Lifetime of Celebration
By Jeannette Hetfield
Chapter 10
Jensa continued to think of her brother. The horrible things he had said hurt her more than she was willing to admit, especially to herself. He was just being an overprotective brother. Right? He still loved her. Didn't he? He would get over his anger and accept the decision she had made. Wouldn't he? She toyed with this idea for a long while.
No…
That little two-lettered word popped into her mind instantly. Michael had never been one to forget things. He stewed until he boiled over. He caused her so much grief, but she loved him enough that she was willing to forgive and forget. So why couldn't he?
Because he hated Ardeth so much, that he was willing to cut her out of his life. The answer came to her pure and simple. He let his anger stand in the way and it was possible that she would never see him again, for she was going to live far away, in the middle of the desert, isolated from the dangers of the city.
How could she let him get to her this way? It wasn't right that she was feeling miserable. She was on her way to her wedding! She was going to spend the rest of her life with the man she fell in love with over five years ago…the man who loved her in return beyond reason…the man that could take away all the pain and fear with a tender glance or a gentle touch.
A caramel hand reached up to her face, and long tapered fingers ran across her cheek. The blue dye of the triple pronged tattoo reflected the sunlight and her eyes registered the beautiful face in front of her. He watched her with concern, but understanding as well, was in his dark gaze. She looked deep into his eyes, finding the comfort she sought. He said nothing and she said nothing. She knew he was reading her thoughts. Michael was on her mind, but talking of it only brought her pain, so she watched him watch her in silence.
His gaze lowered from her eyes and she wondered what he was looking at until his finger lightly brushed her jaw line. She knew there was still a bruise. He continued the journey from her chin down to her neck and touched those bruises around her throat.
He sighed and said quietly, "They are fading with each day that passes."
She thought she detected a flash of anger in his eyes, but wasn't sure. He was very difficult for her to read at times. She did know, however, that the remainders of Lyle's touch would soon be gone and Ardeth would be relieved of having to look at the bruises each day.
His hand dropped from her face and she followed it down as it came to rest on his knee. She thought of the way his hands felt in hers. They were roughened from continuous use of the scimitars throughout his life, but the caresses he left on her arms, her face and her back, were gentle and tender. Sometimes, she caught him looking at her as if she might break.
"Jensa?"
She looked back up into his eyes and saw concern in the brown depths.
He frowned.
"What is it?"
"There is something missing." He brushed his thumb across her lips. "Your smile. Can you not try to smile…for me?"
The corners of her mouth twitched and she watched his eyebrow raise slowly while he still watched her mouth. Slowly, her lips upturned into a smile and a blush crept into her cheeks.
"That is better."
Her smiled widened and she looked away to the rolling dunes. The retreating sun cast its rays out like a thick blanket over the sand. It was close to dark and the party of Medjai and Jensa's family stopped to rest for the night. The heat left with the sun and the moon brought out the chilly night air.
"Horus!" Ardeth called, pulling on a coarse, black glove over his right hand.
A falcon suddenly swooped down from nowhere towards them and landed on his gloved, outstretched arm. His glossy feathers were a mixture of brown and white and Jensa watched his little feet move around on Ardeth's hand as the talons attempted to grip for a more comfortable position. Ardeth had pieces of meat ready for his winged friend. Horus hungrily took the meat, swallowing in one bite. Ardeth ran a gentle hand over the falcon's feathers. Horus sat calmly perched as he enjoyed the attention from his master. Despite the calm, his black eyes were constantly darting to and fro, watching for unseen dangers. It became clear to Jensa that this bird was no ordinary bird. It was also a Medjai with one of the most important duties among the warriors. He was their only means of communication. She admired the poise with which Horus held himself upon Ardeth's hand. He cocked his head to the side, peering at her through his black eyes.
She had the ridiculous notion that he was sizing her up, trying to decide if she was a good enough match for his master. The staring was disconcerting, if not a little uncomfortable. It reminded her of the way Ardeth looked at her. He could see right through her, down to the very depths of her soul.
Ardeth took a small parchment with a few Arabic phrases written on it and attached it to the case at Horus' leg. He raised his hand into the air and the Medjai falcon took off into the evening sky, flying towards the open desert.
"Where is he going?" Jensa asked.
"To the village. I sent him with a message. It says I am bringing my bride home and that I want them to begin preparations now for our wedding."
Jensa nodded and smiled. Wedding…marital bliss…dress… What about her dress?
"Ardeth, what will I wear? To the ceremony I mean? And what of all the other preparations that need to be made?"
