Part XV
A lone rider that had been following the Medjai since they had left the village raced across the desert with nothing more to guide him than the bright moonlight and the hope that Allah was guiding him towards the correct destination.
He was a young boy of twelve summers and he had heard everything the Rwalla- Hunud had spoken of hours before in the old woman's home. His loyalty was to the Tuareg and he did what they paid him to do quite well – gather information and report back to his leader.
An hour later he almost shouted with joy when he found the temporary encampment and jumped off his horse before it could stop. He ran through the maze of campfires and tents until he found Drevick, and breathlessly informed him of the Hunud witness.
Drevick smiled his thanks to the boy and affectionately ruffled his hair, ordering him to go rest and get something to eat. He turned back to find Yousef and Berin staring at him expectantly and he almost laughed from their impatient expressions.
"What did the boy say?" Yousef asked.
"Is the Tuareg reconsidering the truce or do you doubt your actions?" Berin casually asked. He had been broodingly staring into the fire as concern for Jericho and the other wounded plagued his heart and mind.
Without waiting for Drevick's reply, Berin stood up, and abruptly left the two young Tuareg; he cared not if his actions were deemed as rude. He needed to check on his wounded brethren.
"You need to have more faith in me, Medjai," Drevick sighed as he watched Berin kneel by Jericho's side, the customary scowl settling on his face as he checked the commander's bandages. "I have pledged my cooperation and my men; I will not go back on my word."
Yousef grunted. "A wonderful sentiment, my friend, but alas, he cannot hear you. Or should I amend that and state that he will never hear you."
"It doesn't matter. I know Berin will honor the temporary alliance between our people but his first priority will always be his fellow warriors. Perhaps my decision to stay here rather than ride to the citadel or the Tuareg village seeking medical treatment was not the best decision." Drevick grimaced at the lack of confidence he heard in his own voice and averted his gaze, ashamed that his leadership skills seemed inadequate.
Yousef shook his head in amazement and reached out, punching Drevick's shoulder as if he could knock some sense into his friend. "Do you hear yourself?" he asked. "Three warriors have returned to the citadel and they've brought with them a witness that exonerates Reyhan from the charge of murder. Do you realize what the Hunud will do if they find out about this witness?'
Unaware of Berin intently observing them, Drevick nodded his head. "They will retaliate and hunt us down without pity or mercy. We would not make it beyond the next ridge or live to see the next sunrise. Maybe our wisest course of action was to stay here for now."
"Why would the Hunud react this way to a witness whose testimony could end the war?" Berin called out.
Drevick stood up and grabbed the food and water pouches that Yousef knowingly handed him. He walked over to the sub-commander and had to laugh at the pitiful offering he was making to the warrior, hoping it would pacify him. And earn his trust.
"Tabari-Yervant once told me that the Hunud despise traitors. And I believe that their queen would hate the missed opportunity to become the undisputed ruler of the Sahara if Reyhan's innocence is confirmed." Drevick bent down next to Berin and dropped the pouches on the ground, noticing that Jericho's sable colored gaze was too bright from an encroaching fever. "If Reyhan goes free then the Tuareg and Medjai would no longer be occupied, and her plans would be ruined."
Berin picked up the water pouch and tried to coax Jericho to take a few sips but the elder warrior was too exhausted. He waved off the water and turned his head, searching for Dharr and Emir. "Tend to those who...are more critical than I," he whispered and closed his eyes.
Berin acquiesced to Jericho's wish and stood up, his gaze meeting Drevick's. He felt a pang of compassion for the young leader and despite his better judgment found himself liking him. "I believe that your choice in location for the camp is a good one, young Tuareg," he said. "But we cannot stay long. You should send the boy to the citadel with a message for Ardeth informing him of the latest developments. He can send out reinforcements who will aid us in the journey back."
"Agreed," Drevick sighed.
"I concur – this location is good since we are protected on three sides by the surrounding hills and rock formations." Yousef had to point out the strategic advantages. "It will provide us with adequate concealment from the black riders for now."
