Lifetime of Celebration
By Jeannette Hetfield
Sorry for the delay everyone. It's been about 2 months! Aack! I've been very busy at work and too tired to write and I've been working on another non-Mummy story that has taken up quite a bit of my writing time. Anyway, here is the long awaited chapter 13. I hope y'all enjoy it. Thank you once again to Eiri for all of your help. My stories would be so dull without your incredible advice.
I also have to say that it has been exactly a year since I began writing my Ardeth stories and I've never had so much fun! I've met so many incredible writers who love Oded Fehr just as much as me. Has anyone heard of this Oded Fehr fan fiction web site? I also post this story on that site. There are some wonderful stories there. Check them out. (Anything by Eirian Phillips and Ladybug, Mommints…the list goes on, but these are my personal favorites.)
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Palace/2752
Chapter 13
Jensa's eyes fluttered open to see the sun streaming into the room through the little window. There was something warm against her back. A smile of remembrance formed onto her lips. That warmth against her could only mean one thing. Trying not to waken him, she snuggled a little closer only to be rewarded with the heat of his breath against her neck. A shiver shook her upper body. She stilled, hoping he would not wake. He didn't, but his arm tightened around her waist.
A ray of the morning sun caught her ring. The diamonds sparkled. She sighed contentedly, remembering the previous week's events. She and Ardeth were married. His arm was draped possessively around her waist, spooning her body into his. To disentangle herself from his arm, Jensa rolled over onto her stomach and shivered again when his fingers trailed across her back. She always sneaked a look at him while he slept. He looked so peaceful and she could not bear to wake him. He rarely ever looked this calm.
Some of his hair hung down over his face and she brushed it back, hooking it over his ear then leaned forward and lightly kissed his forehead. She stretched her sore muscles as she stood and with one last look at her husband, she pushed the skins aside and tiptoed away.
As she washed her face with water from the basin, she noticed a blush creeping onto her face in her reflection and suppressed a giggle. She thought she would have been through blushing by now…and giggling. She hated to giggle and being around Ardeth sometimes made her giggle. Looks and words of his would always bring out that side of her.
They had been married nearly a week and it had been the happiest week of her life. Unfortunately, they only had one week for their honeymoon. Ardeth's duties prevented him from being gone longer, but she didn't mind. After being separated for five years, she wasn't going to complain. Their one passionate week together had been more than she had dared dream for.
Jensa knew Ardeth had done everything he could to dispel her nervousness. He understood and agreed that she had a right to be nervous after the horrible ordeal she went through with Lyle. She had only seen the violent side and Ardeth immediately erased those beliefs she had about physical love. No two people could have been more different in their giving of love than Ardeth and Lyle.
Everything had been slow at first and she was very grateful to him. She had been a bundle of nerves on the inside and did the best she could to hide it, but he was gentle and attentive, putting her mind at ease as only he could do.
He was a considerate lover.
Jensa knew as the years went by that she would look back on this week as one of the best of their lives together. She laughed as she remembered the morning after. After she woke up, she couldn't remember where she was, until she rolled over to find Ardeth watching her.
This morning there was no panic as to her whereabouts. She had woken up peacefully and found that she already instinctively sought him out in her sleep each night. She quietly began singing a little tune as she scrubbed the soap into her face.
* * *
In the bedroom, Ardeth slowly stirred. His hand moved over to where Jensa should be to pull her close, but she was not there. He sat up and looked around. All of the sudden, this strange feeling surged into his body. He was seconds from getting panicked and threw back the bedclothes, springing to his feet. He had only taken one step until he heard someone softly singing on the other side of the room.
It was Jensa.
Ardeth shook his head and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes to clear away the morning fogginess as went to retrieve his pants. The strange feeling that he had just experienced worried him. When he had awoken, she was not beside him where she was supposed to be and he had panicked. He had never known such a feeling before. Of course, she had only been in the next room, but the realization suddenly came over him.
For a long time, Ardeth had only himself to take care of, now he must protect her too. He had recently told her there would be times when they would be separated, but he was just now listening to his own words. While he was gone, he could not vouch for her safety. Not being able to keep her away from danger frightened him in more ways than one.
He heard her moving around, pushed the goat skin covering aside and went back out to see her come out wearing the black robes of a Medjai woman. For a brief moment, their eyes locked. Jensa walked over to him and slid her arms around his waist over the taut muscles of his back and up through his hair, pulling his head down to claim his lips for a kiss.
"Good morning," she said.
"Yes, it is." Ardeth nibbled on her ear making her giggle. "I did not know you could sing."
"It only happens once every thousand years."
He threw his head back to laugh loudly, swung his arm under her knees and picked her up. He walked over to the table bathed in the sunlight and sank down onto the pillow. Jensa's hair glittered with bits of red, blue and green highlights that trailed through her tresses. Once again, Ardeth had to remind himself to breathe.
"You are beautiful in the morning sun." Ardeth stared at her hair, mesmerized by its beauty.
* * *
It was very satisfying to know that she could hold his attention so well. He looked quite distracted, but the next moment became just as distracting for her.
He placed his lips on her mouth, pushing her robe aside and left a trail of kisses down to her shoulder. She had been trying to remember a question she wanted to ask him, but her mind went numb at feeling his lips on her skin. This lapse to form coherent thoughts lasted longer than she realized. He always managed to invade her mind. One of these days, she would turn the tables and make him see she could give as good as she got. She smiled inwardly at the thought of Ardeth muddling about because of her clouding his mind.
