Yasmeen likes you."
"You imagine too much, Ali," Devraj insisted as he walked past his chief to the computer station set up in the corner of the small house. "Yasmeen has only noticed you. It was like that when we were children, and it is like that now. Rumors are circulating quickly around the village. People have heard you brought an American home, others have heard that Yasmeen's father is politicking to have you and she married off. You must address the Council, and soon."
"I will," Ali said. "But first, lets call Ahmad at the university, download the new satellite images and see if there is any evidence of our enemy's helicopter or movement near the fortress. Then we must create a perimeter with guards around the fortress and start contacting our people in the cities to see if anyone knows who chartered that helo. Someone must know something. You can't pay for a helicopter in this country and not leave a trail." ****
Two hours later, Ali was standing before a council of five men. They were aged Medjai, many of whom had served with his father and known his grandfather. The Council upheld the laws and traditions of the Medjai and managed the workings of the village. Ali's position equaled that of the Council, but there were times when five could be stronger than one, and Ali feared tonight was one of those nights.
Yousef sat at the center of the long table, his eyes as confident and calculating as those of his daughter's. It was easy to see where Yasmeen's boldness and spirit had been inherited from her father. Both probed their adversary for weakness and tonight, Ali was at the center of that probe as he explained about the happenings in the desert and his encounters with the dangerous group of Europeans that sought the fortress.
"You say you avenged your father's death and killed the man who assassinated him?" Yousef asked.
"I did," Ali answered respectfully.
Though he was chief of his people, the Council was also powerful and it was usually with mutual respect that the two entities addressed one another.
"How many more were in this group?" another Council member asked.
"I do not know. I came across only three. Two died, one was injured. I heard them communicating on a radio and know there were more somewhere. A helicopter flew in to extract them shortly after my confrontation with the other men," Ali explained.
The Council put their heads together and whispered to each other. Ali looked over his shoulder at Devraj who stood loyally by. Devraj would make a good leader and Ali planned to name him as his second in command tonight in front of the Council.
"What else have you discovered, my lord?" Yousef asked.
"Not much, I'm afraid. The satellite images show no unusual movement or traces of a helicopter near the fortress. We are currently trying to track down the charter service that may have supplied the helicopter to these people. I've hacked into charter company websites looking for reservation records and am trying to access credit card information as well. I have found nothing yet," Ali reported.
"Keep trying, Ali," Yousef encouraged. "Meanwhile, let us ensure the fortress is well guarded."
"I have already sent men, Yousef," Ali told him, "and I will personally check on them tonight."
"Very well. You also need to know that Mohammad's son, Tarek, is working at an international bank in Switzerland. He said he noticed some strange movement of money from an outside source in Germany through his bank here to Egypt. He would like for you to call him to discuss this further," Yousef added.
"Of course, I will call him before I leave tonight," Ali promised.
"Good, then if we are all through with talk of the fortress, let us bring forth new business," Yousef began. "Do you have any items to mention, my lord?"
"I do," Ali stated. "I would like to inform you of my plans to make Devraj my second in command. He has served me well and would make a fine chief if harm befell me."
Yousef glanced past Ali to Devraj, then turned to look at the other four members of the Council who nodded their agreement.
"Agreed," Yousef announced. "And I am glad you brought up the subject of succession, Ali. As you know, we lost your father much sooner than any of us had planned. The Bays have served the Medjai as chiefs for hundreds of years. Currently, you are the last of your line and you are already thirty. The Council fears a crisis in the making with this current situation before us. Your grandfather, Ardeth, prolonged marriage until he was much older and many Medjai feared that would be the end of the Bay lineage. As you know, after that scare, the Council enacted a new law wherein if a chief has no brothers or uncles to take command, we would have the power to implore the chief to marry as quickly as possible to ensure a proper heir. Devraj is loyal indeed, but he is not a Bay. The Council will accept him as chief should you die, but we would also like for you to marry so that the option of producing an heir is still available. Do you not agree that this is a prudent course to take?"
Ali bowed his head. "Yes, Yousef, it is a prudent and proper course."
"Good!" Yousef suddenly shouted with joy and stood, clapping his hands. "It is done. You and Yasmeen shall marry by the week's end."
