Chapter 5...................
Shock, bewilderment and a deafening silence hung over the room. Ardeth's eyes remained locked with Samia's as gradually the recognition sunk in. He crouched down and took her hand, helping her to her feet. His face now taking on a smile of such happiness, she was almost blinded by it.
"Samia?" he whispered.
"Yes," came the reply.
The next moment found her in his arms, being crushed in his powerful embrace, she swore she could feel the tension in his body being replaced by a sense of relief washing over him. She felt at a loss as to whether or not she should return the affection, for it was not done to be in such close proximity to one's Chieftain. But he was so warm and open and welcoming that all thoughts of proprietry left her head and she willingly gave herself up to the comfort of his arms.
The relief at finally finding her had rendered Ardeth senseless, he clung on to Samia, head spinning, unwilling to let her go lest she be an apparition. The joy of knowing he was finally going to see his son once again was overwhelming. He had to ask, he had to know for sure.
"Hamid, is he?"
"Hamid's well my Chief, very well indeed," she said, finally finding her voice as he pulled away slightly, but still keeping hold of her shoulders.
"Allah be praised that you're both safe and well, I owe you a great debt Samia," he said.
"My Chief, you owe me nothing, I did nothing unwillingly," she replied.
"Please, Samia, you must call me Ardeth, for that is my name, not my Chief. You've been my son's family for as long as he's known, and therefore you're my family also," he said, once again smiling widely at her.
Something woke up inside of Samia's mind. "How on earth do you know who I am, we've never met before, how could you know what I look like?" she cried, suddenly pulling back a little, thinking she'd got things totally wrong.
Ardeth reached into his pocket and brought out the photograph to show her.
Samia was back on the defensive. "Where did you get this?" she asked cautiously. "Have you been following us?"
"Samia, please don't be afraid of me, I found this at your house in Cadiz, half hidden under a rug," he explained, watching her disbelieving eyes.
He couldn't blame her for her cautiousness, hadn't that been what had kept her and Hamid alive and well all these years. Ardeth realized that he would have to tread a little more carefully, convince her that he really was Ardeth Bay.
"Could we sit and talk for a while?" he asked gently. "I have many questions for you, and I'm sure you have many more for me."
Samia motioned to the table by the window at the other side of the room, beckoning Ardeth to be seated. Hector asked her in Spanish if things were alright and Samia nodded. She explained to Hector that she was ninety per cent sure he was Ardeth Bay, Hamid's father, and that he meant her no harm. But to convince herself the other ten per cent would take some talking through. She quickly helped Hector clean up the mess on the floor and then crossed the room, sitting herself down next to Ardeth.
"That picture was taken over a year ago," Samia said absently. "He's grown a lot more since then."
"I'm sure he has, he's a fine boy Samia, I can't get over the fact that he looks so like me," said Ardeth, shaking his head.
It was at that point Samia was convinced, the look in Ardeth's eyes as he gazed down at the image of his son would be impossible for anyone to fake. The joy, the sincerity and the overwhelming pride were clearly evident.
"He's your son," replied Samia, not being able to help the slight hint of bitterness in her voice.
Ardeth picked up on this immediately, he could have cursed himself at his thoughtlessness for her feelings, but he was still reeling from finding them, agitated that he was so close, yet so far away from Hamid.
"Samia, you've been everything to him, I would not break that bond, you have to know that, tell me, what can I do to convince you of that fact?"
Here was her chance to play for a little time, she thought. "I have only one request Ardeth Bay, and that is for you to stay here on this Island for at least a month and get to know your son properly before you take him back to Egypt," she said boldy.
Had she really just demanded that of her Chief? A Chief that commanded thousands of men, a man who was as feared as he was loved. She bit her lip and readied herself for his outburst. It never came.
"There's much sense in your request Samia, I wouldn't want to take him away from a place that he loves, a place where he feels safe, and someone whom he feels safe with before I get to know him again. I trust your judgement where he's concerned, because I know you love him greatly. I also know that this is breaking your heart Samia, I can see it in your eyes," he said, gently turning her face to look at his.
"Thankyou," was all Samia could utter before finally breaking down.
Ardeth held her close as the floodgates opened and over four years worth of worry came gushing out. He noticed she was starting to slowly relax and was greatly pleased that she seemed to be willing to trust him. Her sobs were slowly decreasing in force, turning into little shudders as she regained her composure.