The kiss ended and he drew back with a glazed look in his eyes. She imagined she must look the same. Her skin was already aflame, but suddenly she remembered her question and asked him, "Can we eat right here this morning? The first time I saw this little table, I pictured us here together eating breakfast with the sun shining in."
"That is a wonderful picture. Yes, of course, I would love to."
"Okay," she said jumping up from his lap. "Do you want some coffee?"
"Please. I must bring you the water. The basin in here is empty." Ardeth rose from the pillow, took a basin from the side of the stove and headed outside.
Jensa took some matches from the bowl, kneeled down and started a fire. The orange flames erupted in the small hearth. Breakfast preparations began. The coffee beans made a grating sound as she ground them up. The rich aroma from the freshly ground beans drifted into the air and she inhaled deeply. Her mouth watered in anticipation for the strong flavor of one of her favorite drinks.
The sound of the goat skin covering being shifted aside, announced Ardeth's return with the water. He poured some into a pitcher, placing it above the flame.
They said nothing, but she felt his eyes boring into her back. Something was on his mind and she suddenly said, "Out with it. You're watching me. I can feel it."
* * *
Ardeth sat down on the pillow and watched Jensa with a smile as she performed these simple tasks of making their breakfast. He knew the morning after their first night together, she was very eager to make breakfast…and it had been her first time as well.
"Oh, no!" she screamed in frustration.
"What is wrong?" he asked slightly alarmed.
"I burned it! Again!"
He could not help himself and laughed.
"It's not funny!" she cried indignantly.
"Yes, it is. Why do you get so angry?" he asked, crawling over to the hearth where she sat staring daggers at the burned bread. "It is only bread. We have plenty more for you—"
"To burn," she said, crossing her arms in a huff. She seemed to do that when she was angry. "I wanted everything to be perfect."
"Everything is perfect, ya hilwai. It will only take practice, " he coaxed.
"Yeah, well…"
Suddenly the loaf of bread burst into flames and she shrieked. She grabbed a pitcher of water and threw all of the contents onto the flaming bread. The loaf soaked up the water and turned soggy.
Jensa looked ready to burst into flames herself. Her cheeks were flushed with anger and he laughed again at the vein throbbing in her temple. She glared at him, but said nothing. Her glare moved to the bread again and he thought for just a second that she could light it on fire again with only the scowl on her face.
He smiled in remembrance. She was lovely when she was angry. Her eyebrows shot together in a rather endearing scowl and her cheeks tinged pink with fury. Such a little thing to have such a big temper.
To his surprise, she caught him staring without so much as looking at him. The question that had nagged him for years, even while she was in America, was on the tip of his tongue. He had put it to the back of his mind during the week of their honeymoon and now it pushed its way back into his thoughts.
He caught her wrist as she placed a cup on the table. "Are you happy?"
* * *
Jensa looked at Ardeth with more surprise on her face than she realized. Questions like this one usually came up in a marriage, but were often a longer time in coming. Technically, they hadn't even been married a complete seven days yet since they were married at sundown last week. Sundown wouldn't be for a long while.
"What?" she asked dumbly.
"It is a simple question, Jen."
"Not always."
"Are you?"
"Beyond words happy." She kneeled down in front in him and took his hands. "Ardeth, don't you think I am? Have I given you the impression that I'm not?"
"No, but…" he trailed off.
"But what?" she prompted impatiently.
"If I go on any further, I might upset you. I think I already have."
Jensa shook her head. "I'm not upset, just really, really surprised, but you've opened a can of worms by asking such a question that you should know the answer to."
"A can of worms?" He repeated with a slight laugh. "You Americans and your strange language."
"Need I remind you that you're speaking English too, dear? But you're changing the subject." She took the pillow on the opposite side of the table and waited for his answer.
Ardeth folded his hands and leaned his arms on the table. "Do not misunderstand me," he began slowly, "but I know you have always lived a life without any worries, especially financially. Your father hired servants to help manage your household. Now you will live the rest of your life in the middle of the Sahara, living off the land away from the city life. I cannot help but wonder if you may change your mind and go home."
Jensa placed her hands over his. "You're my home. You always have been. For years I've only wanted to be with you wherever you were. You think I'll grow tired of having to take care of myself? Actually, there were many times when I would have loved to throw the servants out the window."
He smiled and his fingers crept along her palm until laced through hers.
"Being waited on all the time is exhausting and grew real old real fast. I didn't just sit around and do my nails."
She happened to glance at her nails and noticed they were a bit dirty, probably from all of the sand. Her thumbnail was even chipped and to her surprise, she did not really care. She turned her attention back to her husband.
"My mother was an excellent teacher. My culinary skills have room for improvement though. I may burn things once in a while and even catch something on fire, which I actually did a couple of days ago, as you saw with the flaming loaf of bread."
He laughed. "That is not something I shall soon forget. I have not seen such flames before."
She was about to retort, but saw the teasing glint in his eyes. "Anyway, I'm getting better at it. I think I have proven that I can look after myself, with a little help from you."
"Just a little?"
"Okay, okay, a lot," she said with a lopsided grin. "If it becomes difficult or uncharted territory, I can adapt. I'm willing to learn. To learn about everything. I have a very good teacher in the handsome man sitting across from me. Ardeth, I love you and I'm very happy."
His eyes brightened. "Really?"
"Yes," she said firmly.
"Come here." Jensa stood up and he pulled her around the table into his lap. He cupped her chin in his hand. "Forgive me."
"For what?"
"Doubting you. It was wrong of me."
"You had every right. We're married now. Talking about something that's on our minds is very important. I'm glad you asked because it's all hopefully straightened out now."
"It is."