Berin chose not to comment on Yousef's observation, but considered that if the Hunud could attack the citadel with ease, then a few groupings of boulders would hardly be a hindrance.
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"Tell me you're saddling your horse because you desire a ride through the city, and I will go away a happy man."
Kedar leaned against the doorframe of the stall and crossed his arms over his broad chest, watching Nabil adjust the stirrups. As soon as Ardeth had demanded to be left alone with his thoughts, Kedar immediately began searching for his friend. He retraced the commander's path from the healers' building, to his quarters, the dining hall and finally to the stables, his fears coming to fruition as he watched Nabil prepare to leave.
"I am going for a ride. Now go away and be happy," Nabil muttered and pulled the cinches tighter on the saddle.
"I cannot do that," Kedar sighed and walked over to Nabil's side, resting one hand on the horse's withers. "We need to talk about your choices as of late, especially the last two; they are ill conceived at best. Tell me what is going on, ya sahib."
Nabil remained stubbornly silent and ignored Kedar's presence as he modified the horse's halter and bit. It was better to pretend ignorance than to confide that his search for Reyhan had concluded with the startling revelation that Muhjah-Aji had kidnapped him.
Through eye-witness accounts he had learned that she had lured him to the dining hall where she worked, and once there he had scoured the eating area for any clues as to what might have happened. Granted the floors and counters had been recently cleaned but nothing had been done to remove the droplets of blood that Nabil found on the floor. Combined with another worker's claim that they heard the sounds of fighting coming from within the building, and then saw Muhjah-Aji exit several minutes later dragging a large burlap bag intensified Nabil's fear.
Lastly, he paid a visit to the captain of the guards to check on the daily log of those who passed through the gates. His suspicions were confirmed when the record showed Muhjah-Aji as the passenger of a wagon carrying refuse and it had been noted that it was traveling north.
Away from where the garbage was generally disposed of...
"Do not do this, Nabil," Kedar pleaded and gripped Nabil's shoulder, turning him around so he faced him. "Do not shut me out; I am only trying to help. What in the name of Allah is going on? Instinct tells me that your departure is not prompted by your resignation but something else."
"Stay out of this, Kedar. I have no desire to have you included in the charges that Ardeth will bring against me once he finds out what I plan to do," Nabil said.
"Exactly what do you plan to do?"
"What an older brother should do for his younger siblings," was the cryptic reply.
"So help me I will beat a confession out of you, if I have to, in order to understand the foolish thoughts buzzing around in your head," Kedar growled. He gripped Nabil's shoulder as the warrior tried to walk past him and a subtle challenge flared up between them.
Eyes as black as midnight glared into eyes colored like the sky before a storm; the silent standoff between Nabil and Kedar ebbed and flowed as each struggled to control their emotions. Nabil attempted to skirt around Kedar but he wouldn't let him, not until Nabil clarified his actions.
Desperate to break through the stubborn shield that Nabil had erected Kedar released his shoulder, but tried one last time. "You are my friend, a brother, and fellow warrior. We have gone through much together during our service in the warrior sect and I have not regretted one moment, good or bad. If I let you leave I have not only failed in honoring my oath, but I have failed our friendship as well. The bitter taste of failure pales in comparison to a future without you as my friend."
Nabil refused to meet Kedar's gaze and turned back to the horse, burrowing his hands into its mane as the words unexpectedly spilled from his lips. The flood of information rushed forward like a tidal wave and he advised Kedar of everything, leaving out no detail. Almost finished with his dissertation, Nabil turned and faced Kedar, quietly beseeching his friend for understanding.
"I was an only child, and for most of my life I relied on one person for survival – myself. Reyhan's existence certainly came as a surprise, and I will admit it was hard to accept him at first. But my conscience will not allow me to rest until he is safely returned to the citadel. If he were to die at the hands of the Hunud, my heart would never know a moment's peace. You, Berin, and the others have become my surrogate family but Reyhan is blood of my blood. I have to save him. Do you understand?"