He chuckled. "Do not worry, Jen. Once Horus reaches the village, my people will have everything arranged on time, including your wedding dress."
"They already have a dress?"
He nodded. "A special dress fit only for the wife of the chieftain."
"I can't wait to see it."
"I cannot wait to see you wearing it. It is beautiful."
"You have already seen it?" Jensa thought of the superstitions surrounding a wedding. The groom was not supposed to see his bride's gown until she walked down the aisle. It was bad luck.
"My mother wore the dress when she and my father wed. She showed it to me once as she told me that my future wife would also wear it. I do not remember every detail of the dress, but I do remember it is beautiful. It has been in the family for four generations."
Jensa tried to imagine what it would look like, but no picture came to mind. Her impatience to get this wedding underway was consuming her thoughts.
* * *
Groups huddled together to talk and prepare the night's dinner. She and Ardeth, however, chose for a little privacy. He had just finished preparing his tent for them and she followed him inside. Before she could take another step, he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her lips hard.
"I have been waiting all day to do that," he growled into her neck. "My patience wears thin the longer we are together…and yet not together."
She blushed and buried her face in his robes as his use of the word "together" was fully realized. He chuckled, deep and rumbling in his throat. It vibrated against her head where it rested at his neck. He placed his hands around her waist and let them slide downward towards her hips before hooking his fingers in her belt loops. She trembled lightly from his touch. Her knees wobbled a little and she was thankful his arms were around her, keeping her body upright. His very touch reduced her entire being to mush.
"What you do to me…" she spoke aloud without realizing.
"And what do I do to you, ya soghairi?" he whispered in a tone that sent an electrical volt reeling through her veins.
It was a struggle to find her voice, but somehow she spoke, knowing that speaking to him about…anything…was going to be a part of her future and telling him her innermost secrets, wants and desires for their lives together, would be the most natural thing in the world.
Her own voice sounded tiny to her against the giant of the man holding her to him. "When you touch me, I melt into nothing. All I have to do is look at you and the rest of the world fades away. I've never felt so good before and a little frightened at the same time." Her head shot up to quickly explain what she had just said. "You don't think I mean frightened of—"
"No, Jen," he interrupted, "I understand your feelings. The things you feel inside are new, if not overwhelming, and you need a little time to understand them. I know…Jensa….I know."
He took her hands and kissed her fingertips as he spoke urgently.
She felt tears sting her eyes. "Yes, you know. You know me. We were best friends—"
"Are," he corrected.
"Are best friends so how could you not know me?"
"And we will become so much more than friends and lovers."
"I can't wait."
"Patience, ya soghairi," he said with a mocking tone.
"Like you're not as impatient as I am," she shot back.
"Do not push me, Jensa," he said in a very dangerous tone she knew to be dripping with seduction.
She bit her tongue and smiled lazily. "How much longer 'til we get home?"
He blinked in surprise. "Two days and…did you just call my village home?"
This time she looked at him in surprise. "Of course. It's my home too now. You look really surprised."
"I was surprised at first. It pleases me to know you already think of the village as your home."
"If we lived in a tree for the rest of our lives, it would be home because I'm with you."
"A tree, hmm?"
"That was the first thing that popped into my head."
"I know of many places that are far more comfortable than a tree."
"What places are those?"
"You shall find out soon enough."
She blushed and immediately distracted herself with making a temporary bed.
* * *
He watched her lay the goatskins over the sand and allowed himself a smile. She was beautiful when she blushed, so innocent, so ready to learn what he would teach her. The things he would teach her…
He shook his head to clear his mind and knelt down, dug around in his saddle bag and produced a handful of black material then extended it to her.
Her brow creased as she asked, "What is that?"
"It is to keep your face and hair covered…protected from the sun."
"Oh." Understanding came into her eyes. "Show me how to…"
"Of course, hayati."
Ardeth sat down in front of her and wound the material around her head until it was snug then he fastened the veil, leaving only her green eyes. The black contrasted greatly with her pale skin and her eyes were as bright as an oasis teeming with life.
"Gamiila," he murmured.
The corners of her eyes turned up and he saw the smile on her face despite the veil. He cleared his throat.
"Now you do it," he commanded softly.
She took off the turban and slowly wrapped it around her head and fastened the veil, looking up at him for approval.
"Well done, ya nafisahi. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you will become used to it. I must keep you protected from those who would strike at the most vulnerable part of my heart."