His firm tone of voice suggested that he believed her. "I think we just jumped the first hurdle in our life together. Not too shabby." Jensa kissed him on both tattooed cheeks and then his lips.
"One more thing," he said as they kissed.
Jensa broke it off. "And that is?"
"There will be times you will want to visit your parents. They will be staying in Cairo will they not?"
"Indefinitely. From the looks on their faces, it was as if they'd never left."
"You know of the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo?"
"Daddy and Mother took me and Michael there all the time. It was our second home."
"How would you like to help the curator while you are there?"
Her brow furrowed. "Help him?"
"Yes, I know the curator. He is a respected and well known man, and one of our many contacts."
"He's Medjai?"
"In secret, though he does not bear the tattoos on his face or hands."
"You'd really want to me to help him?"
"I know how much you enjoy ancient Egyptian history and you are well versed in it. I think it would be a nice change for you every so often."
Jensa wiggled with delight and showered him with kisses. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"If I had known this would be your reaction, I would have told you much sooner." Jensa started to get up and finish making breakfast, but he cupped his hands over her shoulders and pushed her back down in his lap. "You are not done properly thanking me."
"Is that so?" she asked, eyebrows risen.
"It is."
Jensa wrapped her arms around his neck and toyed with the soft curls of his hair. She brought her lips within a fraction of his, but didn't make contact. The impatience in his eyes grew and yet she made no further move to kiss him. The temptation to tease him was too irresistible.
"Thank you," she said breathlessly. She felt his hands tighten around her waist and he pulled her tightly against his chest. Teasing him was so much fun! Abruptly, she released her hold on him and stood up to stare down at a very bewildered yet irritated olive face. She couldn't help herself and started laughing.
"You will pay for that," he growled. He too stood up and began making his way towards her. She retreated backwards and smacked into the wall. Ardeth put his hands on either side of her head against the wall. She couldn't escape even if she wanted to.
"What is the price I have to pay?" she said in a saucy tone. She knew one of his few weaknesses and she fully intended to put it to good use. He was extremely ticklish around his stomach.
"A good beating," he answered with a wicked smile.
"I like the sound of that."
She threw out her hands and attacked his stomach, catching him completely off guard. He removed his hands and she continued the bombardment, laughing at him as he backed away. He tried grabbing her hands, but she darted just out of his reach.
"Do not think you can get away so easily," he threatened with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"You haven't caught me yet, have you?" she shot back.
The look in his eyes suddenly changed and hers widened as she recognized the predatory gaze that had taken possession of the soft chocolate color now black with fire. She squealed in spite of herself, but his quick reflexes beat her this time. He grabbed her arm and made for their bed, throwing her down onto the fluffy pillows. She bounced up and down and fell back as he leaned over her, pinning her down with his weight. Now she was back where she started this morning, back in their bed and back in his arms. His hair fell forward and she pushed it up and held it out of the way with her hands.
"You must be severely punished."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said, her insides churning.
She loved to tease him and it was even better when he teased back. Ardeth had always been very serious and it pleased her to know that he could loosen up and have fun with the insults they shot at each other and of course, moments like the one they were in now. She pulled his head forward with the intention of actually kissing him this time. Her concentration went completely to his bottom lip. He seemed more than willing to indulge her whim, but apparently his patience wore thin and he crushed her body against his, taking her breath away with the fire of his kiss.
It was some time before they left the bedroom. Breakfast in the sunlight at their little table was forgotten.
* * *
With a great deal of reluctance, Jensa got up to finish making their breakfast. She sighed and shook her head when she touched the cold coffee pot. No trouble. They had plenty more matches.
Ardeth came up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist. "You have properly thanked me."
"I love you," they said in unison. She shifted around in his arms and hugged him tightly.
"So, what are we going to do today?"
"Stay in bed?" he asked hopefully.
"No," she scolded, looking up at him. His bottom lip stuck out in a small pout. For a minute, she almost gave in, but there was so much she wanted to do and see. It was a difficult decision since his fingers traveled up and down her spine and across her shoulder blades then back again.
"After breakfast, I want to walk you around the village and introduce you to everyone."
"I can't wait to meet them all, even the jealous ones," she added under her breath.
Ardeth heard though. "What jealous ones?"
Jensa let go of him and saw steam coming from the coffee pot. She grabbed their cups, filled them up and set them on the table. He sat down on one of the pillows and took a sip.
"It's not too strong or weak or anything, is it?" she asked worriedly, twisting her wedding ring around.
"It is delicious, Jen," he said, taking another sip.
"You're sure?" she asked. She desperately wanted everything to taste all right. They had been having these conversations before, but she just didn't feel confident enough yet about cooking for him.
"Come here," he said, wagging his finger towards her. She kneeled down in front of him and he put the cup to her lips. "Drink."
She took a small sip and swirled the bittersweet liquid around in her mouth before swallowing. With a smile, she said, "Not bad."
"I told you. You do not give yourself enough credit, Jen."
"Thanks, honey."
"Anytime." He put the cup to her lips again and she swallowed, but a small drop trickled down her chin. She moved her hand to wipe it away, but he caught her wrist. "Allow me."
His lips cupped her chin, his tongue lapping up the drop and ending in a searing kiss.
"You make the coffee from now on," he whispered into her lips.
"It's a deal."
There was a comfortable silence then, as she resumed making their breakfast. They ate quietly, sharing intimate glances and occasional hand holding.
"You never finished telling me before," he began.
"Never finished?" she asked shaking her head. She didn't remember. They had been through a lot of distracting things that morning.
"What were you saying about jealous people, habibti?"
