Chapter Ten
Giza loomed before them and Ardeth noticed a visible change in Najya. There was a softness in her expression, a sense of familiarity. That Giza was her childhood home was one of the many things Najya had shared with him during the hours they spent together the previous night. It had taken quite some time for Najya to exhaust herself and slip into a fitful sleep. Much to the chagrin of Azeem, Ardeth did not leave her side the entire night.
When they reached Giza's port, Najya excused herself and headed toward a riverboat moored there. Azeem approached Ardeth while watching as their charge stopped to speak to a man who stood near the gangplank of the boat. "I was surprised to awaken this morning to see you leaving the woman's tent, my friend," he blurted out quietly.
Ardeth cast him a sideways glance. "It is not what you assume, Azeem."
"No?" Azeem asked, unconvinced. He observed as Ardeth crossed his arms over his chest in exasperation. Ardeth had been keeping a watchful eye on Najya as she talked to the stranger. He seemed none too pleased when the man suddenly caught her up in a enthusiastic hug. "Perhaps it is not what I assumed, my friend. However, I would be doing you an injustice if I did not voice my concerns."
Ardeth dropped his arms and turned toward his friend. "I do not believe she is the danger the Elders fear." Clapping his hand down onto Azeem's shoulder, he admitted, "I do not see this great evil when I look into her eyes; I see only goodness."
Azeem smiled wryly. "Do you not think that could be what she wishes you to see?" He felt like he was betraying Ardeth, in a sense, having never doubted him before.
Ardeth rubbed his chin thoughtfully before replying. "She possesses great abilities, I do not deny this." He turned back toward Najya to see her press a kiss to the man's cheek. He felt an odd sensation flutter in his chest; something he had never experienced before. It sickened him with its intensity. Who was this man? Why was he holding her so familiarly? He decided the strange feeling he was experiencing was jealousy and he did not like it one bit. "She is not a schemer, Azeem. Please, trust me."
Nodding, he replied, "Of course, my friend. You have my trust."
"And I thank you for that, Azeem," Ardeth said, sincerely. "Now, if you will excuse me?"
Without waiting for a reply, Ardeth strode purposefully toward Najya and the stranger. As he drew closer, he took in the appearance of the man who held Najya in a seemingly intimate embrace. The man stood nearly six feet tall, had wispy blonde hair that feathered just below his ears, and had a lean, muscular build. His profile was strong and proud, and when Ardeth could see his eyes clearly, he noted their pale green quality danced with mischief.
Najya pulled away when she saw Ardeth. His face was drawn in concentration as he regarded the man who stood beside her. From his stern expression, she could easily tell he did not approve of the affection they had shown. Again, her disrespect to the rules of society were a drawback for her, but she would not change to suit another's way of thinking. She would try to explain things later. At the moment, she would have her hands full convincing Ardeth to leave his men behind. "Kyle, may I introduce Ardeth Bay. Ardeth and his men have been kind enough to escort me to Giza. Ardeth, this is Kyle Shearer."
Ardeth accepted the hand that Kyle offered in silent acknowledgement. He noted offhandedly that the man had an American dialect when he voiced his greeting; he wondered how Najya had come to know this man.
"Najya tells me you are in need of passage to Philae," Kyle announced directly. He wondered to himself about the robed man's facial tattoos and how Najya had come to be in his company, away from her tyrannical uncle.
"It would be helpful," Ardeth supplied hesitantly.
"I will see to it, then." With a nod to Ardeth, Kyle kissed Najya's cheek before heading up the gangplank.
"He will see to it?" Ardeth questioned incredulously.
"He is Captain of this boat," Najya informed him. "There is one problem. There is room for only you and I. I am afraid your men will have to remain here." This was a subject she had avoided from the beginning. Not knowing what would take place once they made it to Philae, Najya did not want Ardeth's men along. She could not afford their interference.
"That is unacceptable," he answered swiftly, watching her closely. What was she up to?
"It is a matter of convenience, I assure you." She motioned toward the boat with one hand. "There are two rooms available. Both are much too small for more than one person. You need not go further, if this troubles you."
His eyebrow rose in reflex. She was much too eager to send him on his way. Was it just a ruse to get him to accept leaving his men behind, knowing he would not wish to leave her on her own? Very well, he would play her game. For now. "I will not leave you," he answered simply before turning and heading back to his men.
Kyle watched as the robed man called Ardeth moved away from Najya. Before Ardeth had approached, Najya had hastily informed him about the events that surrounded her departure from her uncle's hotel in Cairo. That the hateful little man had sold her into slavery did not surprise Kyle; she had been little more than a slave in his household. Now she had anchored herself to this strangely tattooed and clothed man. For what purpose? Najya said her mother had wished for her to go to the Temple of Isis when she reached a certain age and her uncle had forbidden it. Now that she was free of him, she was making the journey and this 'Ardeth' was helping her. Life had not cut her many breaks, and if it were possible for him to help her also, he would do what he could.
Azeem drew to Ardeth's side when he rejoined the men. "What is it, my friend?" Ardeth looked severely bewildered.
"There has been a slight change of plan, Azeem. I will accompany Najya on the riverboat. I need for you to find a way to Philae and follow." Ardeth explained elusively. It was difficult for him to give details when he had none; he had just the faintest feeling that something was amiss.
This did not sit well with Azeem, but he held his tongue. After their earlier conversation, Ardeth was aware how spending so much time alone with Najya might appear to Azeem and the others. However, Ardeth was the tribe's leader and Azeem would do as he commanded. "I will find a way to follow you. Does the woman know?"
"No. She believes you are to remain in Giza. There is no need for her to know," he reasoned, his gaze never wavering from that of Azeem's. "If you are needed, you shall be there. That is my wish."
Azeem nodded in acceptance. His biggest worry was that his Chief was falling under the spell of their charge. That Ardeth would order them to follow without her knowledge was indication enough to him that his Chief was in control of his own thoughts and mind.
***
To be continued...