She looked away and pulled off the covering. An unruly strand broke free from her braid and he ran his hand over her head, tucking the strand behind her ear.
"It is dangerous for you to love me," she sadly.
He took her face in his hands and forced her to look him in the eye. "Know this, Jensa. I will protect you with my life. I will not let anyone take you away from me. Never." He leaned forward, sealing his promise with a kiss. "Come, lie down and rest with me now."
He lay down on the goatskins and pulled her into his arms, feeling the tension of her body and he placed a warm kiss on her brow.
"Relax, my love. You have nothing to fear in my arms. You are safe," he whispered soothingly.
She relaxed against him and rested her head on his chest. He closed his eyes, relishing the comfort of the warmth from her body against his. Soon, her breathing evened out into a peaceful rhythm, but he chose to remain awake. He was not as tired as Jensa and he enjoyed just quietly holding her in his arms, listening to her soft breathing. He wondered what she would think of the village.
The same thoughts he had had for years came back to him now. Would she really be happy? Her role as his wife would be very domestic. What could he possibly give her that she did not already have?
Suddenly, she moaned softly and moved closer into his arms, tightening her grip. He moved as little as possible to pull a blanket up over them, making sure she was well protected from the subzero temperatures of the night.
"Myself," he said barely above a whisper. All he could give Jensa, was himself. But would he be enough to make her life happy?
Ardeth wished that he had fallen asleep when Jensa did, otherwise, he would not be having all these doubts about marrying her.
* * *
The next morning, Jensa put the finishing touches on her mother's turban and smiled in satisfaction.
"You certainly got the hang of this very quickly," said her mother.
"Good. I'll be dressing like this everyday."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Ardeth said it's more for my protection than anything…" Jensa closed her eyes and shook her head. She shouldn't have said that.
"Protection from what?" she asked worriedly.
"His…enemies," she said slowly.
"O—oh," she stammered. "That makes sense I guess, considering what he does for a living."
"It's not a living. It's his duty."
Mrs. James nodded slowly. "He'll look after you, keep you safe."
"I know," she whispered.
"He's watching you right now, as a matter of fact."
"Oh, is he?" Jensa smiled.
"His eyes never stray far from you. You're all that he sees."
"I certainly hope so," Kerri piped up. She fiddled with the veil around her face. "It's sticking to my mouth."
"Mine too, but it will keep our skin protected from the harshness of the sun," Jensa reminded her. She looked at the warriors, who were mounting their steeds one by one. She stood and held out her hands to her mother and Kerri, pulling them up on their feet.
"Time to go home!" she said cheerfully.
* * *
Ardeth and Jensa rode side by side. Her parents, Kerri and the warriors in black kept at a small distance behind. Jensa looked all around her and saw nothing but sand. How in the world Ardeth knew the exact way to go, boggled her mind. Each sand dune they traversed looked like the previous one they had just climbed. But why wouldn't Ardeth know the exact distance to the village? He had lived in the desert his entire life. He knew it better than the back of his own hand. She wouldn't be surprised if he could tell her how many grains of sand were in the Sahara.
He was Medjai. He just knew.
Being chosen as a wife to this incredible man gave her much pride. She was proud of his strength, capability and wisdom. This man was going to be her husband.
Her attention was suddenly caught by the warrior who had just ridden up beside Ardeth. It was a younger man, still in his late teens. He had been keeping watch and now spoke softly in Arabic. His tone was urgent, but not worried. She didn't want to eavesdrop, but as she spoke fluent Arabic, the words drifted over to her.
"My Lord, we are being followed."
"How many?"
"As far as I can tell, only one is on horseback. He does not appear to want to catch up with us. He stops to rest when we stop and leaves when we do. It is puzzling."
"How far away is he?"
"A mile or so. Do you want me to double back and confront him, sir?"
"No. He is no threat to us as we outnumber him by many, but keep a watchful eye and inform me immediately of any change he makes."
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you, Numair."
Numair nodded once and turned his horse around to resume his post at the back of the group.
He looked at her slyly. "Did you hear that?"
She bit her bottom lip and blushed. He knew she had been listening the whole time. "Yes, I heard."
He grinned. "You are not worried I hope?"
"Should I be?"
He shrugged slightly. "Not yet."
* * *
The day wore on and nearly half of it was gone. As they climbed a steep dune, he pointed to an outcropping of rocks far enough away that Jensa had to squint to focus on them. Even from their distance, Jensa could see they were massive and shaped like the letter 'U'.
