THE VILLAGE

Some time that morning, Laurel managed to drop off to sleep.  She didn't know how she did.  The jostling of the horse was constant.  Perhaps it was because she hadn't been sleeping well, and definitely couldn't sleep last night.  She slept on and on, not moving a muscle.  At one point, she felt her body drifting as if someone was carrying her somewhere.  She had to be dreaming, but she simply didn't fight it.  Laurel felt strong arms about her body, could smell the good smell of a man's natural scent filling her nostrils, and listened as a thick foreign language was spoken around her.  Hiyi i'tâz nôm [She needs sleep].  Haddi 'amal inta malak [Who do you have]?  Il ustâd bint [The professor's daughter].  Who are they talking about?  Are they talking about me?  Do they know my father?  Why won't they let me see him?  She felt her body drifting down onto an uncomfortable cot.  It felt like the same kind of cot as she had lain upon in the healer's tent when she was taken from the rolling sea.  At that moment, she was completely convinced that she had died.  Everything she had seen the moment she laid eyes on Ardeth Bay must have been some type of heaven/hell.  She was offered the temptation and then denied it at the same time.  Nôm, Dâyi' nafs.  Inti arâda shâf inti ab qarîb min [Sleep, lost soul.  You will see your father soon].  She mumbled a response incoherently.  She wasn't quite sure what she said, but the silky voice seemed to drift right into her ear.  She turned toward the voice and allowed it to lull her further into sleep.

*  *  *

Reginald and his fellow trackers rode out into the desert hopefully in the right direction.  Several people had told them where the Nomads had gone.  More than one person had seen the girl following.  In fact, one of Reginald's men had spoken to a fellow who had been with a gang of men intent on kidnapping her, but he had somehow escaped.  He claimed that the leader of the Nomadic group had taken the girl hostage, killing several of his men.  When Reginald asked for a description of this man, it was given without hesitation.  He thought it sounded familiar, but he didn't immediately associate it with a person he'd seen.  He rode silently, thoughtfully, trying to recall who the hell this Nomad was.  When he realized it, a smile touched his lips.  For the most part, it appeared innocent enough, but it wasn't meant to be that at all.  The man who had taken Laurel was the gentleman who demanded the return of his amulet.  What did he want with Laurel?  He knew nothing of the Aciquilla fortune.  Perhaps he was the fellow who helped the shipwrecked victims?  Suddenly, his interest in finding Laurel grew two octaves.  Not only would he have access to money, but he would also appear heroic to the family, and perhaps to Laurel as well.  He wasn't altogether certain he and the men were following the correct trail, but it didn't matter.  Eventually, they would run into the Nomad and the girl.

*  *  *

Ardeth left Laurel in the safe and capable hands of his parents as he rode back out into the desert.  The last time he had seen the ustâd, he had taken residence in a border town between Cairo and the village.  His wife had died a few years back, and he hadn't wanted to return to the bustling, crowded city.  Ardeth hadn't had much exposure to the man, but his parents spoke with him frequently.  Now that his father was an elder, he was a wealth of information for Ustâd.  The journey he faced was a long ride out, but he thought he could make it back before nightfall.  If he wasn't at home when Dâyi' nafs awoke, she would definitely be terrified and full of questions.  He wasn't sure she knew where she was.  What made matters worse was that his parents barely spoke English, his father knowing enough to get by.  He didn't mind the ride, not after the last few days.  It gave him time to think and sort out the crazy events that had begun to unfold since he pulled the girl out of the water.  She is not a girl.  You know this.  She is every inch a woman, you saw with your own eyes.  After tonight, it didn't matter.  If he found her father, perhaps he could lead her back to Cairo.  If not, perhaps he would recruit one of the other men to complete the task.  Whatever happened, he had no intention of staying around her any longer than he had to.  It simply wasn't safe for either of them.  Actually, it wasn't safe for her.  At least at this moment, she wasn't stuck right up against him for hours on end.  He could think clearly and not have such inappropriate thoughts running through his mind.  The longer he rode, the better he felt.  By the time he made it back to the village, his life would return back to normal, and he would never think of the lost soul again.