Samia felt safe, nestling in his arms, but his gentle touch was unsettling her a little. His fingers now stroking through her hair were stoking up inner feelings the like she'd never experienced before. For Ardeth, the feel of her soft body against his was pure bliss, so much so he found himself wondering if that was partly the reason he'd agreed to stay. When he'd embraced her earlier, it felt as though he'd come in from the cold at last.
Samia reluctantly pulled away, drying her eyes with her shirt collar, what did it matter if she got it dirty, she thought, she was already the color of spilt coffee.
"Look at me," she laughed. "I'm a complete mess," she said, rubbing her eyes and standing up.
Ardeth was just about to answer when Samia spoke first.
"Well, I think it's about time that you met your boy Ardeth Bay. Don't you?"
She didn't think she'd ever seen anyone move as quick, as he jumped up and waited for her to lead the way.
"You can drive?" asked Ardeth incredulously, as she swung herself up into the drivers seat of the truck.
"Yeeees, what's so strange about that?" she asked.
"It's just that I've not seen many women drive, that's all," he replied guiltily, hoping she wouldn't think he was some sort of male chauvanist.
"If you'd prefer, you can drive," she said sweetly, as she watched him blush. Chieftain Bay, blushing, now that was a turn up for the books.
"I don't know how to," he said quietly.
"Pardon, I didn't quite catch that," she smiled.
"I said I can't drive, we don't have much call for cars in the desert," he said sheepishly.
"No, I don't suppose you do, now get in if you want to see Hamid within the next week or so," she joked. "You can throw your things in the back."
Ardeth tossed his belongings into the back of the truck and climbed into the passenger seat.
"And if you behave yourself I may even teach you to drive," she giggled.
Where the hell had that come from, she thought, instantly regretting her forwardness, what on earth would he think of her? but did it really matter? Yes, it did, she realized.
"And if you behave, I may even let you," Ardeth retorted on seeing her red face, knowing full well that she thought she'd overstepped the mark, but admiring her for it.
They had around an hours drive in front of them before they reached Cotillo. Samia could sense his anxiety and tried her best to alleviate his fears over seeing Hamid again. Along the way she explained that Hamid had asked about Ardeth from the moment he could speak properly, and was rewarded with the most wonderful smile and look of pride appearing on his face. She felt as though she'd been punched in the stomach as he changed out of his dusty shirt in the front of the truck, revealing his muscular frame and as a result nearly swerved the truck off the road.
"Damn it," she thought. "He's just as endearing as his son."
Ardeth chuckled slightly as he put on a fresh shirt, but decided to make no comment. Surely she'd seen a man's chest before? But wait a minute, in all the time she'd spent looking after Hamid, had she ever been as close, judging by her reaction, he though not.
Ardeth was amazed as they approached the sweeping sand dunes, his eyes wide as he took in the beauty of them, the way they swept right down to the ocean. Samia saw the look on his face and smiled.
"They had the same effect on your son," she said. "The first time he saw them he asked me where all the sand came from, so I told him the story that many many years ago, the sand blew over the waters from the great Sahara," she laughed.
"Do you tell him lots of stories?" asked Ardeth, suddenly having visions of Hamid curled up in Samia's arms by the light of the fire, gently dropping to sleep at the sound of her voice. Oh how he longed for moments like that.
"Yes, I've told him many stories of the Medjai, of battles, of you," she said, hoping she hadn't over romantised.
"Of me, really?" he asked, wondering just how she'd described him.
"Yes, of you, and the villages, and our people, but now it'll be your turn to tell him the stories," she smiled.
"Samia, do you think he'll like me at all, do you think he'll accept me?" Ardeths eyes were pleading and intense, such was his worry for acceptance from his son.
"Ardeth Bay, your son loves you, have no fear of that, he asks every day if you're coming to see him, it may take a little time for him to get used to having you around, but you can put all fears of him having no love for you right out of your head, understand."
Ardeth nodded, comforted by her complete sincerity, but the butterflies increasing within his belly continued nevertheless.
The rest of the journey passed with easy, lighthearted banter being exchanged between the two of them. Samia had purposely tried to lighten Ardeth's mood and he was more than thankful for that. His stomach was in knots, his tongue was tied as to what to say first to Hamid.
