Chapter 12
Ali stood at the foot of Rose's bed watching her sleep peacefully. It was a sight he was used to, but not one he could ever grow tired of. Back in California, on many a Friday night, Rose would fall asleep on his couch or floor during the video they had rented. She'd always picked out the movie, insisting it was one she just had to see, then would fall soundly asleep before the conclusion. Ali would never wake her during those Friday nights, for watching her sleep peacefully, so beautiful in her slumber, had been a time he had always cherished.
Now, he cherished the sight more. Especially after he had almost lost her on more than one occasion in the past week. After the ordeals they'd already experienced this week, he would never take anything about Rose for granted, for he realized how easily it could all be taken away from him- just as his father had been taken away from him by the man he'd killed in the cave.
Ali shook such thoughts from his mind and focused on the steady rise and fall of Rose's chest as she slept. Her shoulders were bare, her hair splayed out on the pillow around her head. She was indeed the most beautiful woman he had ever known and in that instant he realized he could not wait a moment longer to hear her say she would marry him. He knew she would say yes now, for she had said as much to him this morning when he'd surprised her by the river.
Lying on the bed next to her, Ali kissed her forehead and brushed his fingers through her silky-fine hair. She murmured in her sleep, like he remembered her doing so often in California, and then sighed softly. Not satisfied with the response, Ali placed his hand upon her cheek and guided her lips to his. Her kiss was sweet and warm and she awoke slowly as his mouth claimed hers.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him, her eyes fluttering open and a small smile invading her lips.
"Watching you sleep," he answered quietly.
"Watching?" Her grin grew sly as she tugged on the sheets and suggested, "Why not join me?"
The look in Ali's eye was that of exhaustion as well. It was obvious he had not slept all night either and Rose would have inquired of his activities, but she herself had barely fallen asleep and her mind was too groggy to inquire of details. Besides, the look of him next to her in his faded Levi's and white T-shirt, smelling cleanly showered, begged to be seduced and she was planning on doing just that.
"If I did that, we wouldn't get much sleeping done," he replied wryly.
"Who says I planned on us accomplishing sleep first," Rose returned. She ran a hand across his chest. His muscles were taut and well defined. "I've made a decision, Ali, and I think we should celebrate."
Ali smiled because he had a feeling he knew what Rose had decided. But he was enjoying her touching and teasing too much to spoil it by letting on that he knew. Instead, he asked, "And what decision might that be?"
"I've decided that I will marry you."
"I already knew you would-someday. You confessed that as much last night, darling. But what I want to know is when." Ali prodded her along by running a finger down her bare shoulder and arm. He watched as she shivered from his touch. And it was not a shiver of fear, but of pure enjoyment.
"Well, as soon as it can be arranged," she announced. "Why wait? I love you. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone else upon this planet. And after what you have done for me this past week, I know you love me in return."
They kissed then, for a long while. It was simple and warm to begin with, then slowly turned heated and passionate. Again Rose wondered why it had taken two years for them to realize the attraction. The fire between them blazed quickly and it should have been obvious to her sooner that she and Ali were made for one another. There was no use belaboring the past, however, so Rose pushed those thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on the man in her arms.
As their kisses turned to hurried caresses, Rose assisted Ali off with his T-shirt. That's when she saw them; dark blue-green tattoos upon his chest. She was shocked at the sight of them upon his olive skin and she halted all desires to study them closely. Over each breast was an identical crescent-shaped symbol about two-inches long and above his navel were five ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. He'd never told her he possessed such marks and she'd never chanced to see them before today.
"What are those?" Rose stopped to ask. She lightly traced the flowing calligraphy of the symbols with her fingers.
Ali bit back an oath, having forgot all about the marks upon his chest. His tribe had once placed these same marks upon their faces to signify their heritage, but after his grandfather's reign as chief, the next generation began to mark their chests to better conceal their identities in the vastly changing world. He'd never mentioned to Rose that he possessed them, so it was more than likely a shock to her.
Summoning up humor, Ali drawled, "Those are tattoos, Rose."
"Yes, I can see that. But how strange that you have any," she commented. "Where'd you get them and when?"
Pushing up to an elbow to gaze down at Rose, Ali answered playfully, "I believe it was one night in Morocco when the boys and I had way too much to drink."
Yanking the pillow out from under his elbow and causing him to crash back to the mattress, Rose chastised, "Be serious! You don't drink and frankly, picturing you out carousing with the boys just isn't your style. You're entirely too boring and conservative for that."
"Boring and conservative?" Ali asked back with mock anger. He pinned Rose to the mattress and declared, "Just for that, I may decide to make you wait another two years to let you have me."
"You may want to reconsider that threat, darling. The Medjai were by again this morning and their chief still insists he wants me," Rose conveyed.
"The Medjai, huh?" Ali repeated as he rolled off of Rose. "What did they want?"
"They brought me news of my brother. Apparently they couldn't find Tony or any of Victor's group. I'm a bit worried, but I'll save that for later."
"Is that all the news they brought?" Ali inquired.
"Yes. But I should confess to you that Yasmeen and I took a ride with them. A very short ride through the desert."
Ali reached out and wrapped a strand of her brunette hair around his finger. Blonde highlights, compliments of the sun, were starting to appear in her silky strands.
"Is that why you smell like the sands?" he inquired.
"You're not upset, are you? It was just a ride."
Shaking his head, Ali answered, "You are certainly capable of making your own decisions. And the Medjai are greatly trusted in these parts. If they came to simply take you on a tour and tell you of your brother, that is all they came to do. Besides, I know you love only me. No Medjai chief could steal you away."