"Oh, yeah. Well, as I walked down the aisle, I noticed a group of women glaring murderously at me."
"Ah yes," he said, "That would be Sameera, Heqet and Maha. Sameera is the ringleader."
"I gathered from the venomous looks in their eyes that they weren't too happy about you and me. They've tried to hook their claws into you before?"
"For years, but there is only one woman who managed to hook her claws into me, " he grinned.
Jensa scowled and shook her finger at him. "Consider yourself lucky, Bay. If you weren't so handsome, I'd have to inflict bodily harm in one way or the other."
"I can think of one way, but what is the other?" His grin turned mischievous.
Jensa gasped, pretending to be shocked. "Never you mind."
* * *
A light breeze ruffled the hem of Jensa's robes. She welcomed the flow of air in the torrid surroundings. Zaina had lent a few of her robes to Jensa until she could make some of her own. The Medjai women made their clothes and Jensa admired the stitching so much that she asked Zaina to teach her how to sew. She knew it would be vital for her to know. No doubt during attacks on Hamunaptra marauders, Ardeth's robes bore a great deal of the brunt from the violent fighting and needed to be mended.
She secured the veil around her face and together, she and Ardeth walked side by side through the village. She met with many people and they stared at the whiteness of her skin. They held her hands, running their fingers over her palm. She laughed at their curiosity, loving every minute of this tour of the land and its people.
There was a school area coming up. Children sat at several benches and tables. Alim walked around amongst the children who looked up at him, seemingly enraptured by his very presence. Jensa listened to him teaching the children about the history of the Medjai. Ardeth whispered to her that they had heard the story many times, but never ceased to hunger for the knowledge of the duty that was laid before them. She turned her attention back to Alim. He used his hands expressively with large gestures.
One beautiful little girl appeared to be late for the lessons, but stopped when she noticed the newest member of the Tribe. She reached out for Jensa's arm and gave it a close inspection. It was the same child Ardeth had let ride the horse with him when they arrived at the village earlier that week. When she saw Ardeth, she jumped into his arms. He gave her a big kiss on her cheek and said to her:
"Good morning, Nadirah."
"G-good m-m-morning, Ar-deth," she stuttered.
Jensa's eyes narrowed slightly. This child had an impediment.
"Nadirah, this is my wife Jensa," he said putting her down.
She walked over to Jensa and said, "He-l-lo."
"Hello, Nadirah." Jensa squatted down so she would be eye level with the girl.
Jensa admired the lovely child. She was adorable in her black robes and blunt cut bangs in the traditional Egyptian style. Nadirah's light brown, almond-shaped eyes regarded her with unabashed interest.
"Y-yo-u look li-like the c-clouds."
"Yes, I do. It's very nice to meet you, Nadirah. I hope we become very good friends." She reached out and pushed a lock of Nadirah's hair behind her tiny ear. "You are very pretty."
The girl giggled and ran off to join the other children and she bragged to them about being paid special attention to by the chieftain's new wife. She turned around and waved at them. Jensa and Ardeth waved back and then moved on.
"You were very kind to her," he said squeezing her hand. "I am sure that meant more to her than you will ever know."
"She's absolutely adorable," she said looking back at Nadirah.
"That she is. I have always enjoyed talking to her. Not many people do." He folded his arms as they walked.
"Why not?"
"I am sure you noticed she had trouble with her speech. Nadirah was born with an impediment. We have tried to teach her English, but I am afraid it is much too difficult for her. Our language is hard enough even though it is her native tongue. She is not as quick as the other children. It takes her longer to learn than most."
"Poor girl. Does she have many friends?"
"Some."
"What about her mother and father? Brothers and sisters?"
"She was the only child to her parents. Her father wished for a boy. He does not pay much attention to her. Her mother died of an illness shortly after Nadirah was born."
"That's horrible!" she exclaimed indignantly.
"I agree. Just because she has a hard time understanding things, they think she is stupid. I have heard her father belittle her many times. Every time I see Nadirah, I make it a point to speak directly to her."
"And so will I." Jensa glanced back again over at the girl. "I want her to know someone cares about her."
"I have the feeling you are going to take Nadirah under your protective wing."
"Yes, I think I will," she said defiantly.
"You will be a good mother. Our children will be loved a great deal."
"Then they'll grow up resenting me for smothering them," she said with slight, but humorless laugh.
"No, Jen they will love you even more in the end."
"Thank you. Do you know how much that means to hear you say that?" Jensa stared at him lovingly with misty eyes. She was remembering the last time she had thought about children. She had still been with Lyle then and had feared that her children would have grown up with an abusive father.
"I have some idea," he said hugging her. "What are you thinking?"
"The last time I thought about having children was during a very unhappy time."
"In New York," he said.
She nodded. "When I came back to Egypt, I wasn't expecting to find you and be married within a few short days. While I was engaged to Lyle, I knew exactly what tomorrow would be like. Everything was predictable with him. It would have been a life of torture for me and my children. It's such a relief to me now because I don't know exactly what tomorrow brings, but I know it will be whatever we make of it because we're together."
He tightened his arms around her, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. "We will make a good future and happy home for our family."
Reluctantly, their embrace ended and they continued their stroll through the village. The next home they came to was a tent. Just as they neared it, a man pushed aside the canvas and stopped short in front of the newlyweds. She noticed the warrior watching her closely. He was dressed in full Medjai attire, including weapons. It didn't matter if the warriors were on patrol or not, they were always armed. Jensa had no doubt there was a dagger or two hidden somewhere on Ardeth's person. The warrior standing in front of her even had the veil drawn across his face. He also wore a black patch over his left eye. Ardeth stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
"Qusay, this is Jensa. I am introducing her to everyone today."
