ATTEMPTED RUINATION
Leven was awakened early the next morning by a strong wave of nausea. Somebody close was cooking something and she just couldn't take it. Oh God. How long would it be like this? She scrambled up to a sitting position and grabbed the chamber pot specifically set near her for an occasion such as this. She could live with anything but the nausea. When she thought she had recovered the slightest bit, it raged back into her, as if saying 'surprise, I'm still with you…I'll be here for the rest of the day.' Uh. Help me, God. After she truly recovered [for the moment, anyway], she collected herself and cleaned up as best as she could. She needed fresh air. She had been cooped up far too long. Leven wanted to step outside just for a bit. She had no intention of straying far. It wouldn't take much to get totally and completely lost. Ardeth would have to show her how to get around. She couldn't simply sit still twenty-four hours a day. It just wasn't in her. Taking a deep breath, she moved toward the door and let herself out. Surprisingly enough, the little village around her wasn't exactly silent and unmoving. What a completely different world she was in. The drastic differences staggered the mind. However, she didn't find herself missing her old life at all. Old life. What a joke. How long have I been here? She stepped out a little further away from the small adobe structure that Hazz called his 'quarters.' The scurrying sound of bodies moving busily about grew louder, nearer. Leven walked around to the corner of the small hut-like building and saw a few women milling about, doing what appeared to be morning chores. She hadn't seen many people since she came, Ardeth had been shielding her, protecting her almost. It was as if he expected her reception to be less than kind. Of course, she didn't expect everyone to be as straightforward as the woman…what was her name…had been with her yesterday. Some little something was telling her to remain leery and aloof of her, but she wasn't listening to her inner voice just yet. It would turn out to be a big mistake. Leven had a desire to belong, to break through whatever barriers existed between her and them. For God's sake, she was one of them.
She tentatively moved toward the few people she saw milling about. When the women noticed her, they glanced at her once, but never laid their eyes on her. They went about their morning rituals without acknowledging her existence. It was as if she were some temporary vision or wraith. She didn't expect to be greeted with hugs and kisses, but she also didn't think she would be so viciously shunned. She opened her mouth to speak, but only a tinny sound emitted from her throat. The women reacted exactly as they had when they first saw her. When she tried to move in closer, one of the women spat at her. What the hell? What had she done to them?
"Riji waTan, harâmi," a young woman spat. ["Go back home, thief."]
Harâmi? Didn't that mean thief? The woman was calling her a thief. What did she steal? What? Were they talking about Ardeth? Were they accusing her of stealing him? She hadn't stolen anything. They were in love with each other, they couldn't help that, and it wasn't something they have prevented.
"Wehsi ma'ra." ["Loose woman."]
Leven wanted to defend herself, but she couldn't find the words. She had begun to think that staying was a very bad idea. "'Ajab samaH…" ["Please allow…"]
"Lâ! NiHna 'imil mâ mush inti haun." ["No! We do not want you here."]
Leven didn't understand all the words, but the message was clear. She didn't belong. They obviously thought she had perpetrated some horrible misdeed against one of their own. But I am one of them…a few generations separated, still… Her morning 'walk' had been a terrible mistake. "Âsif…" ["Sorry…"] She turned away abruptly and went toward the hut. She had made a mistake coming out here, had perhaps made an even major one allowing Ardeth to leave her behind. She was pretty much stuck in this hostile world. She might have been able to adapt better if she knew where it was coming from.
Sahib stood with the other women, but she hadn't taken part in the cruelty. However, she hadn't exactly tried to stop it. All this was due to Radab's jealousy and venom. The elders and the people would have to accept the Chieftain's decision whether they wanted to or not. He would marry his malak [angel] and raise his children with her. What could be done about it? Nothing. She wanted to approach the Chieftain's intended, but she wasn't sure if the girl would even speak to her now.