Ali's head suddenly shot up and his eyes landed on the joyous look upon Yousef's face. Then he glanced over his shoulder at Devraj who looked pale and then found Yasmeen standing in the corner, a horrified expression on her face. Though Ali possessed the greatest amount of respect for the Council, he was still chief, and he would not agree.
"We will not marry," Ali said firmly and all celebration on Yousef's face disappeared.
"What? You defy the Council?" Yousef challenged.
"I will defy the Council," Ali answered.
"But we already voted, three to two to create this marriage," the man argued.
"Yes, but I too have a vote and that makes it three to three," Ali said. "Yasmeen does not want to marry me. I do not want to marry her."
Yousef's eyes traveled across the room and landed on his daughter. She stepped forward and Ali prayed she spoke honestly from her heart. He realized she still harbored something for him, but he trusted she would not ruin his chances at happiness with Rose by interfering in this.
"He is correct, father," Yasmeen announced. "I do not wish to marry him."
"What?" Yousef cried out. "My daughter would deny the chief of the Medjai?"
"He does not love me," Yasmeen explained, then added, "And I do not love him."
Yousef turned his eyes to the ceiling of the large meeting room. It was so reminiscent of what had happened with Ali's grandfather. It was recorded in their Council records how Ardeth had refused marriage for several years, despite the Council's urging, for he had not loved his suitors. Rumor was, he had lost a woman whom he had loved and it had taken until after World War Two, when he was nearly fifty, before he married and produced an heir. Yousef couldn't quite comprehend the stubborn ways of the Bay family, but the Medjai were in a crisis and all stubbornness would have to be put aside.
"Love is not important here," Yousef argued.
"It is all that is important," Ali said. "Besides, I have already chosen a wife. She is here now."
Yousef sat and gaped at Ali. "The American woman? She is your chosen bride?"
Ali nodded.
"But she does not know our ways," Yousef insisted.
"She will learn them. My grandmother was not of our people and she learned our ways."
Yousef shrugged. "That was nearly sixty years ago, Ali. Modern women these days will not understand our duties. Especially an American woman. She will only bring conflict to our tribe. We have worked hard at learning to blend in with the modern and traditional worlds. She would stand out. She would not fit in here."
"You do not know her," Ali argued. "She will learn our ways, she will fit in."
Looking to his left at another Council member, Yousef stated with weary, "Sometimes I wonder if this generation that we have sent out to learn about the technology and culture of the modern world will not betray us and our traditions. I fear an end to our ways."
"I will not betray my people!" Ali shouted out with anger. "And this generation of Medjai will serve the desert and her secrets as loyally as any generation before. But do not betray me by questioning my judgment. I am chief now, Yousef, and you must accept that. Do not force me into a loveless marriage and do not force your daughter into the same. Besides, I have seen my chosen's face upon the Cave of Prophecies."
A low murmur erupted in the room and Yousef sighed and rubbed at his forehead. The stubborn man was debating, but Ali knew that it would take more than an outburst from the chief to change Yousef's mind. The tide that would persuade Yousef revealed itself from a quiet corner. Slowly, the eldest of the warriors stood and pulled the hood of his light colored robe from his head. Hammad was ancient. There was no other word to describe the man. He had served under Ardeth and the wisdom that he had acquired throughout his ninety years was well respected by the entire tribe. Whenever there was a standoff between Council and chief, he was the one to whom the decision was deferred.
"Go get me this American woman," Hammad said with quiet command.
Quickly, Yasmeen raced out of the meeting room to fetch Rose.
****
"And what of Ali's father?" Rose asked Iman. "Where is he now?"
Iman sighed and stood from the kitchen table, taking hers and Rose's tea cups with her.
"All these questions, Rose. You have warn me out," Iman stated with weary.
"I'm sorry," Rose said. "I'm just so curious about this place. And I haven't seen Ali since this morning, or I'd be asking him." Rose stood from her seat and carried the teapot to the sink. Standing next to Iman, she asked, "Do you think tomorrow we could go out into the village a bit? I'm dying to see this place more closely."
"Are you up to it?" the woman inquired. "After all, you did sleep much of the afternoon today." Iman reached up and touched Rose's head. "And you still have quite a bruise on your head."