Qusay nodded his head in acknowledgment.
"Hello," Jensa said, giving him her friendliest smile. His one eye regarded her with much curiosity. He even stuck his hand out in the well-known Westerner greeting. She gladly accepted it and continued saying, "It's very nice to meet you."
"And you. We are all so pleased that My Lord has taken a wife," he answered in a deep guttural voice. She could tell he was smiling because the corner of his eye turned up high, shining brightly.
She saw Ardeth's mouth hanging open slightly, but he quickly shut it before Qusay noticed. He took Jensa by the arm and hurried away. She looked up at her husband puzzled. "I can not believe it," he said, shaking his head.
"What?"
He looked down at her. "This may sound like an exaggeration, but he has not said more than ten words in the last three years, at least, when I have been around him."
"What are you talking about?" Her eyebrows furrowed.
Ardeth glanced behind his shoulder as if making sure they were far enough away from Qusay. "Three years ago, he was terribly injured during a raid of Hamunaptra. As we charged, he was shot off his horse. The man who shot him attacked him while he was down…with a knife. It was madness." Ardeth's voice and eyes darkened with rage. "He sliced Qusay to pieces. There are many scars all over his body and he lost his eye. We did not know what had happened until it was too late. Most of us, including myself, did not believe he would make it, but Qusay proved us all wrong. He is one of the strongest men I have ever known."
"I hope the man who committed such a heinous crime was dismembered and buried in different parts of Egypt," Jensa said vehemently.
Ardeth laughed humorlessly. "Yes, we took care of him."
"Does Qusay have family?"
"Not anymore," he said sadly. "His wife had an extremely difficult pregnancy and died giving birth to a stillborn boy. He has not been the same since. Then he was so brutally scarred. His duty as Medjai is very important to him. I am amazed at his strength. If it had been me, I would have died along with my family."
Jensa shuddered in fear at the thought of Ardeth dying and hugged him tightly. He rubbed her back soothingly and kissed the top of her head. "That was why I was astonished to see him emerge from his shell. For the first time in a very long time, there was life in his face, and it was all because of you."
"Me? Oh, I didn't do anything," she shrugged.
Ardeth pulled her arms from his waist and held her at arm's length. "Jensa, you did do something. He may have been wearing that veil, but I knew he was smiling. You treated him with that kind and caring spirit I know so well. He does not receive such warmth from anyone else. I have tried many times to talk to him, but I could see he always wanted to be left alone. I owed him his privacy after failing to help him."
"You blame yourself?" she asked with shock.
"I am to look after my people with my life. I failed in my duties."
"Ardeth, that is wrong logic. What happened to him is no one's fault. You didn't know that was going to happen. How could you? Surprise! You're human. I like to think of you as invincible, but you're not. And if the horse bucks you off, don't let him beat you. You get right back on. Bad things happen and you can't stop them, but you can fight them."
"I guess so," he said pensively.
"You know so, Ardeth." She gently poked his chest to emphasize her words.
"You are going to take Qusay under your protective wing too, are you not?"
"Mmhmm. I'll be the village Mother Hen." She grabbed his hand. "Okay, now I want to meet everyone else. We've got all day and a few thousand people to see."
Unfortunately, the next people they meet were those three jealous women Jensa had seen. They each had a bundle of laundry in their arms and were on their way to the washing basins. It had been dark when Jensa first saw them, but daylight revealed their exotic features. Their bright clothing became their olive skin and black hair. Three pairs of narrow brown eyes regarded her coolly. Whenever their gaze shifted to Ardeth, however, they softened. Jensa linked her arm through her husband's, clearly announcing that he was spoken for. He reached up and patted her hand then closing his own around it. This little gesture strengthened her confidence.
"Sameera, Heqet, Maha, this is Jensa."
Sameera stepped forward and bowed her head. Jensa felt it was rather mocking. "It is an honor to meet our humble leader's wife. You are pretty in the daylight," she said coldly.
So, I'm ugly in the dark, she thought to herself. "So are you."
"Thank you. I cannot even begin to tell you how surprised we all were when Ardeth came back with you. We always thought he would marry someone closer to home."
"It was a pleasant surprise I hope?" Jensa asked, testing her.
"Of course," Heqet said, though it was obviously a lie.
"Good, I am so glad." Jensa heightened her fake smile. "I do hope we'll be good friends," she said with syrupy sweetness.
"Anything is possible," replied Maha. The women resumed their course towards the wash basins.
Ardeth looked at her incredulously. "You hope you will become good friends?"
"No, of course not. I want to stay as far away from them as possible. Sometimes it's necessary to fake people out, but they knew I was lying and I knew they were lying."
"Such deceit," he mocked.
* * *
Later that afternoon, she ran into Kerri by accident. She and Fadil were talking quietly together and then Kerri's gaze met Jensa's. A big grin spread across Kerri's face and she suddenly realized that another wedding would soon be taking place.
Ardeth and Fadil broke off from the women and Jensa was left with her friend.
"We have some girl talk to catch up on," Kerri informed her mysteriously.
"Oh, really?" she asked amused. "Well, now, what could we possibly have to discuss?"
Kerri then started humming, "Dum, da, da, da…"
Jensa squealed and threw her arms around her friend's neck. "Oh, Kerri! Really? When? How did he ask? Did the bouquet I threw to you help?" she asked in a rush.