*  *  *

Although she was completely relaxed, Laurel was engulfed in heat.  She didn't want to open her eyes, but thought if she did, the sun would burn them out.  Didn't they normally travel through the day?  She should have gotten used to it by now.  She had no clue as to why she was lying still.  Had this Ardeth Bay dropped her off somewhere?  Had he gotten tired of her and finally abandoned her?  Of course, it wouldn't matter one way or another.  She didn't want to stay with him any more than he wanted to stay with her.  She couldn't believe how much had changed in a few mere hours.  If she hadn't seen his naked flesh, would it have made a difference with what was running through her mind?  Around her, she could hear brief conversation being exchanged.  It was in the same language she had heard earlier, but neither voice sounded like Ardeth.  She struggled against opening her eyes too soon.  She didn't know what she would wind up looking at.  Would she see more men set to terrorize her?  Would she see Reginald?  Tehotu?  Laurel opened her eyes slowly and saw two robed figures standing near her.  At first, she thought both of them were men, but she soon realized that one of them was a woman.  They had yet to notice that she was awake.  The man appeared no older than fifty and had iron gray hair.  When he turned, she saw more of his profile and noticed that his markings were similar to Ardeth.  In fact, he was similar to Ardeth.  The woman was younger than the man, but not by much.  Her hair was mostly gray, but lodes of black were shot throughout.  Again, she noted some similarities to Ardeth.  His parents?  He had left her with his parents?  What the hell?

Bahir and Fadilah Bay had been more than surprised when their only son carried in a young woman who seemed completely passed out.  It didn't take much time for them to realize that she wasn't of their people, but she also didn't seem to be American, either.  Ardeth had left her in their care.  He had explained that she was the daughter of the ustâd and he needed to find him.  At first, neither of them knew what to think.  He had come in very quickly and left just as fast.  Yet, he was gentle with the girl, almost tender.  Of course, if she were whom her son claimed, they would show just as much respect.  The entire village loved Ustâd because he showed true interest in their people, not simply an interest in their hidden treasures.  They kept close watch on her, hoping that Ardeth would return before long.  The girl would likely think they were out to hurt her.  However, just as their son, they only wanted to help.  Fadilah soaked a cloth in cool water and brought it over to the girl.  She placed it gently onto her forehead and she noticed that her breathing had evened out.  Fadilah felt that she was probably awake, but didn't want to open her eyes just yet.

Laurel stayed as still as she could.  The cool cloth felt heavenly against her hot forehead, but the alien touch had brought out every ounce of tension in her body.  However, it was gentle, reminding her of her mother's touch.  As a child, Tarita often brought her cold compresses when she was sick.  Thinking of her mother brought on incredible sadness, an ache.  The family she had grown up in had betrayed her.  She knew nothing or no one.  Father was not Father; her brothers were only half.  It was incredibly insane and ridiculous, but it was her life.  After a long time, she finally opened her eyes and looked up into another pair of beautiful chocolate brown eyes.  These people were like Ardeth; they meant her no harm.

*  *  *

Bartholomew Robinson had chosen a modest adobe hut in which to retire.  It was nothing more than what his ancestors had dwelled in, and it was exactly what he had grown accustomed to while studying the people protected by an ancient tribe of warriors.  They were an honorable people and he treated them as such, not intruding, but observing.  They accepted him as one of their own and he had felt embraced by them, so of course at his retirement, he would choose Egypt as his home.  His sons were adults now with families of their own, and he had lost his wife five years prior.  He wasn't attached to Cairo, but he was certainly attracted to the desert.  Most of his time was spent reading or researching.  He was a tireless writer and enjoyed his work.  Once a professor, always a professor.  Yet, he hadn't totally forgotten Cairo.  He hadn't totally forgotten a woman he met there nineteen or twenty years ago.  Every now and then, she crossed his mind.  He still remembered her name:  Tarita.  His wife had never found out about the affair, and he had always felt like a shit for cheating, but damn if he didn't fall in love with her.  It always saddened him to think of her, because she was so beautiful and loving.  She gave him everything without the slightest demand of wanting anything in return.  He had never met another woman like her since, even his wife couldn't compare.  He had no idea their relationship had produced a child, but soon enough, he would learn. 

