CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The weather was glorious, and the setting sun shed a glow of pale honey across the dunes. The expanse of sand was magnificent, looking like burnished gold against the darkening sky.
Jean, Ardeth and Ahmad left the tent. Following their advice on what to wear, she had put on the dressiest robe she found; it was, after all, a celebration. It was made of ivory natural silk, embroidered with golden patterns and had a matching veil. Ahmad didn't mention it, since she was already nervous, but she looked like a bride. 'Maybe one day she will be my Master's bride,' he said to himself.
The Chieftain felt Jean's apprehension and whispered to her, "Do not be nervous Jean…it is just a ceremony with nice older men...they will not bite."
She was nervous and somehow that little statement made her more so.
Taking her hand, Ardeth led her to stand in front of all the Elders and Captains of the tribes, with Ahmad by her side, and took his place in the middle of them. The whole camp had gathered around in order to witness the ceremony. It begun when Jean kneeled in front of them. Prayers started and Mohammed, the oldest of the Elders stepped forward to face Jean. He was slightly crouched over, with a staff to lean on.
"Jean Marquet. You were appointed for this time centuries ago. Praise be to Allah! Your time has come. You will now know your calling and become one of us." He pulled a scimitar, raised it toward the sky and shouted a rhythmic phrase in Arabic, then laid it at Jean's feet. Then he placed next to it a new Med-jai robe made especially for her.
He signaled her to stand up and pointing, he brought the attention of the Elders to the symbols on her arm. "The symbols of the Med-jai. Of the first Med-jai woman." Everyone in the camp dropped to their knees and bowed, humming and singing in prayers that Jean had never heard before.
The man retreated and Ahmed took his place in front of Jean.
"Now tell us your oath, my child. Show us why you want to become a Medjai."
Jean took a deep breath and spoke softly, but with determination, facing the warriors with a sweet smile, but her eyes were fixed in Ardeth as she took her pledge.
There was so much love and trust in her eyes, that he took a second to swallow the lump in his throat.
"It was God's will for me to come here. His wisdom brought me to you and placed these symbols in my arm. I would have never expected to be so kindly accepted by all of you or to feel that I belong here; so far away from the place I call 'home'. But in turned out that, even though this life is ruthless, I fell in love with it. I love everything that surrounds me. And nothing would honor me more than becoming a Med-jai. I promise that, no matter where I am and no matter what I do, looking after Hamunaptra will be my priority. He Who Shall Not Be Named will not be awakened again, and if he is, I will even give my life in order to send him back to the Netherworld. I also promise to respect the principles of your religion and your costumes, not denying who I am, but becoming a richer, more open person."
The elders looked pleased and Ahmed turned to his grandson.
"Ardeth Bay, as the Chieftain, it is your duty to bless or to condemn this designation."
The handsome warrior went towards Jean, kissed her forehead and stood by her side. He gazed at the warriors reunited around them and addressed to them.
"This woman would be the most valuable addition to our tribe that I could ever think of. Her strength and courage have saved my life, as well as the lives of my men. Her warm heart has comforted us all and her incredible sweet manners have changed us forever. I bless this ceremony with all my heart for she is a Med-jai and she will always be, and after today, she will belong here forever as one of us." He then turned to her. "This will be your home, Jean, for whenever you want to come and stay with us." He went back to his place, after glancing at her with an affectionate look in his eyes.
Jean's vision was blurred behind a curtain of tears that threatened to spill. She gathered all the strength she had left and turned to Ahmad, who had been by her side during the whole ceremony. The young man crouched, lifted the scimitar and put it in Jean's hands, which were opened with the palms facing the sky. He then took the robe and put it around her shoulders. His light brown eyes were filled with sweetness and warmth.
Ahmed stepped forward again and kissed Jean's cheeks. "Jean, my daughter, you have a great duty to fulfill. It is time you knew of your destiny. You are the chosen one and have proven to be a part of the Med-jai."
He then pronounced her to be the first Med-jai woman. Loud cheers rose and she was surrounded by the warriors. They all wanted to congratulate their sister. Ardeth realized she was very tired and went to rescue her.