As they passed the small signpost that said El Cotillo, Samia explained that they were nearly there, causing Ardeth to sit rigid in his seat. A couple of minutes later she pulled up the truck outside her cottage.
"Is he in there?" whispered Ardeth, almost trembling with anticipation.
"No," Samia said, feeling her heart weigh heavy in her chest as she saw his face fall. "I'm going to pick him up from a friends house in a moment, please, come inside."
Ardeth got out of the truck and collected his bag from the back before walking up the small path and into the cottage.
"I know you thought he was here, I'm sorry, I should have told you. It's just that I thought I should talk to him first, prepare him a little, it's going to be a big shock for him, seeing you at last," she explained.
"It's alright, it's alright," he said, forcing a smile. "You have to do what you think's best for him, I know that, you know him much better than I."
Samia could have cried at his remark, she could see the hurt in his eyes at having to admit he knew very little of his only son. She walked over to him and took his hand, squeezing it as a sign of re-assurance. They were both hurting at this situation, but for different reasons and she couldn't find it in her heart to deny him his family any longer.
"Wait here, I wont be gone long," she said before running out of the door and driving away.
Ardeth was left alone, alone with all the fears and thoughts dancing around inside his mind, minutes passed as if they were hours as he paced up and down the terrace, worrying himself into a frenzy.
"Aunt Samia, you're back, come and see what I've got," shouted Hamid joyfully.
"Alright, what is it?" she asked, shrieking as he thrust the tiny little lizard into her hands.
"Isn't he the best, and I really think he likes me, he's only tried to run away twice, but I managed to catch him and bring him back. Can we keep him? Please?" Hamid begged.
Pedro stepped in and explained to Hamid that lizards were wild animals and really shouldn't be kept as pets. But if he wanted, he could come and visit him, here at his house anytime.
"Pedro, can I have a quick word with you," asked Samia quietly. "Hamid you'd better get your things together, we have to go in a couple of minutes," she explained.
"Did you find out who the man was?" asked Pedro, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, I found out who the man was, Oh Pedro, It's Hamid's father Ardeth Bay," Samia said with a smile.
"Has he come to take him away?" Pedro asked cautiously, knowing this could be Samia's worst nightmare come true.
"He's staying on the Island for a while to get to know Hamid, I didn't have the heart to leave him in Cabras, I brought him back here, Pedro you should see him, he's so sincere and....."
"Trust your judgement Samia, now go, It's about time young Hamid got his wish, yes?"
"Hamid, I need to tell you something," said Samia. "Something very important, and I need you to listen carefully, alright?"
Hamid's eyes were wide open as he listened.
"There's someone very special to see you at home, someone who's travelled a long long way," she said.
"Who is it aunt Samia?" asked Hamid excitedly.
"You know I told you a long time ago that your daddy would one day come to see you,"
"He's here, at home? my daddy's here?" Hamid shouted, jumping up and down with happiness. "What does he look like aunt Samia, does he look like me?"
"Oh Hamid, he looks exactly like you," she said as they walked the short distance back to the cottage.
"Does he have the tattoos you told me about, the tattoos you said I'd have one day, can I see them?" he babbled.
Hamid was bouncing up and down, his little mind full of questions, he was practically dragging Samia along with him, with all the enthusiasm that was the way of a small child.
"Slow down Hamid, we're almost home," she said, picking him up and carrying him the rest of the way.
Ardeth heard the commotion outside and ran back out onto the terrace, just in time to see Samia putting Hamid down at the gate.
She crouched down and gave Hamid a huge hug before turning him around to face his father.
"Hamid, there's your daddy, do you want to go and say hello?" she said, tears pricking her eyes.
Hamid nodded, a huge smile taking over his little face as he ran up the path, nearly tripping up in his haste.
"DADDY, DADDY, YOU'RE HOME," he shouted joyfully, before flinging himself into the arms of his father who'd been brought to his knees at the sight of him. A sight that until now he'd scarcely let himself believe he would ever see.
Ardeth clutched onto the little boy, breathing in his scent, holding him tightly, rocking him gently. The tears flowing freely down his face as finally, finally, he held his son in his arms once again.
"Yes my Hamid," he said. "Daddy's home."