"I'm feeling better. Today was a day of much needed rest. But I really just want to get out some."
Rose's words were punctuated with an urgent knocking on the door. Iman moved to the door and an almost incoherent Yasmeen burst through.
"Rose, you must come!" Yasmeen insisted as she shoved a skirt and shirt in Rose's hands. "Put these on first, Rose. If you look too American tonight, there's no way the Council will agree."
Iman calmly placed her hands on Yasmeen's shoulders and said firmly, "Yasmeen, slow down. Please tell us what is going on."
"The Council and Ali are." Yasmeen glanced at Rose and halted her words. Quickly changing into her fluent Arabic, Yasmeen explained the situation to Iman.
Rose frowned as she watched Iman pale, but had no idea why the woman was reacting so. Yasmeen had purposely stopped talking in English to obviously hide something about Ali from her and Rose was just about to demand someone explain things to her when Iman turned to Rose and urged, "Rose, go change. Hurry."
Rose did as the women instructed and donned the black wrap-around skirt with the golden-leaf print and a simple cotton peasant top of the same golden color. It was an elegant outfit, loose fitting and quite appropriate for the hot, dry weather. She'd certainly have to thank Yasmeen for it later, but when she exited her bedroom, Yasmeen was quickly placing a black scarf over her head and shoulders and dragging her out the door barefoot.
"My shoes," Rose complained, as she was spirited through the cobblestone pathway that wove between adobe houses and buildings. She lost track as to which direction was which and was only able to make out a few passerbys who were dressed in a variety of styles and fashions ranging from western influences to traditional.
"You will only have to take them off once we arrive at the Council's meeting hall," Yasmeen explained.
"What Council?" Rose questioned.
Yasmeen slowed as they approached a large, square building. A small crowd was gathered in front of the door, murmuring quietly. When Rose and Yasmeen neared them, they hushed and quickly moved aside, making Rose think she was suddenly a spectacle in this village.
Yasmeen tugged on Rose's hand, but as they were about to enter the building, Rose refused to take another step.
"Yasmeen, tell me what is going on," Rose insisted.
Fixing her scarf and trying to cover the side of her head with the visible bruise, Yasmeen said, "This is the village Council. They have asked to see you. It is best if you say nothing unless they ask you a question. My father is the Council's chairman, he is a stubborn and traditional man. Remember that. And whatever you do, please make it sound like you are open to learning new ways."
"I am," Rose said.
Yasmeen smiled and fixed her own pink scarf that had fallen from her head in their mad rush.
"Good, then you will do just fine."
She pulled Rose into the building behind her and Rose was shocked at what she saw. The room was unremarkable with plain walls and a bare floor. What was remarkable, however, were the several tall, handsome men who were kneeling in rows on the floor, their faces serious and stoic. They were dressed in a variety of styles, just like the villagers Rose had passed on the way and again Rose remembered how Yasmeen had talked earlier of the vast experiences of the villagers who inhabited this unique place. A few women were scattered throughout the room as well and that made Rose feel more at ease knowing they weren't exactly stepping into an entirely male domain.
Yasmeen continued to pull Rose forward, kicking off her sandals out of respect for the Council and their importance. Rose noticed that heads were turning to glance at her with curiosity. There was no suspicion or hatred in any of the glances, they were merely inquisitive.
Rose spotted Ali in the middle of the room, standing before a long table seated with five older men. Ali was dressed in a beige tunic shirt, the collar embroidered with golden thread and loose-fitting cotton pants. His feet were bare and his hair was loose, falling near his shoulders. He never turned his head to look at Rose when she approached, instead his eyes were trained on the men at the table, a defiant look upon his handsome face. He stood before the group, his arms crossed over his chest and his chin set in a resolute expression. To his right stood another man, dressed in a similar outfit but in dark gray, and his stance mirrored that of Ali's. The five men at the table, meanwhile, stared back at Ali with the same determination set in their faces.
Rose wondered what Yasmeen had dragged her into when she caught the looks on the faces of the main players in the room. But she wasn't about to inquire, for she remembered Yasmeen's warning to her before they had entered the building. She was, however, going to grill Ali just as soon as this ordeal was over.