The moment Leven stepped inside the little hut, she dove for the chamber pot again. She wasn't so sure this bout of vomiting was necessarily due to being pregnant. When she recovered, she leaned back on the bed, fingering her half of the amulet. How long would it take for her love to return to her? How long would it be before she was in his arms again, before he was kissing her again? Oh, maHabbi. Wainak? [Oh, love. Where are you?] Leven fell into a light, fitful doze and was awakened again by Hazz. He brought her food, but she couldn't touch it. The baby inside her was kicking up one hell of a fuss today. She had never felt so messed up. Of course, she had never been pregnant before, either. She had just shoved the bowls away when she received another visit from Radab.
"I came to say I am sorry for what happened to you this morning," she began with a sincere look on her face. However, there was a flashing nastiness in her eyes. "I heard some of the women talking and it was most unkind. They do not understand."
Radab's appearance was much too convenient for Leven's comfort level. No one had even thought to look at her cross-eyed until after her visit. Suddenly, Leven didn't trust this woman. God, and I let her talk me into staying here! She wished she could erase yesterday and her foolish thoughts of staying behind. Ardeth had tried to sway her, of course, but she hadn't listened to him. He gave over to her, gave her what she wanted. "I didn't expect the venom," she said, cutting her eyes at the other woman. "I'm no thief. I didn't steal Ardeth away from anyone. Falling in love with a man isn't stealing him. We love each other and everyone will have to deal with it." She appeared to be speaking directly to Radab, and if the truth were known, she was.
Radab almost wanted to smile. Ardeth's ma'ra [woman] wasn't as blind as she thought. She needed to steer her back. Her plan wasn't complete until Leven left completely. Ardeth would be destroyed, of course, but she would be there to comfort him. "No, you are not a thief. Give the women time. We do not know you yet."
"Do you mind leaving, Ms. Murr," Leven asked suddenly. "I don't feel well."
She nodded. "No, I do not. The baby bothering?"
"Yes, Ardeth's child is pitching a fit inside me right now."
"Very well," she said demurely before leaving.
* * *
Evelyn O'Connell, corralling a screaming five-year-old, signed for a telegram. When she read the message, her eyes brightened considerably. "Oh my," she said softly. "Rick!"
* * *
Ardeth and Hashim had started back toward the village. Ardeth had stopped briefly at a port town outside Cairo to send a telegram to his friends in London. He waited only as long as necessary to receive an answer. When he had what he wanted in hand, he stopped and picked up Hashim on the way back. He thought his second might want to see his wife. She was due to give birth any day now. Besides, he enjoyed the younger man's company. Ardeth listened as Hashim gave him bright blessings with regard to his marriage. It pleased him immensely. At least someone other than Hazz and his apprentice had accepted the marriage with open arms. He had slept poorly since leaving Leven behind and at one point, he had heard her call to him, the way she had called to him from his vision. Oh, maHabbi. Wainak? [Oh, love. Where are you?] The plea disturbed him, made him want to get back faster. He wasn't pleased with himself for leaving her behind, but he was so very concerned about her safety. Yet, she would have to ride back to Cairo, wouldn't she? Something did not feel right.
* * *
Poof. Sleep. Hazz Haka heard those gentle words before he was induced into a coma-like slumber. The entity drifted over to Mukhtar and did the same thing to him. In another room, the Chieftain's whore slept soundly. One last touch on her forehead and she would stay out until he managed to get her to the village pyramid. He felt for his dagger within his robes. Yes. It was still there, waiting for its chance to bite into her soft flesh.
Sahib slipped up quietly to Elder Haka's hut and gasped in horror. Someone [probably Radab] had piled a tangle of dead snakes at the door. Puckering in disgust, Sahib toed the pile and realized that there weren't any alive. With a cry of anger, she kicked them away from the door. This was completely and utterly cruel of Radab. She rapped on the door and waited patiently. After several moments, Leven stuck her head out and gazed down into the face of another exotic beauty. It wasn't Radab. This one was hugely pregnant and there didn't seem to be a smirk in her eyes. Leven stood back and allowed the woman to enter. After all, she might have come to seek Hazz's guidance.