Rose smiled. "That's what I told him." Then she trailed her finger over the symbols on his chest and asked again, "Where'd you get these?"
"It's simply a family tradition. Nothing more," Ali simplified.
"And do they mean something?"
Rose's hand was still upon his chest, tracing the symbols and making him forget all about his history and duties.
Grabbing her to him, causing the sheets to slip away and reveal that she was wearing virtually nothing, Ali growled, "I cannot remember what they mean now with you touching me. All sense of history evades me with you in my arms. I demand you make love to me now and restore all sense to my mind."
Rose giggled lowly, then nodded and placed her hands on either side of Ali's handsome face.
"I'd love too, honey," she agreed and met his lips and they began their first journey as lovers and as soon to be husband and wife.
****
"I'd ask for a repeat performance," Rose said upon a sigh, a long while later, "but I'm too exhausted."
Ali smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "I know the feeling. We should rest."
Rose nodded and turned in his arms, reveling in the feel of his naked chest pressing against her bare back. Every touch, every caress of the passion they'd just shared had been heavenly and even though she was near complete exhaustion, Rose couldn't help but smile at the thought of having this man hold her in his arms every night as she slept.
"I don't want to sleep. I want to stay awake and talk about us getting married," Rose revealed. "I'm so excited now that I've made the decision."
"I am glad you are looking forward to our wedding," he returned. "But the ceremony will be nothing but a formality to me. In my heart, you already belong to me and I to you." He leaned over her and kissed her face to confirm his words.
"This desert air just brings out the romantic in you." Rose giggled. "I really think I can grow to like that."
"And being in my bed?" he inquired. "Could you grow to like that as well?"
"Oh, I already love that," she returned.
"Good. And I love having you in my bed."
Rose smiled then asked teasingly, "Hey, isn't this my bed?"
Ali chuckled and the low sound of his laugh reverberated through Rose's body. "I suppose it is."
Rose then asked, "Speaking of whose bed this is.just where will we live once we're married, Ali?"
"Do not worry about that. All is arranged."
"And how about the little detail of me being here in Egypt without a passport or visa? And a marriage license? Don't we have to take care of all of those details as well?" Rose continued to question.
"It has already been arranged," Ali said.
"Arranged?" Rose repeated, turning in Ali's arms to once again face him. "How? And by whom?"
"I have friends who have taken care of everything," he said, reassuringly. "Do not worry so. Tomorrow, we will be married and you will not have to worry about a single detail."
"Tomorrow?" Rose sat up, pulling the sheet with her and turned to look down at Ali. "I know I said I wanted to marry you soon, but tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow," he repeated firmly.
His eyes conveyed his determination the same as they had the night before in front of the Council. Rose thought it best not to argue with him on this point and agreed that they should wed quickly since they had already known each other for a long while. It wasn't as if this was a mere whirlwind romance. They knew everything about one another and there was no reason to delay the ceremony.
"Okay," Rose drawled. "Tomorrow it is."
"No argument?" Ali asked with confusion.
"No argument," Rose assured him. "We know each other as well as any two people can and I want to become your wife. So why wait?"
Ali's expression changed for an instant at her words and she was certain he looked almost guilty. The look came and went quickly and with a simple kiss to her lips, Ali insisted quietly, "Lets get some sleep, darling."
Rose nodded and rolled to her side. Secure in the arms of the man she loved, she drifted off to sleep and again dreamed of wild rides through the desert nights. Only instead of dreaming of cloaked warriors beside her, she dreamed of Ali.
****
His sleep was sound as he laid with Rose in his arms. In fact, Ali's sleep was so sound, it took a hard shake to wake him. As Devraj's hand landed upon his shoulder, Ali's eyes flew open and he stifled a curse.
"Forgive me, Ali," Devraj whispered, a small hint of shame showing upon his face for having intruded upon their chief's afternoon. "But we have finally discovered some information we thought you should be informed of."
Ali nodded and carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Rose who had been entangled in his arms. He dressed quickly in his jeans and T- shirt and as he was about to leave, he felt something in his pocket. It was the ring he had brought to show Rose for her approval. Having been so caught up in their lovemaking, Ali had forgotten all about it. The ring was a gold band, hand-crafted by one of the elder men in the village who had made it as a gift for their chief and his chosen bride. Engraved around the band were the same symbols that were tattooed on Ali's chest. It was a fitting ring for the wife of a Medjai chief and Ali didn't want to wait until tomorrow to claim her. Gently he slipped the ring upon her finger, touched his lips to the band, and with one last longing look at Rose, he left with Devraj.
"Again, I am sorry to have disturbed you," Devraj apologized as they left the house. "But I was informed that some interesting facts were discovered on this Oscar Mann we've been looking at."
"There is nothing to apologize for, Devraj. If you are to be my right hand, you should learn that there is no such thing as in imposition," Ali returned.
"Your bride may think otherwise," Devraj pointed out.
"My Rose will adapt," Ali said confidently.
"Yasmeen is positive Rose will be quite angry with you when she learns the truth."
Ali stopped in the middle of the stairway they were ascending and looked at Devraj.
"When did Yasmeen tell you this?" he inquired.
"This morning on the ride. She says she already mentioned so to you and that you do not believe her."
Slowly, Ali said, "I believe Rose will be upset, yes. But I also think that she will have a sense of humor about it. She will get over it in time for the wedding."