Shock, bewilderment and a deafening silence hung over the room. Ardeth's eyes remained locked with Samia's as gradually the recognition sunk in. He crouched down and took her hand, helping her to her feet. His face now taking on a smile of such happiness, she was almost blinded by it.
"Samia?" he whispered.
"Yes," came the reply.
The next moment found her in his arms, being crushed in his powerful embrace, she swore she could feel the tension in his body being replaced by a sense of relief washing over him. She felt at a loss as to whether or not she should return the affection, for it was not done to be in such close proximity to one's Chieftain. But he was so warm and open and welcoming that all thoughts of proprietry left her head and she willingly gave herself up to the comfort of his arms.
The relief at finally finding her had rendered Ardeth senseless, he clung on to Samia, head spinning, unwilling to let her go lest she be an apparition. The joy of knowing he was finally going to see his son once again was overwhelming. He had to ask, he had to know for sure.
"Hamid, is he?"
"Hamid's well my Chief, very well indeed," she said, finally finding her voice as he pulled away slightly, but still keeping hold of her shoulders.
"Allah be praised that you're both safe and well, I owe you a great debt Samia," he said.
"My Chief, you owe me nothing, I did nothing unwillingly," she replied.
"Please, Samia, you must call me Ardeth, for that is my name, not my Chief. You've been my son's family for as long as he's known, and therefore you're my family also," he said, once again smiling widely at her.
Something woke up inside of Samia's mind. "How on earth do you know who I am, we've never met before, how could you know what I look like?" she cried, suddenly pulling back a little, thinking she'd got things totally wrong.
Ardeth reached into his pocket and brought out the photograph to show her.
Samia was back on the defensive. "Where did you get this?" she asked cautiously. "Have you been following us?"
"Samia, please don't be afraid of me, I found this at your house in Cadiz, half hidden under a rug," he explained, watching her disbelieving eyes.
He couldn't blame her for her cautiousness, hadn't that been what had kept her and Hamid alive and well all these years. Ardeth realized that he would have to tread a little more carefully, convince her that he really was Ardeth Bay.
"Could we sit and talk for a while?" he asked gently. "I have many questions for you, and I'm sure you have many more for me."
Samia motioned to the table by the window at the other side of the room, beckoning Ardeth to be seated. Hector asked her in Spanish if things were alright and Samia nodded. She explained to Hector that she was ninety per cent sure he was Ardeth Bay, Hamid's father, and that he meant her no harm. But to convince herself the other ten per cent would take some talking through. She quickly helped Hector clean up the mess on the floor and then crossed the room, sitting herself down next to Ardeth.
"That picture was taken over a year ago," Samia said absently. "He's grown a lot more since then."
"I'm sure he has, he's a fine boy Samia, I can't get over the fact that he looks so like me," said Ardeth, shaking his head.
It was at that point Samia was convinced, the look in Ardeth's eyes as he gazed down at the image of his son would be impossible for anyone to fake. The joy, the sincerity and the overwhelming pride were clearly evident.
"He's your son," replied Samia, not being able to help the slight hint of bitterness in her voice.
Ardeth picked up on this immediately, he could have cursed himself at his thoughtlessness for her feelings, but he was still reeling from finding them, agitated that he was so close, yet so far away from Hamid.
"Samia, you've been everything to him, I would not break that bond, you have to know that, tell me, what can I do to convince you of that fact?"
Here was her chance to play for a little time, she thought. "I have only one request Ardeth Bay, and that is for you to stay here on this Island for at least a month and get to know your son properly before you take him back to Egypt," she said boldy.
Had she really just demanded that of her Chief? A Chief that commanded thousands of men, a man who was as feared as he was loved. She bit her lip and readied herself for his outburst. It never came.
"There's much sense in your request Samia, I wouldn't want to take him away from a place that he loves, a place where he feels safe, and someone whom he feels safe with before I get to know him again. I trust your judgement where he's concerned, because I know you love him greatly. I also know that this is breaking your heart Samia, I can see it in your eyes," he said, gently turning her face to look at his.
"Thankyou," was all Samia could utter before finally breaking down.
Ardeth held her close as the floodgates opened and over four years worth of worry came gushing out. He noticed she was starting to slowly relax and was greatly pleased that she seemed to be willing to trust him. Her sobs were slowly decreasing in force, turning into little shudders as she regained her composure.