"Inside the curve of the rocks lies the First Tribe of the Medjai. The other eleven tribes are spread out across the area, the farthest one being the Ninth Tribe. It takes at least five days to get there."
"How many Medjai are there?" she asked him.
"There are close to one hundred thousand of us. I command the First Tribe and each of the other tribes have their own appointed commanders. Ours is the largest village and has been in the shelter of the rocks for three thousand years."
She could see an oasis looming closer and looked longingly at the water. Ardeth watched her and this did not go unnoticed. He called a halt to the party once they came upon the water and small shade offered by the palm trees.
Ardeth came to Jensa's side and helped her dismount. "Come, we shall rest over here." He sat her down next to a palm tree and knelt down at the water's edge, refilling his canteen with the clear water. He brought the water back to her and unfastened her veil, putting the rim to her lips.
"Drink."
She opened her mouth and he tilted his hand forward. She closed her eyes and drank slowly, letting the cool liquid trickle down her throat. When she opened her eyes again, he was not looking at her, but at her throat. What was he….? She took another sip of water and swallowed. His hand came out and traveled the same course of the water as she swallowed, over the soft skin of her neck with his finger. Her body stilled, but every nerve and sensation came to life.
"I wish we were alone, kalila," he said longingly.
"So do I," she whispered breathlessly.
"All in good time," he said, tugging on her jacket. "Take this off."
Jensa pulled her jacket off and tossed it to the side. He pushed her sleeves up and proceeded to wet a cloth with water from the canteen, placing the cloth over one of her wrists and then other. She felt her skin cooling from the slow bathing.
"Do you feel cooler?"
"Yes. You take such good care of me."
"I will not do otherwise. You deserve special treatment. I shall take care of you to the end of my days."
"You make me feel like a queen."
"Queen Jensa of the Medjai," he murmured, moving the damp cloth slowly up and down her arm in an almost sensual manner.
"I like the sound of that," she said tiredly. She closed her eyes and dozed almost immediately. When she came to, he was putting away the cloth and canteen. "Finished already?"
"Does the queen demand more coddling?" he mocked.
"No," she retorted, "but…that felt good."
"I would have been worried if it did not."
"Maybe you could do it again sometime."
"I would be honored." He crawled up beside her and kissed her languidly, drawing out the moment. For a brief second, she was worried that people might be watching, but they were quite a distance from her parents and his warriors. Perhaps that was why Ardeth had chosen such a private area in which to rest.
"And," he said in a tone that was far from innocent, "Perhaps I can find more of your skin to cool with water."
Her eyes widened considerably and her cheeks were bright red.
"Your cheeks are more aflame than the reddest ruby," he observed. "I wonder…where else might your skin have such a red tint?"
"Ardeth!" she cried with embarrassment.
"What?" he asked with the innocence of a child, but his eyes were darkening with passion by the second.
"You are incorrigible!"
"It would do you well to remember that," he said with a grin.
"Believe me, it is not something I will soon forget."
He moved next to her and leaned back against the trunk of the palm tree, pulling her close to him.
"Tell me more," she begged.
"About your blushing skin?"
"No!" She placed a hand over his knee and squeezed the sensitive points. He jerked and pulled her hand from his knee. "Back home, we call that a horse bite and there's plenty more where that came from."
"I do not doubt it," he muttered.
"What I meant, was that I want to hear more about the village."
He took a firm hold of her hand and draped his arm over her shoulder. She settled into the comfort of his body and rested her head against his shoulder.
"The village is fortunate," he began, "There is another oasis in the very center of the community. It is surrounded by dozens of palm trees and is twice as large as an average oasis.
She listened to him speak, mesmerized by his voice. It held such emotion and pride as he spoke of the history of his people.
"We overcame many obstacles. Three thousand years of guarding Hamunaptra has claimed thousands of lives among the Medjai. Neighboring tribes that would prefer to live in this world without our presence have attacked our people, and we have endured much through our struggle to survive. As the Creature is cursed, so are we. If ever there comes a time when we are free of guarding the city, I gladly welcome it. I have seen enough blood spilt to haunt my dreams, even after I die. But I know the curse is eternal as is our bondage and we will continue in our duty for however long the world continues to revolve."
Jensa felt elated for she would soon be part of his world. The pride of the Medjai was evident in Ardeth's every word.
"I cannot wait to be part of this world you speak of," she said looking up at him.
A smile crept onto his face, but was gone in an instant. He brought his hand up around her shoulder and hugged her tightly. Jensa cupped her hands over his arm and let them dangle.
"Are you sure? Living as Medjai is not easy."