Kerri laughed. "I will answer all your questions, though probably not in that order." She cleared her throat. "Yes, I caught the bouquet you so discreetly threw to me and then I had to explain to a very curious Fadil what it all meant. He was so cute. He really was. My heart was all a flitter."
"I can't believe this! Well, I can believe it, of course I can, but it's just so exciting! I'm so happy for you." Suddenly, Jensa grabbed Kerri's arm. "Oh!" she exclaimed.
"What's gotten into you?" she laughed.
Jensa lowered her voice. " When you and Fadil marry, then you'll be living out here too. We won't be separated."
"That's right!" she cried as realization dawned on her face. "Oh, we'd have such fun being out here together. Just like it's always been."
"I know. I was dreading the thought of being separated from you since it's not exactly a day trip from here to Cairo. I'll be glad to have you to talk to."
"Don't you talk to Ardeth?" she grinned.
"Yes," she said, pulling a face at Kerri. "We do talk, but sometimes another woman's perspective is helpful."
"I understand."
"And I would have been by myself pretty much if you weren't going to be here. Anyway, I'm being selfish as usual. Continue with your romantic tale."
"Well, he asked your father for permission."
"Oh, how sweet!"
"And the looks on your parent's faces!" she giggled. "He didn't expect for us both become attached during this trip to Egypt."
"Yes," she said sadly.
"Oh, Jen. He's happy for you. He's just having a hard time letting go. It'll be quite an adjustment he'll have to make, especially with both of us gone now."
"Maybe. When we told Daddy that we wanted to get married, he was definitely less than pleased, but he didn't protest. He wanted to though."
"He knew that it was time to let you go. You were adult enough to make your own decision and I must say you made a good one."
"Didn't I?" she asked, sneaking a glance at Ardeth, who was engrossed in a conversation with Fadil. His arms were folded and he looked tall and proud, very much the leader of the Medjai. A light breeze ruffled the hem of his robes and his onyx curls blew up away from his neck. She watched his mouth as he spoke, the way his lips moved and was suddenly reminded of earlier that morning when she was trying to make breakfast and they were a little sidetracked.
"What's that grin for?" Kerri asked with a twinkle in her eye, bringing Jensa out of her thoughts.
"Hmm? Oh, was I grinning?"
"You sure were."
"No reason," she shrugged, but was unable to hide her grin.
"Whatever you say."
Jensa was thankful Kerri let it drop until she asked something else, but it turned out to be not so personal as her reason for grinning.
"Could I ask you something?"
"Ask away," Jensa replied.
"When did you know that you loved Ardeth? I mean, I always knew you two were very close."
Jensa smiled in fond remembrance. "That last time we went to "our special place", the oasis, he gave me this ring." She held up her right hand, showing Kerri the tourmaline Eye of Horus.
"I remember that ring well. It's exquisite."
She twisted the ring back and forth. "His father made it for his mother before they were married. When he gave it to me, I knew that it signified how much he valued the friendship we had. Later that night when he brought me home, I realized that I loved him, but he said it couldn't be. I was too young, which was the truth. For seven years, we were best friends. It was a little surprising to me that I was in love with him. He had always been just my friend and I was so sad when Daddy told us we were going back to New York. This may sound crazy, but if things hadn't gone the way they did with Lyle, then I probably would not have come back. I'd be married to him instead or someone else most likely. It was frightening, but I'm glad it pushed me to come home."
"And I probably wouldn't have come back either."
"And you and Fadil wouldn't be on the verge of wedded bliss."
"Yes, I'd say we're two very happy girls."
"You got that right." Jensa looked back over at her husband. He and Fadil were still talking. At that moment, Ardeth turned his head and caught her looking at him. He held out his hand for her. "Well, I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
"What did the two of you talk about?" Ardeth asked once they left their friends.
"You and Fadil, of course."
"Is that supposed to be a good or bad thing?"
"It's a good thing," she laughed. "Mostly, we talked about Fadil. He asked her to marry him."
"Yes, we were discussing that. I am pleased for them both."
"Me too. Now we can both experience wedded bliss."
* * *
Jensa's parents and brother stayed in the village for one week. It was a tearful farewell for her mother.
"Promise me you'll come visit as often as you can."
"For the seventh time, Mother, I promise I will visit you."
"That's the last time I'll ask. I mean it this time."
"You meant it last time too," she said, hugging her tightly with a laugh. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, sweetheart," Mrs. James said with a sniff.
"But remember I'll be helping out at the Cairo Museum sometimes."
"I can't wait!" she said excitedly. "And you will of course, stay with your father and I. We plan on looking for a home near the museum."
Michael was looking less than happy, Jensa noticed, but he kept his thoughts to himself.
"Good-bye, Michael," she said uneasily.
"Come here, Jen," he said quietly, holding out his arms. She stepped into his arms and he gave her a big bear hug. "Take care of yourself, baby sis."
"I will, Michael. I love you. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. If you need me, I'll be out here so fast it will set a record."
She chuckled. "Hey, Michael. You're squishing me."
"Oh, sorry," he said sheepishly, letting her go.
Jensa noticed the dark look he shot at Ardeth when he thought she wasn't looking, but she chose to ignore it. Some things would never change.
"So, Kerri," he said turning to her. "You ready to go?"
"Uh…"
"What?"
"I'm not leaving."
Silence. Everybody, but Jensa and Ardeth stared at her in shock.
"Wh-what? You-you…what?" Michael stammered.
"I'm staying here. Fadil asked me to marry him and I've accepted."
Mrs. James gasped. "Really?" She clapped her hands together. "Both my girls married! Oh, Kerri!" She threw herself at the young woman, who stumbled, but laughed at the enthusiasm.