Samia felt safe, nestling in his arms, but his gentle touch was unsettling her a little. His fingers now stroking through her hair were stoking up inner feelings the like she'd never experienced before. For Ardeth, the feel of her soft body against his was pure bliss, so much so he found himself wondering if that was partly the reason he'd agreed to stay. When he'd embraced her earlier, it felt as though he'd come in from the cold at last.
Samia reluctantly pulled away, drying her eyes with her shirt collar, what did it matter if she got it dirty, she thought, she was already the color of spilt coffee.
"Look at me," she laughed. "I'm a complete mess," she said, rubbing her eyes and standing up.
Ardeth was just about to answer when Samia spoke first.
"Well, I think it's about time that you met your boy Ardeth Bay. Don't you?"
She didn't think she'd ever seen anyone move as quick, as he jumped up and waited for her to lead the way.
"You can drive?" asked Ardeth incredulously, as she swung herself up into the drivers seat of the truck.
"Yeeees, what's so strange about that?" she asked.
"It's just that I've not seen many women drive, that's all," he replied guiltily, hoping she wouldn't think he was some sort of male chauvanist.
"If you'd prefer, you can drive," she said sweetly, as she watched him blush. Chieftain Bay, blushing, now that was a turn up for the books.
"I don't know how to," he said quietly.
"Pardon, I didn't quite catch that," she smiled.
"I said I can't drive, we don't have much call for cars in the desert," he said sheepishly.
"No, I don't suppose you do, now get in if you want to see Hamid within the next week or so," she joked. "You can throw your things in the back."
Ardeth tossed his belongings into the back of the truck and climbed into the passenger seat.
"And if you behave yourself I may even teach you to drive," she giggled.
Where the hell had that come from, she thought, instantly regretting her forwardness, what on earth would he think of her? but did it really matter? Yes, it did, she realized.
"And if you behave, I may even let you," Ardeth retorted on seeing her red face, knowing full well that she thought she'd overstepped the mark, but admiring her for it.
They had around an hours drive in front of them before they reached Cotillo. Samia could sense his anxiety and tried her best to alleviate his fears over seeing Hamid again. Along the way she explained that Hamid had asked about Ardeth from the moment he could speak properly, and was rewarded with the most wonderful smile and look of pride appearing on his face. She felt as though she'd been punched in the stomach as he changed out of his dusty shirt in the front of the truck, revealing his muscular frame and as a result nearly swerved the truck off the road.
"Damn it," she thought. "He's just as endearing as his son."
Ardeth chuckled slightly as he put on a fresh shirt, but decided to make no comment. Surely she'd seen a man's chest before? But wait a minute, in all the time she'd spent looking after Hamid, had she ever been as close, judging by her reaction, he though not.
Ardeth was amazed as they approached the sweeping sand dunes, his eyes wide as he took in the beauty of them, the way they swept right down to the ocean. Samia saw the look on his face and smiled.
"They had the same effect on your son," she said. "The first time he saw them he asked me where all the sand came from, so I told him the story that many many years ago, the sand blew over the waters from the great Sahara," she laughed.
"Do you tell him lots of stories?" asked Ardeth, suddenly having visions of Hamid curled up in Samia's arms by the light of the fire, gently dropping to sleep at the sound of her voice. Oh how he longed for moments like that.
"Yes, I've told him many stories of the Medjai, of battles, of you," she said, hoping she hadn't over romantised.
"Of me, really?" he asked, wondering just how she'd described him.
"Yes, of you, and the villages, and our people, but now it'll be your turn to tell him the stories," she smiled.
"Samia, do you think he'll like me at all, do you think he'll accept me?" Ardeths eyes were pleading and intense, such was his worry for acceptance from his son.
"Ardeth Bay, your son loves you, have no fear of that, he asks every day if you're coming to see him, it may take a little time for him to get used to having you around, but you can put all fears of him having no love for you right out of your head, understand."
Ardeth nodded, comforted by her complete sincerity, but the butterflies increasing within his belly continued nevertheless.
The rest of the journey passed with easy, lighthearted banter being exchanged between the two of them. Samia had purposely tried to lighten Ardeth's mood and he was more than thankful for that. His stomach was in knots, his tongue was tied as to what to say first to Hamid.