"I never for one minute believed that it is, but I've never been a part of anything before and I very much want to belong in your world."
"You do belong in my world, Jensa, as no other ever has before." He kissed her temple and was quiet a moment, she assumed lost in thought.
He continued. "About three years ago, we stopped using tents as shelter. For thousands of years we lived in them, but now are changing with the times. That is why we must buy so many supplies every time we are in Cairo. There are many homes yet to build. In all twelve tribes, it is the same. We are dispensing with some of the old ways and making new ones. Nearly half still live in tents. Some of the older families chose to remain in tents and do not agree with the change. They want us to keep following every tradition our ancestors set forth. We have not completely forgotten the old ways. At times, they are the best for handling the situation, but solid homes serve us better."
Jensa found herself wondering what her new home would look like. She returned to reality when she heard him still speaking.
"There is someone you must be wary of, Jensa." The foreboding seriousness in his voice she knew well returned suddenly. "His name is Dammar. His parents died when he was a child and his grandparents took him into their home. They are followers of the old ways and have filled his head with their beliefs. On many occasions, he has attempted to thwart our plans, but most disagree with him. He does have his fair share of support though. I watch him closely and wonder what he is thinking about. There are times when I feel he will call for a mutiny, if you will."
Jensa abruptly sat up and shifted her position to face him. "Against you?" she asked fearfully.
"Yes," he nodded, "he loathes me. Ever since we were children, he has constantly battled to be better than me. I catch him watching me just as I watch him. His eyes are full of hate. I think many times that he will challenge my leadership."
"Has he?"
"No," he said picking up a handful of sand and letting it sift through his fingers, "Not yet," he added quietly.
"Why not?"
"Because a challenge for leadership is a fight to the death. He knows he could never defeat me."
Again, his arrogant spirit floated to the surface, but Jensa changed her mind about calling it arrogance. It was true. Ardeth was not so easily defeated. It was a plain and simple fact stated not out of arrogance, but simply because it was the truth.
"A fight to the death?" Jensa's eyes roamed about not focusing on any particular thing, but considering the weight of his words.
Ardeth placed his hand on her thigh bringing her attention back to him. "I have frightened you, but not——"
"But not unnecessarily," she finished.
He nodded and took another handful of sand. It was almost like he hoped to find the answers he sought in the grains as the small breeze carried them away. "Everything in the village is not wonderful all the time. Everyone does not get along. It the way of things, unfortunately and I felt you should know the bad which hovers around the tribe before you marry me."
"You think I might change my mind and run screaming back to Cairo?"
"I certainly hope not, but I thought you should know the dangers ahead of time."
"Ardeth, with every marriage there's always the good and the bad. People accept that and deal with it. We can fight off the bad as long as we are together. On my side of the family, however, we have to put up with Michael." She smiled wryly. "He's a hot head and sounds like he would probably get along pretty well with Dammar."
Ardeth chuckled. "Yes, I am afraid so. Then the trouble would begin."
Jensa's smiled faded and she asked again, "You really believe he'd challenge you?"
"Mark my words…he will someday. He will try and he will fail."
Despite Ardeth's confidence and assurances and even though she knew Ardeth could not be defeated, Jensa felt a tremor of something evil that was to come. She didn't know how she knew, but she just did. It might not be anytime soon, but something terrible was going to happen.
"Like the calm before the storm," she voiced aloud her thoughts.
"Exactly." He took both of her hands in his. "There is one other thing I should warn you about."
Jensa sighed noisily and braced for impact.
"Sometimes, I will be gone for an undetermined amount of time."
"We'll be separated?" she asked sadly.
"Only physically. We will be together in spirit," he said lightly.
She smiled slightly. "What's the longest you've ever been gone?"
"Four months."
"Months?" she asked taken aback. "I thought you were going to say weeks!"
"You will not even notice I am gone."
"Like fudge I won't! I'll miss you terribly and go stir crazy without you."
"No, you will not. The chieftain's wife has much to occupy her time while her husband is away."
"Like the First Lady," she muttered sarcastically.
"The First Lady?"
"Nevermind, bad joke." She realized Ardeth had probably never heard of such a person. "I hope I live up to everyone's expectations."
"You will."
"Your confidence in me is amazing." He patted the ground next to him and she scooted back into place and threw her arms tightly around his middle, suddenly afraid to let him go lest he be taken away from her.
Ardeth kissed her temple. "I know how strong and brave you are. You must believe it too, in here." He placed his hand over her heart. She covered it with her own.