"Ah, so you plan to tell her soon?" Devraj asked. "Are you going to tell her before or after the celebration?"
"What celebration?"
"The village is buzzing with news of your engagement. They have planned a celebration tonight. I thought you knew."
Ali shook his head. "No, I knew nothing. And just who arranged this?"
"Yasmeen, the Council, your mother," Devraj answered. "In fact." He paused and an uncharacteristic look of uncertainty crossed his face. "I think that I may even have a date for this celebration."
"A date?" Ali again studied his friend's face and asked, "With Yasmeen?"
Devraj shrugged. "I am not sure exactly."
"Not sure?" Ali asked with a chuckle and resumed climbing the steps. "My friend, how can you not be sure?"
"I would appreciate if you not taunt me," Devraj insisted. "After all, unlike you and Yasmeen and most of the others, I did not spend time touring Europe and America. My station was in Cairo at the museum. And as much as I enjoyed the long hours of study and learning about artifacts and ancient history, I did not have the opportunity to meet many women and socialize. And Yasmeen.well, she is more.there is something." Devraj stopped his words and frowned.
Ali halted his steps again and placed a hand on his friend's solid shoulder. "Yes, I know that Yasmeen is perhaps more woman than most men can handle," Ali finished for his friend. "But I am finding that she is changing lately. There is something more demure about her, something sweeter that was never there before. And I believe that was put there by you. You have quiet strength, Dev, and you can certainly handle Yasmeen. That is, if you are seriously interested in her?"
Devraj nodded. "Yes. I believe I am. She is beautiful. And I have learned much about her strength this past week."
"Then I suggest that instead of thinking you have a date, that you should insist you have a date and put that woman in her place."
Devraj chuckled and then asked sarcastically, "You mean, like you have put Rose in her place?"
An embarrassed grimace crossed Ali's face. "Yes, exactly like that," he said upon a self-conscious laugh and the men resumed their walk.
When they reached the building next to the stables that served as a makeshift "communication headquarters", any light tone and laughter disappeared from Ali's countenance. The news the Medjai had uncovered on their lead suspect, Oscar Mann, was sobering and Ali sank into a chair next to the computer his cousin Aria was using with a feeling of dread.
"It didn't take too long to dig up information on Oscar Mann because his family has a very interesting and high profile history," Aria said. She clicked on an icon and brought up a page of a government database.
"His father ran from Nazi Germany in 1945 and was among several high ranking Nazi officials who never went to trial for their war crimes because they disappeared before the western powers could capture them," she continued. "Oscar Mann was raised in Argentina by his father until he turned eighteen. He left Argentina for Germany then, went to college for a few years and built up an international shipping company with his own ingenuity and made a very comfortable life-style for himself. Our government records indicate he's visited here in Egypt several times, especially in the past decade. His last application for a visa was four months ago. He entered Egypt the same time two other German citizens did along with a French historian by the name of Jean Danton."
Ali asked Aria to halt her explanation for a moment as he studied the passport picture of Oscar Mann and ran Jean Danton's name through his head. The Medjai had connections in the Egyptian government that made most databases available to them for research and this particular database that Aria was using had a picture of their number one suspect. Oscar Mann was in his late forties with light blonde, thinning hair and a pockmarked complexion. His eyes too were light, almost a clear blue, and the small smirk displayed upon his mouth brought the image of a serpent to mind. Ali would have been surprised if this wasn't their man, for he had a look to be wary of upon his face and Ali could feel in his gut that this man was up to no good.
As for the name Danton, Ali was certain he'd heard it before, yet he couldn't place a date or time or a face.
"Danton, why does that name sound so familiar?" Ali asked Devraj.
Devraj thought for a moment, then said, "I know. He's been to the museum in Cairo before. In fact." Devraj's voice rose with emotion as he added, "he visited there last year. I was there with Saed and this Frenchman asked about the Staff of the Sun. He said he was a historian writing a book on ancient Egypt and that he wanted to know about some of the ancient myths. We of course told him such a staff did not exist. But just the fact that he knew about it caused us much concern."
"So this Oscar Mann has teamed up with a historian who knows his way around ancient Egypt. Wonderful," Ali said upon a sigh. "And with the bank records showing Mann's company account wired money here to Egypt and that he chartered a helo, it's a pretty sure bet he's our man. But what's his motivation? What is he after?"
"Could be he's interested in rewriting history," Aria guessed.
Ali considered his cousin's statement for a long while. She was a well- educated, intelligent woman who had just returned from working in New York. Her computer and research skills were impeccable and she'd obviously been reading up on this Oscar Mann all day. Ali only hoped her guess was incorrect, for the thought of a man wanting to bring back the most dreaded evils of World War II was something that the world should never have to replay again.
"I hope you are wrong, Aria," Ali said. "I hope he is more interested in just money and power. Let us pray he learned few lessons from his father."
"Yes, let us," Aria agreed. "I will keep searching and let you know if I find anything else." Then the young woman who was barely twenty-four smiled at Ali with conspiracy and asked, "Is it true you are engaged to be married, cousin?"
"It is true," Ali answered.
"Who is she? I heard she was American."
Ali stood and smiled down at his cousin. "She is. You will no doubt meet her very soon."
"If she is American, how did she take the news of your title?" Aria then inquired.
Ali frowned and Devraj spoke up. "He has not told her yet."
It was Aria's turn to frown. "Ali," she chastised, "she will be angry."
"She will adjust," Ali said with confidence that was starting to wane.