As they passed the small signpost that said El Cotillo, Samia explained that they were nearly there, causing Ardeth to sit rigid in his seat. A couple of minutes later she pulled up the truck outside her cottage.
"Is he in there?" whispered Ardeth, almost trembling with anticipation.
"No," Samia said, feeling her heart weigh heavy in her chest as she saw his face fall. "I'm going to pick him up from a friends house in a moment, please, come inside."
Ardeth got out of the truck and collected his bag from the back before walking up the small path and into the cottage.
"I know you thought he was here, I'm sorry, I should have told you. It's just that I thought I should talk to him first, prepare him a little, it's going to be a big shock for him, seeing you at last," she explained.
"It's alright, it's alright," he said, forcing a smile. "You have to do what you think's best for him, I know that, you know him much better than I."
Samia could have cried at his remark, she could see the hurt in his eyes at having to admit he knew very little of his only son. She walked over to him and took his hand, squeezing it as a sign of re-assurance. They were both hurting at this situation, but for different reasons and she couldn't find it in her heart to deny him his family any longer.
"Wait here, I wont be gone long," she said before running out of the door and driving away.
Ardeth was left alone, alone with all the fears and thoughts dancing around inside his mind, minutes passed as if they were hours as he paced up and down the terrace, worrying himself into a frenzy.
"Aunt Samia, you're back, come and see what I've got," shouted Hamid joyfully.
"Alright, what is it?" she asked, shrieking as he thrust the tiny little lizard into her hands.
"Isn't he the best, and I really think he likes me, he's only tried to run away twice, but I managed to catch him and bring him back. Can we keep him? Please?" Hamid begged.
Pedro stepped in and explained to Hamid that lizards were wild animals and really shouldn't be kept as pets. But if he wanted, he could come and visit him, here at his house anytime.
"Pedro, can I have a quick word with you," asked Samia quietly. "Hamid you'd better get your things together, we have to go in a couple of minutes," she explained.
"Did you find out who the man was?" asked Pedro, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, I found out who the man was, Oh Pedro, It's Hamid's father Ardeth Bay," Samia said with a smile.
"Has he come to take him away?" Pedro asked cautiously, knowing this could be Samia's worst nightmare come true.
"He's staying on the Island for a while to get to know Hamid, I didn't have the heart to leave him in Cabras, I brought him back here, Pedro you should see him, he's so sincere and....."
"Trust your judgement Samia, now go, It's about time young Hamid got his wish, yes?"
"Hamid, I need to tell you something," said Samia. "Something very important, and I need you to listen carefully, alright?"
Hamid's eyes were wide open as he listened.
"There's someone very special to see you at home, someone who's travelled a long long way," she said.
"Who is it aunt Samia?" asked Hamid excitedly.
"You know I told you a long time ago that your daddy would one day come to see you,"
"He's here, at home? my daddy's here?" Hamid shouted, jumping up and down with happiness. "What does he look like aunt Samia, does he look like me?"
"Oh Hamid, he looks exactly like you," she said as they walked the short distance back to the cottage.
"Does he have the tattoos you told me about, the tattoos you said I'd have one day, can I see them?" he babbled.
Hamid was bouncing up and down, his little mind full of questions, he was practically dragging Samia along with him, with all the enthusiasm that was the way of a small child.
"Slow down Hamid, we're almost home," she said, picking him up and carrying him the rest of the way.
Ardeth heard the commotion outside and ran back out onto the terrace, just in time to see Samia putting Hamid down at the gate.
She crouched down and gave Hamid a huge hug before turning him around to face his father.
"Hamid, there's your daddy, do you want to go and say hello?" she said, tears pricking her eyes.
Hamid nodded, a huge smile taking over his little face as he ran up the path, nearly tripping up in his haste.
"DADDY, DADDY, YOU'RE HOME," he shouted joyfully, before flinging himself into the arms of his father who'd been brought to his knees at the sight of him. A sight that until now he'd scarcely let himself believe he would ever see.
Ardeth clutched onto the little boy, breathing in his scent, holding him tightly, rocking him gently. The tears flowing freely down his face as finally, finally, he held his son in his arms once again.
"Yes my Hamid," he said. "Daddy's home."