Kedar nodded his head. "The ties that bind brothers together may weaken and strengthen, but in the end they are still brothers. You will always do what you believe is right, even at the risk of your own life. But what proof do you have of Muhjah-Aji's betrayal? You know Ardeth will need sound evidence before he agrees to anything."
"I am not asking Ardeth for help," Nabil replied.
"You should, ya mu'anid sahib," Ardeth said as he appeared in the stall's doorway. Talib, Zaki, Solman, Haytham and Uthmann-Dunoud materialized by his side and then watched as he walked over to Nabil. "You will need all the help you can get if you want to save Reyhan."
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Nabil placed a foot in the stirrup and climbed up into the saddle, gathering the reins in one hand as his gaze swept over those assembled in the barn. He felt his heart constrict with the profound appreciation for those who volunteered to come with him in the daring rescue.
"We know we have given you much to comprehend, ya sahib, but this is madness," Zaki had stated. "To ride into the Rwalla-Hunud stronghold and demand Reyhan back is ludicrous. They will kill you before you pull your weapon free."
Nabil watched as Haytham guided his horse over to Solman and gave the young warrior instructions on how to use his scimitar against the Hunud. The two warriors had become friends over the past few days and it was apparent that Solman was blossoming under Haytham's brotherly guidance.
"He is of my blood and my conscience will not let me rest knowing that he will be tortured and killed for a crime he did not commit," Nabil had argued.
Zaki and Talib chose to accompany Uthmann-Dunoud and waited with him near the barn doors, quietly talking amongst themselves as they reviewed the plan that had been quickly conceived. Nabil felt humbled by their support and hoped that their choice in helping him wouldn't cost them their lives as they honored the warrior oath.
"Let me ride with you, Commander, for I am the only solution that is needed," Uthmann-Dunoud surprised everyone by speaking up. "My word alone will nullify the blood feud and clear your brother of all charges. The Hunud will be incensed by the discovery of the treachery within their ranks; they should allow the both of you to escape unharmed. The war will end since my people will be busy purging themselves of the deceit that has been festering within."
Despite Nabil's strenuous objections, Ardeth and Kedar were also riding with the group and would bring up the rear. Nabil overheard Kedar advising Ardeth that when he fought a Hunud to seek the gaps in the body armor, where the blade can pierce soft flesh. He frowned when he realized that a Hunud spear could just as easily stab through thin black robes, quickly ending the life of a friend and brother.
Nabil gathered the incredible internal strength that had sustained him through the hard lonely years of his childhood, vowing that they would all triumphantly return to the city. He had no wish to think of the alternative...
...no desire to think of a life without them.
"Are you suggesting that I ride into the heart of the Hunud encampment, escorted by only a few warriors, and demand that they release Reyhan?" Nabil asked.
Nabil reached down into his robes and touched the handle of the dagger he still wanted to present to Reyhan. Hope bloomed within his heart, fragile and fledgling, and he felt it soar as it tested its wings. He was undertaking a dangerous mission but he believed that the outcome was well worth risking his life. He had to believe that he would survive the encounter...
Uthmann-Dunoud nodded his head. "Precisely."
...and ultimately have what he always dreamed about, never to be alone again.
Nabil had to believe for he had nothing else.
His musings were interrupted when he looked up and saw that Ardeth's horse was next to him. The two warriors looked at one another but remained silent, their recent disagreement acting as a barrier. Uncomfortable with the rift between them, but uncertain how he could mend it, Nabil pulled on the reins. He looked over when Ardeth touched his arm.
"I pray that this informant's plan works, or at least you could humor me and say that it will," Ardeth said with a faint smile.
"Why are you doing this? There is no need to risk your life; you could stay in the city where it is safe." Nabil changed the subject, trying to understand the motive behind Ardeth's actions; was he acting as a leader or as a friend?