"This is the second time you have told me it is in my heart to be strong."
"And I shall continue to tell you over and over again until you believe it for yourself."
"I'll do my best," she said determinedly. "But sometimes I feel like a coward for running away."
"Jen, you said it yourself. He would have killed you. Leaving was the only solution."
"Maybe," she mused. She shook the bad memories away and asked, "Why do you have to be gone so long?"
"I make the occasional visit to the twelve tribes to ensure everything is running smoothly."
"Do you visit them all at one time?"
"Yes, that is why it takes so many months." Jensa definitely did not like the sound of being separated for such a long time. Perhaps she could go with him. She didn't think he would agree to that, but she would ask him later.
"We also have negotiations with other tribes, the Bedouin and the Tuareg. We discuss territories…boundaries. Neither tribe is permitted to cross the entrance to the city of the dead. We have killed members of their tribes on many occasions. Even the natives of Egypt are not immune to the lust for gold."
She nodded and said, "What about law? There must be some kind of law in the desert."
"There is. The Medjai are the law."
He said no more, as if that was supposed to answer her question, and it did. The Medjai are the law. They carried out the biggest responsibility in the world, for all mankind.
He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze, interrupting her musings and said, "It is time for us to leave."
The riders mounted and set off for the village. The butterflies in Jensa's stomach increased the closer to the village they got. She asked herself, why am I so nervous? Because you're about to be married to the man of your dreams and living with him in this vast secret society in the middle of nowhere with a madman trying to take over as leader and finding out that you will be separated from your husband for God knows how long.
Oh, so many butterflies! Jensa believed that if she opened her mouth one would fly out.
* * *
Kerri stared ahead at Jensa and Ardeth, sighing wistfully. Although she was more than happy for Jensa, she felt envious of her. At twenty-five, some would already consider her to be an old maid, however, things did appear to be changing. She had never been given much and had never asked for much. Kerri didn't want to rush things because she was afraid to lose what she had with Fadil. All during her childhood, she had been thrown from orphanage to orphanage. No one had loved her until she met the James family. They were so kind to her and Jensa became the sister she never had. People in the world did care about her.
She had never given much thought to love and now she suddenly found her heart falling fast for the Medjai warrior riding beside her. He was tall and had the physique of a man used to living a hard life. His movements were graceful yet stealthy. But these were few of the incredible things she had learned of the man, and she was anxious to learn more.
* * *
Fadil sneaked a few glances at Kerri, looking at her in much the same way Ardeth looked at Jensa. He was in love with Kerri and had been since the first day he met her. He loved her golden hair and brown eyes that melted every part of his being. She was so tiny that he believed if he squeezed her too hard she would break in half. He did not know too much about Kerri, but he had a lifetime to learn. Something about her brought out a protectiveness in him he had not known before. There were plans running through his mind. He would ask her to be his wife, but out of respect for his leader, who would be married within the week, he would wait. Kerri looked over at him and smiled. Her veil had slipped off and he admired the incredibly beautiful porcelain teeth. He found himself lost in her smile.
* * *
The old Medjai, Alim, stood outside the meeting tent of the elders. Another discussion had been had about the marriage plans of their chieftain, or lack thereof. Ardeth had been avoiding the village's need for an heir his entire life. Many of the village girls and their families were more than willing to assume the role of his wife, but he refused all of them…every time.
He sighed heavily and adjusted his weighty robes. Ardeth was a handful, even more so now than when he was a child, but then he would not be Ardeth Bay if he were not a handful. Whomever he chose to be his wife would have her work cut out for her. He knew that Ardeth would remain an unmarried man for a much longer time. In fact, he doubted that the chieftain would ever marry, for his heart was lost long ago to woman thousands of miles away.
Others in the village pressured him nearly everyday to take a wife, but Alim had not once pressured Ardeth. He felt it was not his place to. When Ardeth was ready and when he found the right woman, he would marry and produce the long-awaited heir. Ardeth would not allow himself to be forced into a situation he did not like.
A familiar sound rang through the air and Alim glanced up to see one of their many falcons circling above the village. He soared further down until he landed on the waiting arm of a villager. He hurried over to Alim and handed him the message.
Alim unrolled the small parchment and his eyes widened slowly as they traveled over the Arabic characters.
"What does it say, Alim?" the villager asked anxiously.
He could barely find his voice through the excitement bubbling up in his chest.
"Alim?" he questioned in concern.
"It…it seems," he said with a smile, "that our chieftain is finally bringing home his bride."