Mr. James opened and closed his mouth several times before he was able to say anything. "Well…you too huh? Goodness me, I…" He sighed heavily. "Congratulations, Kerri," he mumbled with a tiny smile.
"Thank you, Mr. James."
Michael's eyes burned with anger, but he still said nothing. Jensa saw Kerri glance nervously at him and she grasped her hand, giving it a hard squeeze. She looked at her brother, hoping he would congratulate Kerri or at least smile. He did nothing of the kind. His jaw was firmly set and she saw a muscle twitching near his left eye.
He just turned away and mounted his horse, saying nothing more. Jensa could have smacked him, but restrained herself. Hitting him wasn't the solution no matter how attractive the idea sounded.
Her parents followed suit and mounted their horses. Ardeth prepared a small group of his men to escort them safely back to the city. Mr. James started to turn his horse away, but stopped and stared directly at Jensa.
"You know, Jensa, funny thing. Before we left New York, I was in my library and I noticed something missing. Now what do you think that was?"
Jensa turned a bright shade of pink. "Um…"
He smiled. "Care to guess? No? A book of Egyptian curses. It was in my office the day before you left, but the day after, it had disappeared. Do you have any idea what happened to it?"
Jensa knew exactly what happened to it. She had stolen it for a bit of light reading and because curses were especially fascinating to her. She hadn't read it since the night Ardeth paid a little visit to her in her hotel room in Cairo.
Mr. James laughed. "It's all right, honey. You can keep it. I have plenty others. Consider it a wedding present."
She laughed. "Thanks, Daddy. Good-bye."
"Bye, Jensa. I hope we see you soon."
She watched until her parents were just specks in the sunlight. She was of course, sad to see them go. Her entire life she had lived with her parents and this was the first time that she wasn't going home with them, but Kerri was here with her now.
"Jensa?"
She turned around to see Ardeth standing right behind her. Without a doubt she knew she had made the right decision. He was her life and she couldn't imagine living it without him. She leaned into him and he placed an arm around her shoulders and led her back towards their home.
* * *
Fadil and Kerri married within a week. Jensa helped the other lady attendants with Kerri's preparation for the ceremony. She was given the same pampering, although she was rather embarrassed and said they shouldn't go to so much fuss.
Jensa simply laughed. "I had to endure this too, but believe me, it's worth it."
As she watched her friend join hands with Fadil and step inside the flaming circle, she couldn't help but think of her own wedding and stole the occasional glance at her husband, who in turn, was closely watching her. She knew he too, was thinking of their wedding.
* * *
Ardeth quietly observed his wife. She adjusted amazingly well to life in the desert. Weeks of their marriage flew by. He knew everyday became a new experience for her. She helped with many of the village chores and paid special attention to Nadirah, taking several hours out the day everyday to be with her.
Gossip spread fast and she became quite popular with the other children. Jensa encouraged her to play with others her own age, but apparently, Nadirah enjoyed Jensa's company more. She even tried to help the child with her English. It was a very slow process, but Nadirah was an extremely intelligent child.
How could he have ever doubted Jensa's happiness?
* * *
As darkness fell over the quiet village, her dread increased. There was a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something bad was going to happen, but she didn't know what. This feeling had been steadily growing throughout the day and she sat alone on their bed, worrying and twisting the hem of her robes into a wrinkled mess. She had, in fact, woken up from a fitful sleep and the bad feeling had been eating away at her mind all day.
"If only Ardeth were here, then everything would be all right," she murmured to the room.
As everything always was in his presence, she thought. He brought a calm and peace to the atmosphere and made her feel like she could handle anything, but without the warmth of his body next to hers and without the gentle reassurance of his touch, she crumbled to pieces on the inside.
What frightened her more than anything was that the feeling was in some way connected to Ardeth. He had been gone for nearly two weeks. Word of another expedition to Hamunaptra traveled fast throughout the Tribe. He had left immediately to put a stop to the treasure marauding. He had, however, shown his reluctance to leave her, as they had not been married very long, only one month.
"What is it, hayati?" he said hurriedly as he pulled on his bandoleer, shining with not yet used bullets.
"Nothing, nothing," she said absentmindedly while she tied the sash around his waist.
"Jen?" he questioned.
She looked up to see the disbelief in his eyes. Should she tell him? Or would she simply sound like a hysterical woman?
He crooked a finger under her chin and lifted her head up. "Tell me," he commanded softly.
"It's just a…"
"A what?" he prompted.
She looked down, embarrassed. "A feeling."
But he did not laugh. "What kind of feeling?"
All of her embarrassment vanished. "I woke up with a terrible feeling this morning, like something bad will happen."
He said nothing and seemed to be thinking about what she said. "Well…" he began slowly. "What do you want to do about it?"
"Do about it?" Her brows furrowed together for only an instant, but she sighed and resigned herself to wait. "I guess I can't do anything about it," she said shrugging her shoulders. "I just really wish you didn't have to leave."
"So do I," he said, shaking his head sadly. "We have not had enough time together as husband and wife. I am already being forced away from you." His fingers idly rubbed the small of her back and he leaned down to kiss her good-bye.
"I must go."
She nodded, looking very subdued.
"I will be home soon," he said reassuringly.
"In one piece," she said firmly.
He chuckled and turned to leave.
"Ar-Ardeth?" she stammered.
He turned, waiting.
She ran at him full force, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him fiercely.
"Come back to me," she implored.
"I will."
"I-I love y-you," her voice quavered and tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
"I know," he whispered into her neck.
"Don't go," she pleaded with a sob, tightening her arms around his neck.