"Perhaps after a month of hating you," Aria warned.
Ali glowered as his cousin. She too was an outspoken woman like Rose and was daunted by little, even by the chief of the Medjai.
"She will adjust," Ali insisted one last time as he turned on his heel and headed out of the computer room.
Devraj followed down the hall, past the few offices containing communication equipment, fax machines, the village telephone system, and the locked armory and found Ali in the end office which the chief had always occupied. Their "headquarters" were growing with equipment and technology as the threats to the sacred lands of the desert became more dangerous and more extreme. The days of simply chasing their quarry through the desert with just their swords was long past them now and every piece of modern equipment they possessed was becoming more necessary to fight off interlopers to the ancient sites. Interlopers, however, were not what was plaguing Ali's mind as he entered his office, Rose was.
"Ali, is something the matter?" Devraj asked as he closed the office door behind him.
"It is nothing," Ali lied as he took a few paces across the sparsely furnished office. He knew he should be looking into the information on Oscar Mann, but his mind wouldn't concentrate on it.
Devraj watched Ali for a long while, then asked, "Are you nervous about becoming a husband?"
Ali halted and looked sharply at his friend. "No."
When Devraj continued to stare at him as though he were unconvinced, Ali finally confessed, "It is Rose. What if.what if Aria and Yasmeen are correct and Rose hates me for the secrets I have kept?"
"She kept secrets from you," Devraj pointed out.
"Yes, but she has quickly confessed them. I, however, have been hiding behind a mask. She may think I was toying with her. But it just never seemed the right time. I have tried to convince myself that I never told her the truth because she wasn't ready. Yet I really think I have delayed the truth because." Because he was a coward, he told himself. Keeping that thought quiet, as any good leader should, Ali simply asked, ".What if I lose her over this?"
The emotion showing on Ali's face was difficult to miss. He was torn over the secret he had kept, but it was obvious he had had nothing but good intentions from the start. He by no means was toying with Rose, yet a woman may read such things differently.
"I do not believe you will lose her," Devraj stated. "But do not be surprised if you do not get married tomorrow."
Ali shook his head and frowned his friend's way. "Thank you, Dev, for restoring my confidence," he drawled.
Devraj gave a small shrug then turned and left the office. Ali was left alone to worry over his problems alone.
****
Rose awoke in the late afternoon, almost early evening, and stretched her arms over her head letting a satisfied yawn escape her mouth. She felt well rested and optimistic about the days ahead and it was all thanks to the man next to her. Or at least, the man who was supposed to be lying next to her.
Rose sat up and stared at the empty space on the bed, then shifted her eyes to the floor and saw Ali's clothes were gone. Irritation settled in as she realized he was nowhere to be seen. Waking up in his arms had been something she'd dreamed off all afternoon while she slept and now she was faced with the reality that she was alone.
She allowed a frustrated groan to escape her mouth, then fell back into the pillows and stared at the ceiling fan. What was with Ali lately? He worked until all hours of the night, stole away in the middle of a nap and danced around just about every direct question Rose asked him about his place and position in the village. Then there were the tattoos he'd never told her of, his seemingly nonchalant attitude about having killed Victor's gunmen in California and his insistence they marry as quickly as possible. Things just weren't adding up correctly, and Rose was determined to corner Ali very soon and make him tell her everything.
Yet cornering him was going to be difficult, for the man was gone!
Rose stretched again and was about to get out of bed when she felt something on her hand. Looking at her left hand, she found a gold ring on her finger. Upon closer inspection, she saw intricately carved designs on the gold band that greatly resembled the one's she glimpsed upon Ali's chest. She smiled as she realized Ali had given her the ring and decided she wouldn't berate him as badly as she'd planned.
There was a shuffling in the kitchen and the sound of dishes clanking together and Rose immediately jumped out of bed, hoping it was Ali creating the noise. After dressing quickly in her jeans and a T-shirt, she found Iman putting dishes away, but no Ali.
"Good evening, Rose," Iman said when Rose entered the kitchen. The woman returned to her work as Rose repeated the greeting.
"Have you seen Ali around?" Rose inquired.
"No. I have not seen him all day," Iman said.
Rose frowned. "Does he do this often? Disappear on a whim? Because in California, he was quite predictable. He was always easy to track down. Since we've been here, I barely see him anymore."
Iman smiled knowingly and gave a small shrug. "His life is different here. You must realize that."
"I'm realizing it," Rose said. "I'm just not understanding it."
"All in time, my child," Iman told her.
Rose's frown deepened. "I don't feel like I have any time," she argued. "Ali asked me to marry him last night. I told him I would and he insists we'll be married tomorrow. The trouble is, he's not here now to talk about it. I want to know what is going on with him before I say 'I do'."
Iman sighed and touched Rose's face. "I am thrilled at the prospects of you and Ali getting married. I know things seem rushed and that my son may seem like a different man to you here than he was in California. But do not judge him too harshly. Ali has great responsibilities now. Responsibilities beyond your comprehension. And I am sure he will explain everything to you tonight. But first, you need to get ready for the celebration."
"What celebration?" Rose asked warily.
"The entire village is celebrating your engagement," Iman explained with a huge smile of joy. "It will be a wonderful event." Before Rose could ask anything further, Iman was pushing her toward the bathroom. "Now, shower and fix your hair. I have much to do before tonight and you must be ready soon."
With no choice but to obey as Iman closed the bathroom door behind Rose, she started the shower and hoped Iman's words rang true about Ali explaining his duties to her very soon.