The man at the center of the table suddenly stood and called loudly to Yasmeen. Rose understood nothing he said and she wished they would all use that English that Yasmeen had divulged that the entire village knew. The man spoke a few more sentences, before Yasmeen announced in English, "This is the woman you asked for, father."
"Bring her forward," Yasmeen's father insisted, and Rose shouldn't have been surprised that Yasmeen's father was the man at the center of the table, for he carried the same confident air as his daughter.
"This is the village Council," Yasmeen whispered. "Kneel before them. Just answer their questions and do not be afraid."
Suddenly Yasmeen was backing away and Rose was left standing alone. Slowly, she sunk to her knees, unsure of how to proceed and turned her head to look at Ali for some guidance. He however, was still stubbornly staring down Yasmeen's father, and Rose again queried over what this scene was about.
"Are you the American woman Ali Bay speaks of?" Yasmeen's father asked in English.
Rose nodded and answered, "Yes, sir. I am." Then she again threw a sideways glance at Ali, wondering just what he had spoken of her, but he still refused to look away from the council of men before him.
"What is your name?" the man then asked.
"Rose," a male voice answered for her. "Rose Sanchez."
Suddenly a male form cloaked in a very traditional robe shuffled before her and held a withered old hand down to her.
"Stand, my child, so that I might look upon your face," the man demanded softly.
Rose took his hand and stood. She felt all eyes upon her back and even noticed that Ali was finally looking her way.
The man before her was a bit taller than her and much older in years. His skin was wrinkled and dark, his hair and beard white. Upon his face were faded marks that Rose thought could have once been tattoos, yet were too dull to identify clearly. He reached up and removed her scarf from her head and his twinkling brown eyes surveyed her face for a long moment before he finally smiled and patted her hand warmly.
"It has seemed almost a lifetime since I have glimpsed your face, Rose," he said to her. "You do not yet understand your importance here, but you will."
Curiosity was eating away at her, but Rose held her tongue and quelled the desire to ask about the man's strange words.
He turned from her abruptly and spoke aloud to the Council before him. "I am afraid, Yousef, that your wishes will not be granted this time. This woman belongs here."
Yousef sighed and sank back in his chair. "If fate so wishes it, then it must be."
A murmur of relief flooded the room for a moment before the Council rose and bowed their heads toward Ali. He in turn bowed to them and the men filed out quickly.
Rose looked at Ali who smiled her way briefly, then he turned and shook hands with the man at his side. Looking for the old man who had been speaking with her only moments before, Rose discovered that he was gone. The room was abuzz with activity and people standing to leave, and Rose was unable to spot the old man. It was as if he had been an apparition that had vanished into thin air.
Suddenly, Ali was at her side and he again smiled down at her as he offered her his arm.
"Ali, what's going on?" Rose asked.
"Not now, Rose," Ali answered in a subtly commanding tone and the look in his brown eyes mirrored that tone.
Letting go of his arm, Rose snapped lowly, "No, now. I want to know."
Before she could finish her retort, Ali had replaced her hand on his arm and was silencing her with a harsh look.
"I said, not now," he whispered to her, his perfectly straight white teeth clenched with the effort of keeping his voice low. "When we are alone, I will explain. Now is not the time."
She was again reminded of the Medjai chief and his warning to her about questioning him in front of his men. How was it that Ali could resemble that veiled man in such a respect? It puzzled Rose and she used that thought to distract her mind from her other burning curiosities as she exited with Ali from the building.
They passed through the crowd leaving the meeting hall and several people bowed their heads in a show of obvious respect for Ali. It was an odd sight, as odd as the sight of Ali standing defiantly in front of the Council had been. Again, Rose was going to make sure she questioned Ali thoroughly just as soon as they were alone.
They walked together down a path, leaving the crowd and meeting hall behind and Rose noticed that Yasmeen followed along with the man who'd been Ali's companion at the meeting. He was a handsome man with shaggy dark hair, but possessed a darker, more menacing look than Ali. His eyes were hawkish, surveying each and every person who crossed their path with a suspicion that Rose knew she had once herself owned when she'd been hiding from her father in America.