In the distance, Ardeth could just make out a small structure that appeared to be dimly lit.  It was the place where he had seen Ustâd before.  Perhaps he would be there.  Ardeth had no idea how to explain his presence or that of Dâyi' nafs.  Would he even believe the incredible story?  He rode onward, noticing that the day grew darker with each mile he traveled.  By now, she would be awake, possibly terrified.  His parents wouldn't allow her to leave any more than he would.  He sighed heavily and shook his head.  The girl was getting to him, scratching away, and imprinting her image in his brain.  Yet, he found relief in the thought that soon, she would leave and take her aura along with her. 

*  *  *

Laurel put her complete trust in Ardeth Bay's parents and allowed them to care for her.  The longer she accepted their assistance, the more she realized just how stupid she had been for running away like a child.  She had had no business coming to a foreign country without the slightest knowledge of how to get around or what to do when faced with adversity.  She realized that if Ardeth and his men hadn't stepped in, she would likely be dead by now.  At the same time, the seemingly cold leader invaded her dreams.  While she had been in her daze, his face, lips, and hands were there with her, touching her, giving her pleasure she had never experienced in her waking life.  What did she know about physical love?  She knew nothing, had experienced less, but couldn't quite seem to get the dark man off her mind.  His kiss still burned her lips, she remembered every detail, every flick of the tongue.  His breath had been so hot as it blew down onto her flesh.  His taste was so very delicious, reminding her of smoldering spices, and she drank it in as if it were precious water.  If she broke apart the events leading up to the kiss, she knew that Ardeth had forced it on her as much as Reginald had done, but there was a difference.  She hadn't wanted Reginald's touch.  She hadn't wanted Ardeth's, either, but as soon as she saw his naked body emerging from the pool, as soon as he clamped his hand onto her ankle, she knew he'd never leave her mind again.  Staying with his parents had pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind, but as soon as she fell asleep, they would come again, stronger than ever.  The elder Bays gave Laurel her space, allowing her to come around on her own.  They asked very few questions, but brought her enough food and water to stuff a good-sized hog.  She thanked them profusely, but ate very little.  She came to supply herself so she could leave, and she was ready to do it.  The only direct request she made was for ink.  They brought it to her without hesitation.  She wanted to record everything that had happened since the shipwreck.  She had to get it all down or it would drive her insane.  Furiously, she began to scribble, losing herself until Ardeth returned.

*  *  *

By the time Ardeth and the ustâd returned, Laurel had fallen asleep again.  Ardeth couldn't resist checking in on her.  He wasn't aware, but his mother watched the exchange, taking note of the way he gazed down at the girl.  She smiled a little, wondering if her son was infatuated with his charge.  He left her to sleep and returned to face Ustâd.  At first, the man was in denial and refused to accompany Ardeth back to the village, but he eventually persuaded him to come along if only to settle the mind of the Dâyi' nafs.  It had been a while since Ardeth had last seen him.  However, there was simply no question or doubt.  The moment Ardeth saw the man, he knew the ustâd was the girl's father.  Ardeth stood back with his parents and allowed Ustâd to enter the room where his daughter slept. 

Bart Robinson had nearly scoffed at the young Medjai chieftain when he said a woman claiming to be his daughter wanted to see him.  Of course, he'd made love countless times to Tarita, but there was no way she could have been pregnant.  He wasn't an idiot by the furthest stretch of the imagination, he knew pregnancy was possible, as it was with any man and woman.  Denying it was easier than accepting the fact that he had a daughter he had never known about.  He went along with Chieftain Bay only because he respected him and his people so much.  If he said there was a girl making such a claim, he wasn't lying about it.  He slipped into the room quietly.  The young woman was fast asleep with her back to him.  Cautiously, he crept to the other side.  He had no intention of waking her.  Actually, he had no intentions of actually speaking to her, because he didn't have a daughter.  He had sons and grandchildren.  The moment he saw her face, he could deny it no longer.  She was beautiful, a perfect mix of him and her mother.  Dear God.  She came all this way for me.  He wasn't quite ready to speak to her yet, but he stood and gazed at her for several moments, not understanding why Tarita never told him.

"What will happen next," Bahir asked his son.

Ardeth focused his eyes on his father.  "I am not sure.  I hope Ustâd will lead her out of the desert or take her with him.  After he sees her, I do not think he will deny her."

"How did you find her?  It is rare for a woman to travel in the desert."