Ali stood at the foot of Rose's bed watching her sleep peacefully. It was a sight he was used to, but not one he could ever grow tired of. Back in California, on many a Friday night, Rose would fall asleep on his couch or floor during the video they had rented. She'd always picked out the movie, insisting it was one she just had to see, then would fall soundly asleep before the conclusion. Ali would never wake her during those Friday nights, for watching her sleep peacefully, so beautiful in her slumber, had been a time he had always cherished.
Now, he cherished the sight more. Especially after he had almost lost her on more than one occasion in the past week. After the ordeals they'd already experienced this week, he would never take anything about Rose for granted, for he realized how easily it could all be taken away from him- just as his father had been taken away from him by the man he'd killed in the cave.
Ali shook such thoughts from his mind and focused on the steady rise and fall of Rose's chest as she slept. Her shoulders were bare, her hair splayed out on the pillow around her head. She was indeed the most beautiful woman he had ever known and in that instant he realized he could not wait a moment longer to hear her say she would marry him. He knew she would say yes now, for she had said as much to him this morning when he'd surprised her by the river.
Lying on the bed next to her, Ali kissed her forehead and brushed his fingers through her silky-fine hair. She murmured in her sleep, like he remembered her doing so often in California, and then sighed softly. Not satisfied with the response, Ali placed his hand upon her cheek and guided her lips to his. Her kiss was sweet and warm and she awoke slowly as his mouth claimed hers.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him, her eyes fluttering open and a small smile invading her lips.
"Watching you sleep," he answered quietly.
"Watching?" Her grin grew sly as she tugged on the sheets and suggested, "Why not join me?"
The look in Ali's eye was that of exhaustion as well. It was obvious he had not slept all night either and Rose would have inquired of his activities, but she herself had barely fallen asleep and her mind was too groggy to inquire of details. Besides, the look of him next to her in his faded Levi's and white T-shirt, smelling cleanly showered, begged to be seduced and she was planning on doing just that.
"If I did that, we wouldn't get much sleeping done," he replied wryly.
"Who says I planned on us accomplishing sleep first," Rose returned. She ran a hand across his chest. His muscles were taut and well defined. "I've made a decision, Ali, and I think we should celebrate."
Ali smiled because he had a feeling he knew what Rose had decided. But he was enjoying her touching and teasing too much to spoil it by letting on that he knew. Instead, he asked, "And what decision might that be?"
"I've decided that I will marry you."
"I already knew you would-someday. You confessed that as much last night, darling. But what I want to know is when." Ali prodded her along by running a finger down her bare shoulder and arm. He watched as she shivered from his touch. And it was not a shiver of fear, but of pure enjoyment.
"Well, as soon as it can be arranged," she announced. "Why wait? I love you. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone else upon this planet. And after what you have done for me this past week, I know you love me in return."
They kissed then, for a long while. It was simple and warm to begin with, then slowly turned heated and passionate. Again Rose wondered why it had taken two years for them to realize the attraction. The fire between them blazed quickly and it should have been obvious to her sooner that she and Ali were made for one another. There was no use belaboring the past, however, so Rose pushed those thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on the man in her arms.
As their kisses turned to hurried caresses, Rose assisted Ali off with his T-shirt. That's when she saw them; dark blue-green tattoos upon his chest. She was shocked at the sight of them upon his olive skin and she halted all desires to study them closely. Over each breast was an identical crescent-shaped symbol about two-inches long and above his navel were five ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. He'd never told her he possessed such marks and she'd never chanced to see them before today.
"What are those?" Rose stopped to ask. She lightly traced the flowing calligraphy of the symbols with her fingers.
Ali bit back an oath, having forgot all about the marks upon his chest. His tribe had once placed these same marks upon their faces to signify their heritage, but after his grandfather's reign as chief, the next generation began to mark their chests to better conceal their identities in the vastly changing world. He'd never mentioned to Rose that he possessed them, so it was more than likely a shock to her.
Summoning up humor, Ali drawled, "Those are tattoos, Rose."
"Yes, I can see that. But how strange that you have any," she commented. "Where'd you get them and when?"
Pushing up to an elbow to gaze down at Rose, Ali answered playfully, "I believe it was one night in Morocco when the boys and I had way too much to drink."
Yanking the pillow out from under his elbow and causing him to crash back to the mattress, Rose chastised, "Be serious! You don't drink and frankly, picturing you out carousing with the boys just isn't your style. You're entirely too boring and conservative for that."
"Boring and conservative?" Ali asked back with mock anger. He pinned Rose to the mattress and declared, "Just for that, I may decide to make you wait another two years to let you have me."
"You may want to reconsider that threat, darling. The Medjai were by again this morning and their chief still insists he wants me," Rose conveyed.
"The Medjai, huh?" Ali repeated as he rolled off of Rose. "What did they want?"
"They brought me news of my brother. Apparently they couldn't find Tony or any of Victor's group. I'm a bit worried, but I'll save that for later."
"Is that all the news they brought?" Ali inquired.
"Yes. But I should confess to you that Yasmeen and I took a ride with them. A very short ride through the desert."
Ali reached out and wrapped a strand of her brunette hair around his finger. Blonde highlights, compliments of the sun, were starting to appear in her silky strands.
"Is that why you smell like the sands?" he inquired.
"You're not upset, are you? It was just a ride."
Shaking his head, Ali answered, "You are certainly capable of making your own decisions. And the Medjai are greatly trusted in these parts. If they came to simply take you on a tour and tell you of your brother, that is all they came to do. Besides, I know you love only me. No Medjai chief could steal you away."