"Jensa, I must," he said quietly, prying her arms of. "I wish it was not so, but I must."
The tears spilled rapidly down her face. She backed away from him and disappeared from view, collapsing onto their bed. She cried hard into the pillow, trying to stifle her sobs. She heard nothing for a few seconds and realized he was still there, no doubt debating what to do. In the end, his duty won out because she heard the pounding thunder of hooves riding away.
She jumped up and rushed to the window, pushing the drape aside to watch them leave.
When would she see him again?
Would she see him again?
All she had done for the last several days was cry. Her body ached from the wracking sobs and her voice was hoarse. She felt shame for having fallen to pieces in front of him. The last thing he needed was to worry about her while he watched over Hamunaptra.
She laid down on the goat skins and tried to sleep. It was still too early and she was wide awake. She thought about trying to eat something, but she had been feeling sick ever since the day he left and had even violently thrown up because she had not been able to control her crying. Her chest hurt terribly and she again chastised herself for crying like such a baby, but…she missed Ardeth, much more than she ever thought she would. An agonizing pain in her chest kept her up at nights. His absence was the missing piece of her heart. When she did manage to sleep, her dreams were full of dark and evil things that which she could not fight off. She knew she called his name in her sleep, but he was not there to chase away her fears by holding her close or whispering soothing words in her ear.
"Ardeth," she said wearily, "Come home."
* * *
The Westerners were better prepared for battle than he had realized. They did occasionally astound him with their intelligence. It was obvious that they had expected an attack from he and his men, but the Medjai were seasoned warriors and used to long hours in the desert heat, though the sun had gone down and the night cooled.
The Westerners were beginning to tire.
"Ardeth! Behind you!"
He barely had time to register Fadil's voice when he felt something hit him in the side. Looking down, he was surprised to see a dagger protruding from his left side.
How had that gotten there?
A sharp movement from behind him caught his attention. With a small hiss of pain, he placed one hand on the dagger hilt and ripped it out. Blood came pouring out down the side of his robes and pooled onto the sand around his feet.
Although the wound burned agonizingly in his side, he whipped out his other scimitar and attacked the man behind him. With a grunt of pain, he brought the scimitar up into the man's shoulder, who howled with pain. He backed away from Ardeth, nearly tripping over his own feet.
The scimitar was now soaked in blood from hilt to point and made him lose his grip on the slick handle. The man noticed this and lunged forward, brandishing his own sword. Feeling a wave of nausea, Ardeth clumsily blocked the swing.
It happened so quickly. One minute, the Westerner was lunging with his sword again and the next, he had crumpled to the ground with a dagger protruding from his neck.
He then saw Fadil stooping over the dead man, retrieving his dagger and wiping it clean on the man's filthy clothes. He picked up Ardeth's scimitar and handed it back hilt first.
The concern in Fadil's eyes was apparent.
"I am still alive, Fadil," he said with small smile.
"Yes, I see that," he said coming over to him and placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Ardeth suddenly realized he had been swaying and Fadil's grip had righted him. He closed his eyes and pushed down another wave of nausea.
"You have lost much blood, Ardeth," he observed with quiet worry.
"I have lost blood before," he said, untying his sash and pressing it over the wound, vaguely thinking that Jensa would have to sew him another one. He jumped slightly when the material made contact with the torn flesh. "How many others have been wounded?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Three wounded. One is dead."
Ardeth's head shot up and the pain seemed to worsen with news of the one fatality.
"Who?" he whispered.
"Ashai," Fadil answered.
He bowed his head sadly. "Ashai was the last living son in his family line."
Fadil nodded slowly. "We must return home," Fadil said hastily. "Are you well enough to ride?"
He nodded vaguely and followed Fadil to the horses. Ardeth did not know how it happened, but he had suddenly collapsed to his knees and fallen face first into the sand. He heard his name shouted out in fear, but they seemed to be getting farther and farther away.
His last thought before the darkness closed in around him was of soft pale skin against his own and soft lips pressed to his ear, whispering of her love.
"Jen…" he whispered as darkness consumed him.
* * *
"Ardeth!!"
Jensa sat bolt upright with a scream. She didn't remember falling asleep, but the sun had set completely and the sounds of the village activity had ceased. It must be very late.
She felt something wet on her face and touched her forehead. It was sweat. She then touched her pillow and found it soaked. Her dreams had been of Ardeth, but it had been horrible. It was a battle and he was injured. He fell to his knees and his pain was overwhelming. The pain in her heart tore through her entire body.
"It was only a dream," she tried to reassure herself, "Just a very frightening dream."
Even as she said this, the confidence in her voice was false and she didn't believe it had been a dream. It was too real.
She got to her feet with great difficulty and immediately felt light-headed. With slow baby steps she went to the goat skin door and pushed it aside. All was quiet to her observation. The village was asleep. A dark cloud passed over the moon, blocking the light and she shivered. The air was frigid tonight.
As soon as she decided to return to the empty bed, a commotion from up ahead startled her. Forgetting her veil or shoes, she stepped onto the cool sand barefoot. Steady pounding shook the ground and there was urgency in the sound. At least thirty or more warriors on horseback, she guessed, burst through the entrance to the village.
Her heart leapt in her throat. Ardeth was home!
The closer they came, she noticed at the head of the pack, there was a rider less horse. Next to it, two riders had doubled up and the one sitting in front was huddled over as if asleep. The clouds parted and moonlight bathed the scene before her and the warriors.
She gasped and saw the front of the warrior's robes wet and glistening in the light.
It was blood. It was Ardeth.