Ardeth sighed, expecting the question.  His father would want to know more about the girl.  She was an outsider and when he left her, he had offered absolutely no explanation.  "We saved her and five others after their steamboat from England capsized.  She said I resembled her father and I immediately thought of Ustâd the moment I saw her.  She then associated her father with our tribe and she followed us out of Cairo.  When we felt we were being followed, we stopped, and were attacked by a group of men.  They apparently thought she was with us and they wanted her."  Of course, he skipped over their days and nights together in the desert.  He didn't dare talk about seeing her bathing in the oasis.  He failed to mention that he'd taken her down and kissed her.  None of that made it out of his lips and wouldn't.  The events that transpired were between him and the girl.  "I could not leave her in the desert to die and I was fairly certain she was right about her father."

Laurel awoke when she felt eyes on her.  Her eyes met those of a rather tall man with very long, curly gray hair tied back in a ponytail.  She wanted to ask a stupid question:  who are you?  She knew exactly who he was.  This man was her father.  This man was the one she had searched for within her childish mission.  Ardeth had fetched him for her.  "You're the ustâd," she asked quietly, picking up the word after hearing Ardeth say it a dozen times.

"Yes," he said simply.  "I knew your mother a long time ago and she didn't exactly tell me about you…"

*  *  *

Much later, Laurel couldn't sleep.  She had spent half the night getting acquainted with her father.  After talking until he lost his voice, Bart grew tired and the elder Bays set him up for the night.  She stepped outside to get some air, not actually caring about the chill or the dangers in the night.  She felt safe here, protected, but she wasn't out alone.  She immediately noticed Ardeth.  Apparently, he felt the need for air as well.  She hadn't seen him all night, he had given her privacy to speak to her father.  Despite what happened between them, she owed him so much.  Yet, she hadn't even been honest enough to tell him her real name. 

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Ardeth turned his attention toward Laurel.  He hadn't heard her come out.  "You do not have to keep thanking me.  You were in need and I helped you."  She must not approach me.  She must not move any closer than she is now.  "You should sleep.  You are riding out with your father in the morning and the journey is not a short one."

His veneer was cold and stately again.  He was dismissing her.  "I realize that.  If you'll recall, I was on the last journey.  You act so cold and brutal, but you have heart."

He closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip for the briefest of moments.  Her voice was soft and bewitching.  She had no idea what she was doing to him at that moment.  He could hardly look at her.  "Go back inside.  You should not be out here."

"Still in command mode, I see," she said sarcastically.  "Always telling people what to do, even someone not under you.  Can you let it go one moment to accept gratitude?  Besides, I can't sleep, I've slept too much today and tonight.  Why don't you sleep?  I'm sure it's okay."

Ardeth fixed his eyes on her.  All he could see was that outline of her breast, the hardened peak of her nipple that was basically begging to be tasted.  "Do you want me to force you inside," he asked, his voice taking on a mocking hint of her sarcasm.  "I have done it once and I will not hesitate to do it again.  Do you doubt me?"

"I'm not trying to pick a fight."  Wasn't she?  "Good night."

She turned to go back inside, but gasped in surprise when she felt his hand clamping around her upper arm.  The way he moved stunned her.  He didn't seem to make a single noise.  It was unnerving.  He spun her around to face him and he gazed down into her eyes.  She wasn't picking a fight, but he was fighting a battle of his own.  Surprisingly enough, the moment he looked at her, he thought he saw her doing the same.  She didn't try to break free of his grip.  It was as if she expected him, wanted him, to do this to her.  He wouldn't disappoint her.  After tonight, he would never see her again.  He lowered his head just the slightest and captured her lips.  He crushed her body against his, the picture of her naked body never leaving his mind.  She was suddenly enveloped in his scent and taste.  If the truth were known, she had been picking at him, because she knew he would do this.  His tongue met hers as his hand plunged into her hair.  He wanted to press forward, to strip her down and take his time, touch every inch of her, but in the end, he realized that he couldn't.  He broke the kiss, noticing that she had yet to open her eyes, and when she did, the dazed expression on her face nearly sent him over again.  He stepped back from her, but it didn't stop the aching desire that had built up in him.  The situation they were in was dangerous and forbidden.

"Go inside," he commanded again.  He didn't trust himself.  If she didn't get out of his sight, he would fulfill his need and do so with utter abandon.

____________________

To be continued…