Rose smiled. "That's what I told him." Then she trailed her finger over the symbols on his chest and asked again, "Where'd you get these?"
"It's simply a family tradition. Nothing more," Ali simplified.
"And do they mean something?"
Rose's hand was still upon his chest, tracing the symbols and making him forget all about his history and duties.
Grabbing her to him, causing the sheets to slip away and reveal that she was wearing virtually nothing, Ali growled, "I cannot remember what they mean now with you touching me. All sense of history evades me with you in my arms. I demand you make love to me now and restore all sense to my mind."
Rose giggled lowly, then nodded and placed her hands on either side of Ali's handsome face.
"I'd love too, honey," she agreed and met his lips and they began their first journey as lovers and as soon to be husband and wife.
****
"I'd ask for a repeat performance," Rose said upon a sigh, a long while later, "but I'm too exhausted."
Ali smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "I know the feeling. We should rest."
Rose nodded and turned in his arms, reveling in the feel of his naked chest pressing against her bare back. Every touch, every caress of the passion they'd just shared had been heavenly and even though she was near complete exhaustion, Rose couldn't help but smile at the thought of having this man hold her in his arms every night as she slept.
"I don't want to sleep. I want to stay awake and talk about us getting married," Rose revealed. "I'm so excited now that I've made the decision."
"I am glad you are looking forward to our wedding," he returned. "But the ceremony will be nothing but a formality to me. In my heart, you already belong to me and I to you." He leaned over her and kissed her face to confirm his words.
"This desert air just brings out the romantic in you." Rose giggled. "I really think I can grow to like that."
"And being in my bed?" he inquired. "Could you grow to like that as well?"
"Oh, I already love that," she returned.
"Good. And I love having you in my bed."
Rose smiled then asked teasingly, "Hey, isn't this my bed?"
Ali chuckled and the low sound of his laugh reverberated through Rose's body. "I suppose it is."
Rose then asked, "Speaking of whose bed this is.just where will we live once we're married, Ali?"
"Do not worry about that. All is arranged."
"And how about the little detail of me being here in Egypt without a passport or visa? And a marriage license? Don't we have to take care of all of those details as well?" Rose continued to question.
"It has already been arranged," Ali said.
"Arranged?" Rose repeated, turning in Ali's arms to once again face him. "How? And by whom?"
"I have friends who have taken care of everything," he said, reassuringly. "Do not worry so. Tomorrow, we will be married and you will not have to worry about a single detail."
"Tomorrow?" Rose sat up, pulling the sheet with her and turned to look down at Ali. "I know I said I wanted to marry you soon, but tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow," he repeated firmly.
His eyes conveyed his determination the same as they had the night before in front of the Council. Rose thought it best not to argue with him on this point and agreed that they should wed quickly since they had already known each other for a long while. It wasn't as if this was a mere whirlwind romance. They knew everything about one another and there was no reason to delay the ceremony.
"Okay," Rose drawled. "Tomorrow it is."
"No argument?" Ali asked with confusion.
"No argument," Rose assured him. "We know each other as well as any two people can and I want to become your wife. So why wait?"
Ali's expression changed for an instant at her words and she was certain he looked almost guilty. The look came and went quickly and with a simple kiss to her lips, Ali insisted quietly, "Lets get some sleep, darling."
Rose nodded and rolled to her side. Secure in the arms of the man she loved, she drifted off to sleep and again dreamed of wild rides through the desert nights. Only instead of dreaming of cloaked warriors beside her, she dreamed of Ali.
****
His sleep was sound as he laid with Rose in his arms. In fact, Ali's sleep was so sound, it took a hard shake to wake him. As Devraj's hand landed upon his shoulder, Ali's eyes flew open and he stifled a curse.
"Forgive me, Ali," Devraj whispered, a small hint of shame showing upon his face for having intruded upon their chief's afternoon. "But we have finally discovered some information we thought you should be informed of."
Ali nodded and carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Rose who had been entangled in his arms. He dressed quickly in his jeans and T- shirt and as he was about to leave, he felt something in his pocket. It was the ring he had brought to show Rose for her approval. Having been so caught up in their lovemaking, Ali had forgotten all about it. The ring was a gold band, hand-crafted by one of the elder men in the village who had made it as a gift for their chief and his chosen bride. Engraved around the band were the same symbols that were tattooed on Ali's chest. It was a fitting ring for the wife of a Medjai chief and Ali didn't want to wait until tomorrow to claim her. Gently he slipped the ring upon her finger, touched his lips to the band, and with one last longing look at Rose, he left with Devraj.
"Again, I am sorry to have disturbed you," Devraj apologized as they left the house. "But I was informed that some interesting facts were discovered on this Oscar Mann we've been looking at."
"There is nothing to apologize for, Devraj. If you are to be my right hand, you should learn that there is no such thing as in imposition," Ali returned.
"Your bride may think otherwise," Devraj pointed out.
"My Rose will adapt," Ali said confidently.
"Yasmeen is positive Rose will be quite angry with you when she learns the truth."
Ali stopped in the middle of the stairway they were ascending and looked at Devraj.
"When did Yasmeen tell you this?" he inquired.
"This morning on the ride. She says she already mentioned so to you and that you do not believe her."
Slowly, Ali said, "I believe Rose will be upset, yes. But I also think that she will have a sense of humor about it. She will get over it in time for the wedding."
