Ardeth and Layla postponed the uniting ceremony until his ribs had healed and he also wanted to give Mahir's leg time to heal from the fall. He was very lucky to have only come out of the fall with a twisted knee and nothing broken. Alex was also delighted in the fact it was delayed, which meant he could stay at the camp longer with his parents. He spent most of his time with Mahir helping him as he tried to walk on his sore leg. He wanted to be well enough to stand at his grandson's ceremony.
The week leading to the uniting ceremony was filled with many different celebrations. The council of elders held the first. They lavished their Chief and his soon to be wife with well wishes of happiness and the mention of heirs was plentiful. Ardeth's family held the next celebration; it was held privately in the Harith and Zia's tent. They had a huge meal prepared by the Bay wives; afterwards gifts were given to the couple. Ardeth's Uncle was the last to hand them their gift.
"Ardeth, I know how you have always enjoyed my puzzle boxes. This is the first one I made after coming here. I have added something to the top since you are a wandering soul at times." Edward handed the box to Ardeth.
Ardeth stood admiring the box. It was about eight inches in width, five inches high and six inches deep. He could see the different places where it would eventually open. Then he looked at the top and read the words in Arabic etched in the wood. "The sands of the desert will draw you back home from any journey you may take," he read out loud. "Is this part of the puzzle?"
"Maybe," his uncle said cryptically. "I have always said that only a true Donovan can open the box. I am willing to change my mind if you open it, nephew."
"I will take that as a challenge," Ardeth said with a smile.
"May I try to open it?" Layla asked as Ardeth handed it to her. She was surprised it didn't weigh more considering the size.
"Of course I am giving it to you both," Edward told her.
"I think he has made them so no one can open them. That is why he is so sure only a true Donovan can open them," Ardeth said looking at his uncle. "Am I right, Uncle?"
"Afraid not. I assure you they do open."
"May I take this to my tent tonight? I would like to try." Layla wondered.
"Yes, you may be the first to try," Ardeth told her as she tried to stifle a yawn. "I don't think you will get much accomplished tonight. You seem to be sleepy."
"Sleepy but curious," Layla admitted.
"It is late. I will walk you to your tent," Ardeth said helping her to her feet. "Good night to all of you."
"Yes, good night and thank you for all the wonderful gifts," Layla said.
"Just hold on one minute," Mahir said getting to his feet with help from Fahim.
"What is it, Grandfather?" Ardeth asked.
"You are not united with this woman yet. I plan on escorting her to her tent with you," he told Ardeth.
"Do you not trust me, Grandfather?" Ardeth wondered.
"Of course I trust you. It is the Bay and Asar blood coursing through your veins that prompts me to protect this fair lady," Mahir whispered to his grandson but Layla overheard and blushed.
Ardeth let out a hearty laugh. "You have a good point, Grandfather, but I have held my feelings this long, a few more nights will not kill me."
"Though it might kill me," Layla said in a whisper to Ardeth.
******
The following night would have been a celebration with Layla's family as host but since she had none Alex came up with the idea that his family be a substitute for her. Layla loved the idea so much she cried when they told her of the plan.
During the celebration there was a commotion outside the tent. Ardeth and Rick went out to see what was going on. They said a group of people having a heated discussion with Zahid.
"You must leave you are not welcomed here!" Zahid yelled at the man standing before him.
"Zahid! What is going on here?" Ardeth demanded as he and Rick walked up to the group.
"These people are from Botros' tribe. They have been shunned by us and they are not wanted or welcomed here," Zahid explained.
"Ardeth is wife is about to drop a kid. You can't turn them away," Rick said bluntly, seeing the man's wife.
"What is your name?" Ardeth asked.
"Faris Ghalib, this is my wife Jalila and our children. After Botros was killed his commanders left us to fend for ourselves. Many of the tribe perished as they tried to survive by stealing from other camps. They did not have any guns or scimitars to use, the commanders took all weapons to sell and use for their own," he explained.
"Jalila!" Layla yelled seeing an old friend. "Faris, heavens I never thought I would see you again." She hugged each of them and stood next to Jalila.
"We came here in hopes of being forgiven. We are seeking shelter just for a few days. Jalila needs to rest them we will be on our way."
"No, you cannot stay here," Zahid insisted.
"Zahid, this is not your decision to make alone," Ardeth told him.
"Very well I will have the council meet immediately," Zahid said, storming off to alert the council members.
Layla walked over to Ardeth and Rick to speak to them quietly. "They cannot leave here with Jalila so close to giving birth. They may stay in my tent. I will accept all responsibility for them."
"I am sure the council will say they may stay. Grandfather will see to it so will I," Ardeth told her.
"May I take them there now they need to rest?" Layla asked.
"What about the party? Do we move it?" Rick wondered.
"No, they will join us. Jalila and Faris looked after me when my family died. They are like family to me."
"Layla, you should come to the meeting and explain what you just told us. It could help the council make their decision," Ardeth suggested.
"I will be there as soon as I get them settled," Layla said. She walked over and told the Ghalib family they could follow her to her tent and to eat then rest. They followed her and then she went to the council tent to say her peace about the family that helped her.
Zahid was still adamant about them leaving but the council voted to allow them to stay until Jalila gave birth then they would vote again as to whether they would allow the family to stay on with the tribe.
Ardeth and Layla went back to her tent and celebrated with their company. Jonathon told stories to the children, as they lay in their makeshift beds. The party broke up soon after the children fell asleep. Rick, Jonathon and Alex went back with Ardeth to his tent. "Rick, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Sure, just name it."
"I was wondering if you would help me set up a surprise for my wife?"
"You already have a wife? This is most interesting," Jonathon joked.
"He was talking about, Layla, dummy," Rick said, swatting at his brother in law.
"I knew that. I was only joking," he said.
"I found a special place to take her after we are united. I believe you call it a honeymoon," Ardeth said.
"Yeah we do. It's the best part of getting married," Rick said slapping Ardeth on the back. "We'd be happy to help you. When do we go?"
"Tomorrow morning. You see for the next two days Layla and I are not to see each other at all. It is best I leave here so I am not tempted," Ardeth explained.
"Got ya buddy. We'll leave as early as you want," Rick said.
"Very good. Good night to each of you."