"Now, brothers, let's let Jean get dressed as one of us and then we will continue the celebrations."
The men understood and went back to their chores. He gave her a beneficent smile and placed his hand gently on the small of her back as he ushered her inside her tent.
"Thank you. This has been something I will never forget," she whispered.
Ardeth let his hands graze the flesh of her back as he answered with a wholeheartedly, "I am happy you enjoyed it. It meant a lot to me too."
Jean took his right hand in hers and kissed it. "Ahmad told me it's customary for you to help the new Med-jai put on his first set of robes."
The warrior cleared his throat. "Yes, it is, but in regard to your modesty..."
The look in her soulful green eyes made him forget what he was saying. Holding out his left hand, he allowed his long fingers to stroke her cheek. By Allah, he wanted to kiss those cheeks and those full lips.
Softly and without breaking eye contact with him in any moment, Jean undid her robes and veil and let them fall to the floor in a pile of white and gold mist. Stepping out of it, she lifted her arms and Ardeth slid the black robes over her head.
He swallowed hard. If he thought she was beautiful, then he was mistaken; she was simply breathtaking at that moment. Ardeth had no idea red hair was so striking when the bearer was dressed entirely in black. His hands itched to be in that hair.
"Gameel." Ardeth uttered the Arabic word for beautiful. "You wear our clothing well. The colors of the desert suit you."
"Thanks, Ardeth," she said and turned to stand in front of the mirror.
Jean had to admit she looked strong and dashing in the traditional robes. She tried to put on a veil, but Ardeth stopped her.
"You are our sister now and there is no further need for you to cover your beauty while in front of us," he told her.
Jean understood and smiled at him, despite the fact she was still shaking. Being undressed in front of him and feeling his hands roam her body as he put on her robe was definitely more than she could take. Ardeth, on his part, was still breathing hard and his hands shook as well.
"Now it is time for me to show you off," he announced, leading her outside the tent and to the feasty table. The couple was all smiles as they took their seats at it.
The warriors who had not seen her hair before were staring at her, but by then, Jean was used to that kind of curiosity and smiled at them. The Elders were eyeing her furtively and talking among themselves. Jean couldn't hear what they were saying and looked at Ardeth.
"There was a Goddess of old whose hair was red as well and I believe they are commenting on that," he explained.
"Oh, I see…" Jean smiled at them too and dinner was served, catching everyone's attention.
***
Full night came, bringing with it a blanket of calm. The desert was serene disturbed only by a gentle warm breeze and an occasional bray from the camels and horses. They too seemed to be peaceful that night.
During the last dinner with the tribe, Jean had tried to focus on the conversation, especially on what Ahmed was saying about the duty as a Med-jai, but even though it was supposed to be a celebration in her honor, she was trying very hard not to cry.
"That sounded wistful," commented the old man.
Jean was brought back to reality. "What?" She asked in confusion.
"Just now, you sighed as if your heart would break, my daughter," he said.
Jean smiled at how he had called her. "I'm sorry, I'm just a bit tired."
Ahmed shook his head. "That is not it, is it?"
"No, sir. I am going to miss this," she admitted.
The man seemed to understand her pain and looked at her fondly. "Would you like some time on your own? That might be of help."
"Yes…"
"Then go to the Nile's shore, I will excuse you with the rest of the warriors," he said, patting her hand encouragingly.
"Thank you, sir." With a bow, Jean was gone.
Knowing it would be rude from him to leave his men just to be with her, Ardeth followed her cloaked figure until she disappeared into the night. Seeing the look in his eyes, Mohammed turned to Ahmed.
"He is taken by her."
"Yes, he is. But she has her own man back in her country."
"Pity. Still, I am sure Allah will make things favorable for our Chieftain's happiness." He knew that as Med-jai warriors, they had the special right to choose whomever they wished to marry. It was one of their many rewards for their loyal service. And although an American woman would not have been his personal choice, Mohammed had to admit he had never seen Ardeth happier and devoted to a woman. What was more, he found Jean
"Inshallah," was Ahmed's answer as they both focused their attention back on their dinner.