A grim smile flashed across Ardeth's face; his gaze swept over the warriors gathered before resting on Nabil. "You asked me what I would do if Kedar's life was at stake rather than Reyhan's; I am answering. I am not acting as your chieftain this night, but as your friend. Do you think I would let you journey into the Rwalla-Hunud stronghold, into the heart of evil, and not be at your side? To ride into battle with you is an honor."
"We may not survive this night," Nabil warned, momentarily taken aback by Ardeth's words.
"You would die for me, would you not?" Ardeth asked softly, the death of any warrior unsettling but more so if it were Kedar, Nabil, Jericho, Berin or any of those closest to him.
Nabil blinked in surprise at the question; his allegiance to Ardeth was never in question. "You are my chieftain, and aiwa, I would gladly sacrifice myself so that you may live."
"Spoken like a warrior, although you have resigned your commission. I know you will always honor your oath, Nabil, and that is just one of the many qualities that I admire about you." Ardeth reached into one of his pouches and held out the discarded commander's insignia. "Now I must ask something of you – do I hold onto this and give it back once we return? Or do I dispose of it and have a new one presented to Berin?"
Nabil stared at the emblem, a sign of his life's accomplishments and career within the warrior sect. The day he was promoted was one that he would always remember but nestled within the almost forgotten memories was Ardeth's encouragement. His advice. And his friendship. Priceless gifts coming at a time when Nabil had needed them the most; to surrender it was far more difficult than he could ever imagine.
"Perhaps you should hold onto it for now," Nabil said softly as he reached over and closed Ardeth's hand. "I will want it once we return."
Ardeth smiled as he placed his other hand on Nabil's and the two men shook hands; the rift between them closed. It changed into the traditional warrior handshake and as the foundation of their friendship continued to heal, the others gathered around them.
Kedar pulled his scimitar free and bellowed his battle cry, the others following suit. The barn's interior rang with the sound and fury of the six Medjai.
Uthmann-Dunoud seemed unaffected by the display. Yet he was silently praying that he would live to see a new day.
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A/N – Ya know, I just realized what fun it's has been writing this...[eg] As always I have to thank you for your reviews. They certainly do brighten my day and y'all ask good questions and make great observations. Don't forget, if you're curious about what my warriors look like, my website has four pages dedicated to them, with bio's and pictures. ;-)
To the shoutouts:
Dawn369 – Muhjah is suffering from more than just pangs of guilt; one has to wonder if she'll allow the only man who's touched her heart to be sacrificed? As you've just read, Ardeth, Nabil, Kedar et al are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime; the rift in their friendship mended. Let's hope it withstands what happens in the next few parts. ;-)
Dreamy – I loosely based my Hunud from the Amazons, and yes I made them a lot more blood thirsty. Queen Markunda-Tagwizult is coming across as quite the unbalanced leader of her people; that's what makes her so dangerous. I have no clue what she'll do next.
Desperate – I eagerly await an email from you. ;-) Never fear, Sharif has been prodding me to set things right in "The Other Side." I'm afraid to say, so has Thias – Nabil's arch enemy.
The Kidd Mdd – are ya sitting down? I answered your email. LOL Sorry if I'm ruining your manicure but don't chew your nails down just yet. Nabil is about to ride into the very bowls of hell to rescue Reyhan. And yes, Berin's warning to Nabil a few parts ago will come true...eek! ;-) Btw, I'm flattered you like my portrayal of Kedar and his friendship with Ardeth. Bless Bug for letting me 'play' with him; it's fun to write the hulu waHsh [sweet beast.] Thanks for reading and visting my site. [smiles]
Karri – One out of thousands may be weakening but will it be enough? Thanks for reading. Btw – when I can, I shall most certainly read your LOTR fanfic again because it's that good, not that I'm obligated. ;-) One of these days, I'll come over to the LOTR fanfic and then I shall bug you for advice and whatnot. Lol
SerenaFehr – I believe that everyone has some good in them, with some it's just harder to find. Muhjah will have to make a critical decision that will change the course of her life...forever. For the love of one man...she will have to decide if it's worth it. And btw, thanks for your beta'ing skills – you make me look good. ;-)