"Ah, so you plan to tell her soon?" Devraj asked. "Are you going to tell her before or after the celebration?"
"What celebration?"
"The village is buzzing with news of your engagement. They have planned a celebration tonight. I thought you knew."
Ali shook his head. "No, I knew nothing. And just who arranged this?"
"Yasmeen, the Council, your mother," Devraj answered. "In fact." He paused and an uncharacteristic look of uncertainty crossed his face. "I think that I may even have a date for this celebration."
"A date?" Ali again studied his friend's face and asked, "With Yasmeen?"
Devraj shrugged. "I am not sure exactly."
"Not sure?" Ali asked with a chuckle and resumed climbing the steps. "My friend, how can you not be sure?"
"I would appreciate if you not taunt me," Devraj insisted. "After all, unlike you and Yasmeen and most of the others, I did not spend time touring Europe and America. My station was in Cairo at the museum. And as much as I enjoyed the long hours of study and learning about artifacts and ancient history, I did not have the opportunity to meet many women and socialize. And Yasmeen.well, she is more.there is something." Devraj stopped his words and frowned.
Ali halted his steps again and placed a hand on his friend's solid shoulder. "Yes, I know that Yasmeen is perhaps more woman than most men can handle," Ali finished for his friend. "But I am finding that she is changing lately. There is something more demure about her, something sweeter that was never there before. And I believe that was put there by you. You have quiet strength, Dev, and you can certainly handle Yasmeen. That is, if you are seriously interested in her?"
Devraj nodded. "Yes. I believe I am. She is beautiful. And I have learned much about her strength this past week."
"Then I suggest that instead of thinking you have a date, that you should insist you have a date and put that woman in her place."
Devraj chuckled and then asked sarcastically, "You mean, like you have put Rose in her place?"
An embarrassed grimace crossed Ali's face. "Yes, exactly like that," he said upon a self-conscious laugh and the men resumed their walk.
When they reached the building next to the stables that served as a makeshift "communication headquarters", any light tone and laughter disappeared from Ali's countenance. The news the Medjai had uncovered on their lead suspect, Oscar Mann, was sobering and Ali sank into a chair next to the computer his cousin Aria was using with a feeling of dread.
"It didn't take too long to dig up information on Oscar Mann because his family has a very interesting and high profile history," Aria said. She clicked on an icon and brought up a page of a government database.
"His father ran from Nazi Germany in 1945 and was among several high ranking Nazi officials who never went to trial for their war crimes because they disappeared before the western powers could capture them," she continued. "Oscar Mann was raised in Argentina by his father until he turned eighteen. He left Argentina for Germany then, went to college for a few years and built up an international shipping company with his own ingenuity and made a very comfortable life-style for himself. Our government records indicate he's visited here in Egypt several times, especially in the past decade. His last application for a visa was four months ago. He entered Egypt the same time two other German citizens did along with a French historian by the name of Jean Danton."
Ali asked Aria to halt her explanation for a moment as he studied the passport picture of Oscar Mann and ran Jean Danton's name through his head. The Medjai had connections in the Egyptian government that made most databases available to them for research and this particular database that Aria was using had a picture of their number one suspect. Oscar Mann was in his late forties with light blonde, thinning hair and a pockmarked complexion. His eyes too were light, almost a clear blue, and the small smirk displayed upon his mouth brought the image of a serpent to mind. Ali would have been surprised if this wasn't their man, for he had a look to be wary of upon his face and Ali could feel in his gut that this man was up to no good.
As for the name Danton, Ali was certain he'd heard it before, yet he couldn't place a date or time or a face.
"Danton, why does that name sound so familiar?" Ali asked Devraj.
Devraj thought for a moment, then said, "I know. He's been to the museum in Cairo before. In fact." Devraj's voice rose with emotion as he added, "he visited there last year. I was there with Saed and this Frenchman asked about the Staff of the Sun. He said he was a historian writing a book on ancient Egypt and that he wanted to know about some of the ancient myths. We of course told him such a staff did not exist. But just the fact that he knew about it caused us much concern."
"So this Oscar Mann has teamed up with a historian who knows his way around ancient Egypt. Wonderful," Ali said upon a sigh. "And with the bank records showing Mann's company account wired money here to Egypt and that he chartered a helo, it's a pretty sure bet he's our man. But what's his motivation? What is he after?"
"Could be he's interested in rewriting history," Aria guessed.
Ali considered his cousin's statement for a long while. She was a well- educated, intelligent woman who had just returned from working in New York. Her computer and research skills were impeccable and she'd obviously been reading up on this Oscar Mann all day. Ali only hoped her guess was incorrect, for the thought of a man wanting to bring back the most dreaded evils of World War II was something that the world should never have to replay again.
"I hope you are wrong, Aria," Ali said. "I hope he is more interested in just money and power. Let us pray he learned few lessons from his father."
"Yes, let us," Aria agreed. "I will keep searching and let you know if I find anything else." Then the young woman who was barely twenty-four smiled at Ali with conspiracy and asked, "Is it true you are engaged to be married, cousin?"
"It is true," Ali answered.
"Who is she? I heard she was American."
Ali stood and smiled down at his cousin. "She is. You will no doubt meet her very soon."
"If she is American, how did she take the news of your title?" Aria then inquired.
Ali frowned and Devraj spoke up. "He has not told her yet."
It was Aria's turn to frown. "Ali," she chastised, "she will be angry."
"She will adjust," Ali said with confidence that was starting to wane.