The other woman stepped into the tiny room and noticed that it was pitch black inside. Leven reached over and lit a lamp and watched her curiously. "'Imil inti tkallam inglîzi?" ["Do you speak English?"] When the woman nodded, Leven continued, "Do you need Elder Haka?"
"No. I wish to speak to you. I am Hashim's wife, Sahib."
Leven nodded. She knew of Hashim, he was Ardeth's second in command, and also one of the three men who brought her to the healer. "What do you wish to speak about?"
"My husband and I respect the Chieftain greatly. We saw him grieve for Sharîk and for you. I do not agree with the elders. I think they are wrong. I must warn you about Radab Murr. You should not trust her. She has disrespected you and the Chieftain. She is responsible for what happened this morning. I was there and I am sorry they hurt you so. She is the one who did that; she told us to shun you. Radab is very jealous of you. She has been promised to the Chieftain for many years."
Leven sighed and shook her head. "I'm not surprised."
"You are very strong, like your great-grandmother," she said.
"My great-grandmother? You…know? How?"
Sahib smiled at the obvious shock on Leven's face. "Husbands and wives talk, just like Chieftains and seconds. Hashim pried for the information and Ardeth was less than forthcoming, but we have simply pieced everything together. Once you can explain your past, the attitude will change. Sharîk was a respected woman among us, as was her mother before her."
"How touching," a voice said from behind them.
Leven turned and saw Elder Zilan standing no further than three feet from her. "What are you doing here?"
"I do not respect the demands of a whore, Chieftaina," he said mockingly. "Come with me now and I will not hurt Sahib."
She stood in front of the pregnant woman, blocking her a little. "Oh Jesus," she spat. "Caldo."
"I'd prefer Sharr, but Caldo is good in a pinch. It's time for you to pay for damaging my chances at eternal rest. Your death will guarantee my retrieval of the amulet. Come, Leven, and I won't hurt anyone else."
Leven grabbed hold of Sahib's shoulder and pushed her toward the door. "Go," she screamed. Frozen for a moment, Leven had to put more force into the push than she wanted. Sahib went out the door and as far as Leven knew, she ran. However, she was wrong. Once outside, the woman sank to her knees as her water broke.
Sharr produced his razor sharp dagger and rushed toward Leven. She sidestepped partially out of his way, but he managed to grab onto her arm. He brought the dagger down as if he was about to chop off her arm, but Leven raised her knee and planted it squarely between his legs. As he sank to his knees, the dagger flew out of Sharr's hand and skittered across the floor. Leven took a dive for it, feeling its jeweled handle against the palm of her hand. Sharr grabbed her, taking handfuls of her shirt, ripping it. Leven stretched her body as far as it would go and she grasped the handle tightly in her hand. If she could just get it up to his chest… Stab him in the heart, she heard Ardeth's voice say, It is the only way to release his soul. She tried to sit up, but Sharr held her down. Leven closed her eyes tightly and began to pull away, to yank her legs out of his hands, gritting her teeth. Damn the bastard. Damn the bastard. With one hard tug, she wrenched one leg out of his grasp, but it was enough to allow her to bring her body to a partial sitting position. She lifted the dagger high and swung it down in a violent arc. The brilliant blue light blinded her as the soul of the minion was released. Leven barely caught her breath before she heard a weak voice calling for help.
* * *
The sun was high and the day hot when Ardeth and Hashim rode into the fringes of the village. Ardeth's heartbeat picked up just the tiniest bit when he realized how very close he was to Leven. When the men drew closer, they noticed the activity around and thought it a little odd. A young boy noticed the warriors approaching and he began calling for Hashim. "Hashim, Hashim, il raDî!" ["Hashim, Hashim, the baby!"] Hashim exchanged a panicked look with his Chieftain and Ardeth smiled a little.