The path ended at the greenery of the meandering riverbank and Rose was delighted to finally have an opportunity to see something of the village. The landscape was a heavenly oasis in the middle of the dry Sahara and Rose took a deep breath, enjoying the clean smell of the dimming evening in her new home. At least, she thought this was going to be her new home. Was that what the Council meeting had been about-her staying here?
She turned toward Ali as soon as they reached the riverbank and noticed that their escorts had wandered downstream further. Knowing they were out of earshot, Rose immediately asked, "What in the hell is going on, Ali?"
He didn't answer her, instead he grabbed her up in his arms and soundly kissed her. His lips did a wonderful job of distracting her and diminishing her anger and as they worked their magic her desires flared.
When Ali pulled back, Rose was speechless and gazing up at him with a glazed expression.
"The desired effect I was hoping for, my love," Ali said with a crooked grin. "Please, do not berate me about the Council meeting. It was unavoidable if you were going to stay here with me."
"But why? I don't get it. Do you have to get permission for every foreign guest you bring in to stay?"
"No," Ali said, shaking his head. "Only permission for every foreign woman I plan to marry."
Rose laughed and swatted at his arm like she had done a million times before to him.
"Really, Ali, be serious," she insisted.
Ali frowned furiously. If his faithful followers could see this now, they'd surely wonder if he'd lost his senses. He had just proposed to the woman he was destined to marry and she was laughing at him like he'd told a joke! That was no proper response to give to a Medjai chief! Then again, Rose knew nothing of his true heritage and to her, he was simply her long- time friend whom she had just recently begun seeing as more. Perhaps the idea of marriage now was too much too soon. Yet Ali had little choice, for the Council expected him to marry as soon as possible. He had avoided the fate of marrying Yasmeen, but he would not be successful at delaying his wedding to Rose for too long. The Council and his people needed him to marry quickly.
"I am serious, Rose," he argued.
Rose's blue eyes, the color of the sky on a perfect sunny day, darkened with fear and she looked away from him, frowning herself.
"I wish you weren't," she said in a whisper. "The last man I got engaged to tried to kidnap me the other day. I don't think I'm ready to get engaged again."
"You're comparing me to Victor?" Ali questioned incredulously. "Surely by now you must know he and I are very different."
"Yes, you are. But after all I've been through I'd just like to settle into things before we start talking happily ever after," she explained.
An angry growl emanated from Ali's throat and he turned his back on her, picking up small stones from the ground and chucking them into the running river waters to ease his stress.
"You'll drive me insane, woman," he mumbled.
Turning toward him, her hands thrown on her hips in defiance, Rose asked, "What did you just call me?"
Ali caught the look in her eyes and he realized it had changed from fear to fight. She was again that woman who'd fought him in the Cave of Prophesies and if he retorted now, she'd only continue the struggle.
"Darling," he answered lightly with a smile.
Rose lost her armor and her mouth pulled into a grin. She sighed. "Ali, it's just too soon for me."
"Too soon? How long has it been since you left Victor and your father?" he inquired.
"Five years," she answered, then quickly added, "But what I mean is.it's too soon for us."
"Your logic evades me, Rose."
"And your persistence confuses me, Ali."
They stood in the growing dusk, staring at each other, neither relenting. It would have surely continued on for hours, if Ali had not decided he would have to take the first step.
Taking her hand, he led her to a spot suitable for sitting and began with what was in his heart. "Darling, I want you to know that I would never treat you badly. I realize your father and Victor hurt you and I understand why you've hidden the truth about them from me these past few years. The entire time we were growing as friends, I sensed you had trouble trusting and I never pushed you for anything."
Smiling up at his handsome face and touching his cheek, Rose agreed, "No, you never pushed for anything. You were always a wonderful friend and such a gentleman, Ali. I felt safe with you. I still do."
"Then know that when I say I see marriage in our future, that you will be safe with me. You can trust that this is best for us."
Rose studied his face for a long while, her blue eyes searching for.something.
"You look so sure of this decision," Rose finally declared. "How can you be so sure when we just recently discovered we felt something more than friendship for one another?"