"Perhaps after a month of hating you," Aria warned.
Ali glowered as his cousin. She too was an outspoken woman like Rose and was daunted by little, even by the chief of the Medjai.
"She will adjust," Ali insisted one last time as he turned on his heel and headed out of the computer room.
Devraj followed down the hall, past the few offices containing communication equipment, fax machines, the village telephone system, and the locked armory and found Ali in the end office which the chief had always occupied. Their "headquarters" were growing with equipment and technology as the threats to the sacred lands of the desert became more dangerous and more extreme. The days of simply chasing their quarry through the desert with just their swords was long past them now and every piece of modern equipment they possessed was becoming more necessary to fight off interlopers to the ancient sites. Interlopers, however, were not what was plaguing Ali's mind as he entered his office, Rose was.
"Ali, is something the matter?" Devraj asked as he closed the office door behind him.
"It is nothing," Ali lied as he took a few paces across the sparsely furnished office. He knew he should be looking into the information on Oscar Mann, but his mind wouldn't concentrate on it.
Devraj watched Ali for a long while, then asked, "Are you nervous about becoming a husband?"
Ali halted and looked sharply at his friend. "No."
When Devraj continued to stare at him as though he were unconvinced, Ali finally confessed, "It is Rose. What if.what if Aria and Yasmeen are correct and Rose hates me for the secrets I have kept?"
"She kept secrets from you," Devraj pointed out.
"Yes, but she has quickly confessed them. I, however, have been hiding behind a mask. She may think I was toying with her. But it just never seemed the right time. I have tried to convince myself that I never told her the truth because she wasn't ready. Yet I really think I have delayed the truth because." Because he was a coward, he told himself. Keeping that thought quiet, as any good leader should, Ali simply asked, ".What if I lose her over this?"
The emotion showing on Ali's face was difficult to miss. He was torn over the secret he had kept, but it was obvious he had had nothing but good intentions from the start. He by no means was toying with Rose, yet a woman may read such things differently.
"I do not believe you will lose her," Devraj stated. "But do not be surprised if you do not get married tomorrow."
Ali shook his head and frowned his friend's way. "Thank you, Dev, for restoring my confidence," he drawled.
Devraj gave a small shrug then turned and left the office. Ali was left alone to worry over his problems alone.
****
Rose awoke in the late afternoon, almost early evening, and stretched her arms over her head letting a satisfied yawn escape her mouth. She felt well rested and optimistic about the days ahead and it was all thanks to the man next to her. Or at least, the man who was supposed to be lying next to her.
Rose sat up and stared at the empty space on the bed, then shifted her eyes to the floor and saw Ali's clothes were gone. Irritation settled in as she realized he was nowhere to be seen. Waking up in his arms had been something she'd dreamed off all afternoon while she slept and now she was faced with the reality that she was alone.
She allowed a frustrated groan to escape her mouth, then fell back into the pillows and stared at the ceiling fan. What was with Ali lately? He worked until all hours of the night, stole away in the middle of a nap and danced around just about every direct question Rose asked him about his place and position in the village. Then there were the tattoos he'd never told her of, his seemingly nonchalant attitude about having killed Victor's gunmen in California and his insistence they marry as quickly as possible. Things just weren't adding up correctly, and Rose was determined to corner Ali very soon and make him tell her everything.
Yet cornering him was going to be difficult, for the man was gone!
Rose stretched again and was about to get out of bed when she felt something on her hand. Looking at her left hand, she found a gold ring on her finger. Upon closer inspection, she saw intricately carved designs on the gold band that greatly resembled the one's she glimpsed upon Ali's chest. She smiled as she realized Ali had given her the ring and decided she wouldn't berate him as badly as she'd planned.
There was a shuffling in the kitchen and the sound of dishes clanking together and Rose immediately jumped out of bed, hoping it was Ali creating the noise. After dressing quickly in her jeans and a T-shirt, she found Iman putting dishes away, but no Ali.
"Good evening, Rose," Iman said when Rose entered the kitchen. The woman returned to her work as Rose repeated the greeting.
"Have you seen Ali around?" Rose inquired.
"No. I have not seen him all day," Iman said.
Rose frowned. "Does he do this often? Disappear on a whim? Because in California, he was quite predictable. He was always easy to track down. Since we've been here, I barely see him anymore."
Iman smiled knowingly and gave a small shrug. "His life is different here. You must realize that."
"I'm realizing it," Rose said. "I'm just not understanding it."
"All in time, my child," Iman told her.
Rose's frown deepened. "I don't feel like I have any time," she argued. "Ali asked me to marry him last night. I told him I would and he insists we'll be married tomorrow. The trouble is, he's not here now to talk about it. I want to know what is going on with him before I say 'I do'."
Iman sighed and touched Rose's face. "I am thrilled at the prospects of you and Ali getting married. I know things seem rushed and that my son may seem like a different man to you here than he was in California. But do not judge him too harshly. Ali has great responsibilities now. Responsibilities beyond your comprehension. And I am sure he will explain everything to you tonight. But first, you need to get ready for the celebration."
"What celebration?" Rose asked warily.
"The entire village is celebrating your engagement," Iman explained with a huge smile of joy. "It will be a wonderful event." Before Rose could ask anything further, Iman was pushing her toward the bathroom. "Now, shower and fix your hair. I have much to do before tonight and you must be ready soon."
With no choice but to obey as Iman closed the bathroom door behind Rose, she started the shower and hoped Iman's words rang true about Ali explaining his duties to her very soon.