"Rikib fauq. Shâf inta walad." ["Ride on. See your child."] Hashim galloped forward at a breakneck pace. He understood. He completely understood. Soon enough, his and Leven's child would be born. He rode onward, picking up the pace himself. He would spend one night here and then take Leven on to Cairo for their wedding.
When Ardeth finally made it to Hazz's quarters, he was shocked and dismayed to see Leven kneeled beside the small cot where she had slept since he left. Right at that moment, Hazz was laid out upon it. She had soaked a cloth with cool water and placed it over Hazz's forehead. "Leven?" She closed her eyes and sighed when she heard his voice. She turned to look at him and he noticed scratches about her face. He couldn't stay away from her any longer. He went to her, kneeling before her. His hands came up to cup her face. "What is this? What happened?"
She went willingly into his embrace and she placed a moist kiss on the side of his throat. "I love you, I'm glad you're back."
He drew away from her. "You must tell me what happened."
"Elder Haka is sick," she began, her eyes filling with tears. "Sharr was here, Ardeth, he was inside Elder Zilan. He did something to Mukhtar and Haka. Mukhtar recovered, but…but…the healers can't do anything for him."
He took her back into his embrace and soothed her the best he could. "What of the minion," he asked. "Did he hurt you?"
"No," she said against his chest. "Just a few scratches here and there, nothing major, but oh God, Elder Haka is going to die. This…this ba-beautiful man, Ardeth…" She drew away to look up into his eyes. Her tears streaked her face, etching cruel lines in it. "Sahib came to help me after Radab tried to start trouble. Sharr was after her, too. I…I had to shove her out the door, I…I couldn't let him hurt her or the baby. She went into labor and I didn't know what to do. I ran for help, not knowing where to go or whom to ask. I found the mid-wife and brought her back…the baby is okay, but oh God…oh dear God," she moaned.
He took her into his embrace again and cupped her head to his shoulder. He didn't let her go for a very long time.
* * *
Elder Haka died that night with both Ardeth and Leven attending. Leven held the old man's hand as he took his last breath and faded away. Her other hand was grasping Ardeth's tightly. He sat on the opposite side of the little cot and allowed a few of his own tears to fall at that last moment of Hazz's life. Elder Haka had been almost like a substitute father to him for many, many years.
Much later, they sat together in the dark, neither having the desire to speak right away. Ardeth gathered Leven in his arms and kept telling her how brave she was for doing what she did, but her heavy heart wouldn't accept it, not right away.
"Are we leaving tomorrow," she asked suddenly.
He kissed her ear. "If you wish."
"I do."
"I am taking you to Cairo. I have friends who have a house there. They are coming from London tonight to prepare for our arrival. We will marry there if you wish."
She leaned into him, listening to his soft words against her neck. "It sounds lovely," she whispered.
"Leven, I am sorry you suffered at the hands of our people," he said as he tightened his embrace.
"No, you don't have to apologize. It was the doing of a minion and a jealous woman. To them, I'm an outsider and outsiders are always viewed negatively. It's okay."
"I love you," he said. "I love you for everything you have given me and for all you have endured. I love you for having enough love in your heart to save a life and enough courage to watch one fade so that he would not be alone during his journey. I may have said this many times, but I will say it again. You are my light and my life."
"Hold me," she whispered, "just hold me. Don't let me go."
* * *
Early the next morning, Ardeth and Leven stepped out of the small adobe hut to a very surprising scene. There were several people awaiting them, standing back at a respectful distance. At the head of the crowd was Hashim. Ardeth had witnessed this behavior before, but it was usually reserved for honoring those coming back from a great battle. Of course, the elders were missing, but that was of no consequence to him. When they returned from Cairo, she would take her rightful place as the much respected and honored wife of a Medjai Chieftain.
"Il madâm bita 'ti, [my wife] this warrior's welcome is for you," Ardeth said as he smiled down at her.