With a wry smile, Ali answered, "Because I felt something more for you for a long while. It didn't happen just recently for me. And I am so sure that destiny means for us to be together, that I announced it to my entire village tonight."
"So that's what that little meeting was all about," Rose said. "Tell me, who was that old man who seemed to know who I was?"
"Hammad. He is the eldest member of our tr.uh, village," Ali said, correcting the word "tribe" he almost allowed to slip. "He has much influence." He was also the Medjai prophet, in a manner of speaking, and Ali was somehow sure now that it was he who was responsible for Rose's picture being on the Cave of Prophecies' wall.
"And your influence in this village? What exactly is it? I sensed from that meeting that you hold some power here," Rose guessed.
"I do," Ali answered hesitantly. He was playing a volatile game with Rose. He needed to tell her the truth and not just bits and pieces here and there. He had confidence that she would understand, yet he felt unsure about confessing the entire tale in one setting. Perhaps if he eased her into it, she would willingly accept his role. Or perhaps, if he just came right out and told all, she'd simply laugh it off.
No. He knew better than that. Rose wouldn't find it humorous, but he doubted she'd overreact as Yasmeen had insisted she would.
Deciding to still play it safe, Ali began giving her some information about his role in the village, but not the entire truth.
"My family has been with this village for several generations. In fact, it was my grandfather's leadership that finally settled our people here permanently. Before that, they had lived a more nomadic existence. The Bays have been the.leaders of this group of people since the time of ancient Egypt."
Rose laughed and slapped her hand onto Ali's knee, squeezing playfully.
"Ancient Egypt? Tell me another!" she jested.
"Its true. Rose, remember, my country has been around for thousands of years. Your homeland is a mere infant compared to Egypt and her culture. Of course you cannot fathom being able to trace your lineage back so far. But I am the descendent of several generations of." Of what? Of mighty chiefs? Of great warriors? If Ali mentioned any of those titles, his entire secret would be revealed in an instant.
Apparently not catching the missed ending to his statement, Rose then asked, "You mean, you're almost like royalty around here?"
Ali shrugged. "In a manner of speaking. My role is important and lets just leave it at that." "Is that why you had to leave America? To come back here and help run your village?" Rose asked.
Ali nodded. "Yes. It was my duty to return."
"And your father? Did he run this place before you?"
"He did. My father, however,.died.not too long ago," Ali answered. "A few months ago. Remember, I went out of town for a week."
Rose wrinkled her fine brow with confusion. "You said you were going to a computer conference."
"I know. I lied. I'm sorry. I came back here for the funeral. I didn't want to talk about it then."
"You kept that from me?" Rose asked softly. "Why?"
"I had to. It's complicated." He pushed to his feet and realized he had danced around the topic of his lineage as much as he could without tripping over his own feet. The time to confess was drawing near.
"Everything lately seems to be complicated," Rose remarked. "I miss the simple life we had in California."
"Simple?" Ali questioned back. "Southern California was a rat race."
"I don't mean the place, I mean our life. It was simple. We walked to and from work together. Ate lunch together. Then we'd spend Friday night in watching a movie or Saturday doing something to pass the time." She paused and smiled wistfully. "I really miss movie and pizza nights. Does this village have a pizza parlor or video rental place by any chance?"
Ali chuckled and shook his head looking up at the scattering of stars that were emerging in the heavens above. God, Allah, the ancient gods.whoever was responsible for the order of the universe had really blessed him with a confusing, wonderful woman.
He turned and faced Rose, holding his hand out to her. She accepted and he yanked her from the ground into his arms.
Grinning down at her, Ali said boldly, "You want simple? Just marry me, woman. I love you. It doesn't get any simpler than that."
To punctuate his words, Ali kissed her. The desire that immediately coursed through his body made him wonder why he hadn't kissed her months before. He'd loved her for a long while now and perhaps it had taken the tragic events of late for him to fully realize his feelings. Whatever the reason, he had her in his arms now and was never going to part with her. He'd drop to his knees and beg her to be his wife if need be, but from the intense way Rose was responding to his touch and kiss, Ali was certain begging would not yet be necessary.
Slowly, Ali pulled back from the kiss. Rose was breathing heavily and a faint flush was evident on her cheeks-even in the growing night. Ali nipped at her lips once more, then moved his mouth to the delicate skin of her throat. She moaned quietly and he trailed his kisses to her ear and demanded, "Say you will, my love. Say you'll be my wife."
Ali knew of at least twenty women in the tribe who would have already screamed out their affirmative answer. He'd never been hurting for admirers among his people. Rose, however, was going to make him wait and test his patience, for she was enjoying his affection but not divulging the answer he was seeking.
"Rose," he said urgently.
With an audible groan, Rose pushed away from his tender nuzzling and said, "If you're going to be so persistent, I'll think about it."
Ali stared at her with an amused expression upon his face. "Think about it, huh?"
"It's the best answer you'll get from me tonight," Rose declared.
An evil grin filling his bearded lips, Ali reached out and tugged on the Medjai necklace around Rose's neck. "Would you have given me the answer I wanted had I been your Medjai warrior?"
Rose slapped his hand away and said, "He's not my anything! The man simply has me confused with a picture on a cave wall. I don't believe in destiny or myths or anything remotely resembling fiction. I want to be with you, Ali, and you only. And I do want to marry you.someday. I'm just not sure when."
Recapturing her in his arms and marveling at how incredibly right she felt there, Ali teased, "I only hope someday is soon. After all, I did tell the village Council to expect a wedding very soon. And as for believing in destiny and myths-I do. Does that make me as insane as the Medjai?"
"I never said he was insane. This is just such a vastly different land. And like you said, American is an infant-a child of the Enlightenment. Maybe because of that, our country has never had the opportunity to develop myths and legends worth believing in. Perhaps if I hang around here long enough, I'll start to believe in ancient fortresses and cave walls too."
Ali laughed softly and kissed her cheek. "Perhaps, Rose."
The night had descended upon them and Ali could hear the footsteps of Devraj and Yasmeen meandering back toward them. His private time with Rose was coming to an end and as much as he hated to, he was going to have to leave her for the night. Much work awaited him.
"Well, since we've settled the entire marriage thing for tonight and agreed to think about it, what do you say we go back to your mom's place, make dinner and spend the night getting used to each other as more than friends?" Rose proposed.
Ali was ready to curse the heavens for he was going to have to turn Rose down.
"I'm sorry, darling. I can't," he declined. "I have much work to do."
"Work? Don't tell me you have computer work out here too?" Rose asked.
"Some," he answered truthfully, then added vaguely, "and other responsibilities as well."
His mind was already leaving Rose and thinking about the tasks that awaited him. There were more satellite images to download from Ahmad at the university, air charter service websites to reexamine that he had already successfully hacked into, a banker to call in Switzerland and men to check on in the desert fifty miles away. His wants and desires would have to come later when his duties and responsibilities were fulfilled.
Rose frowned then shrugged and released him from her hold. Ali felt cold without her body near.
"All right," she said on a sigh. "I'll let you go.this time. But really Ali, if you want me to marry you, you're going to have to at least spend one dinner with me before the month is out."
She was joking and Ali was glad her humor was still with her after all that had happened to her this past week.
"One dinner," he promised.
Devraj and Yasmeen arrived at that moment, and Ali noticed Yasmeen's mouth was in possession of a small, delighted smile. It was an expression he had not seen upon her face before and he wondered if his suspicions about Yasmeen finding interest in Devraj were true. It would be a blessing if it were true, for as troublesome as Yasmeen could be, Ali still shared a history with her and he wanted only her happiness.
"Ali, are you through?" Devraj inquired in English as he stood, tall and broad, in front of his chief.
"For the time being," he answered. Ali moved to loop an arm around Rose to escort her home, when Yasmeen stepped up and halted him.
"You boys run along," Yasmeen insisted, wrapping her arm through Rose's with sisterly affection. "Us girls are going to stay here and gossip some."
Ali threw Yasmeen a hard stare and she waved it off.
"I promise, I'll be nice," she told him.
Devraj nodded at Ali as if to confirm he believed Yasmeen's words and the two men turned to leave. It was a difficult task to do, leaving Rose along the banks of the river, but Ali had no choice. With nightfall came duty and as the new chief of the Medjai, he was prepared to serve the desert. ****