THE HARDINGS
Ardeth awoke suddenly. His bed was a thick, comfy pallet that normally embraced him and his wife within its warmth. However today it was cold and empty. Nevertheless, instinct quickly overtook him and he reached for Liliana before he realized she wasn't there. Sighing heavily, he sat up slowly. Within minutes, he buried his face in his hands. It would take many months…perhaps years…before he stopped reaching for his wife. Even then, he would never forget her. Even then, he would reach for her in the morning, seeking her comforting arms that he would never feel about him again.
He had sent word to her family by telegram. By now, they had heard and were on their way to Egypt for Liliana's interment. He felt two ways about seeing his in-laws. He loved Danforth Harding very much. The other man was like a father to him. His own had died much too young, leaving behind Ardeth, his mother, and a younger sister. The first time he met Danforth, he was only a child. He had come to the village to work with their healer. Ardeth remembered him as a kind man, somewhat scary looking with his tall, imposing figure. But his personality definitely didn't match his size. Doctor Harding was good to him and his sister, Rihana. He was free with the hugs and a sugary confection that he called 'hard candy.' The Bay children were always ready with their hands extended, waiting for candy and hugs. Ardeth knew little about Millicent Harding, having only met her a few times. When the family visited, it was usually only Danforth and Rimâd who came to the village.
It is Ashlyn. She does not wish for me to call her Rimâd. Despite her feelings to the contrary, Ardeth would always think of Ashlyn as Rimâd. He had known her by nothing else. He looked forward to seeing his American family again, but Rimâd still had issues with him and his marriage to Liliana.
Ardeth remembered the girl fondly. She was a thin slip of a girl with vibrant blue eyes and long honey colored hair. When he met her as a child, her eyes were what first drew his attention to her. Liliana had dark eyes that could go black at the slightest agitation. They were beautiful, haunting, and bewitching. They were eyes Ardeth had grown accustomed to seeing amongst his people. Although Liliana and Rimâd were sisters, they couldn't be more different physically. Rimâd took after her father, especially with her eye color. They almost jumped out at him. It was yet another endearing trait that he would always be fond of, even if she didn't care for him in return. She was such a sweet little girl, just a few shy years younger than Rihana. Liliana spoke of her often, telling him of their antics back home. When Ardeth asked if she would like a ride on his horse, she jumped at the chance. She had Liliana's courage and strength. She became another sister to him, and then later, to Rihana.
Shaking his head, Ardeth afforded a brief chuckle through his grief when he recalled the first time he introduced the Hardings to Rihana. Her first words to them, spoken in Arabic, were: "And who are you?" She could speak perfect English, but she had asked the question in her native language utilizing the haughtiest tone in her wide vernacular. Ardeth didn't know if she was trying to impress or insult the Hardings. Rihana wasn't around much in those early days. She and Ardeth had an aunt who called another tribe home. It was where Rihana stayed most of the time. When she visited, she was always a little pest, making her presence known in some of the most annoying ways. She used the excuse that she had to make up for lost time, so she irritated him twice as much on purpose.
When Liliana was in Egypt, Rimâd was always present. Like his sister, she too could be a pest. During one particular visit, Ardeth wished mightily for a few moments of time alone with Liliana. Due to custom and their strict parents, Ardeth and Liliana would often be forced to take their siblings along as 'chaperones.' On that day, they were blessed with not one, but two, meddling siblings. For a pair of young girls, being near a courting couple wasn't exactly what they wanted to do for fun, so they wound up wandering off to explore the sprawling desert surrounding them. It was the first time he and Liliana were truly alone since they had been introduced. He had stolen the first of many kisses that afternoon. It would be a day he would never forget as long as he lived.
At his and Liliana's wedding, he watched as Rimâd cried. To onlookers, it was a sweet gesture, as if she were very happy for her big sister. Yet, both he and Liliana had known the real story behind those tears, her true feelings. She was sad. She knew she was losing her sister. Both families had tried to make it seem that she was gaining family, not losing it. But Rimâd simply didn't understand that. No matter how much they tried to explain it to her, it didn't seem to reach her. She wouldn't listen. She had never listened when they discussed the ceremony and the part they wanted her to play.
Today, Rimâd was a grown woman in her twentieth year. By now, she was worldly enough to understand that he had truly loved her sister as she did him. If she didn't, he was in no frame of mind to argue with her about it. He had lost his wife and unborn child. His mind was focused on grief and revenge. He didn't think he could deal with an insolent sister in-law. He shook his head. He didn't know why he was lying here, ruminating about it. Rimâd had grown up. She was a young woman now. She would understand. She would understand.
With a groan, Ardeth sat up on the side of his pallet and ran his hands over his face. It was time for him to get dressed and meet with Faras. As soon as he received word, they would ride out to the Narrows to await the Hardings. The gang that had destroyed his life would certainly not return this soon. If so, there would definitely be blood shed. Regardless of what he had to do, Ardeth refused to allow another member of his family to die.
Faras bin Saiyid had gotten a late start to his day. Allowing his Chieftain a proper mourning period, he had taken it upon himself to meet with some of the warriors remaining in camp at their tribe. It would be their responsibility to help escort the Harding family back to the village. Faras was almost certain that the Narrows groups would back off for a couple of days until they believed it was safe to return. Yet, they would be prepared for anything.
Some of the most twisted marauders in Egypt called Kashfi Narrows their personal territory. Like his Chieftain, Faras had battled most of them. None could compare to the sheer evil of Auberjonus' gang. They were responsible for more warrior slaughters than every group in existence. This time, they had gone one step too far. The murder of Liliana Bay would not fade into their memories like the sunset. Faras knew that Ardeth would hunt them until he drew his last breath. He supported the theory, the idea, and the lust for vengeance. If Auberjonus had murdered his wife, he would follow through in the same manner. He had no wife to lose, but even a single man could sympathize. Grief was universal.
The Chieftain had mixed emotions regarding the arrival of his in-laws. Faras had seen them on occasion, but had not been formally introduced. He could recall only seeing Ardeth's young sister in-law perhaps once. She was a child then, gangly and awkward. Even then, it wasn't difficult to sense her anger, her sadness. She didn't understand her sister's life or her choices. Faras hadn't attended the wedding. He was needed at Hamunaptra. As Second, it was expected of him. It was also something of an honor as well. He hadn't been present during other visits for similar reasons. His role was clearly defined for this visit. Ardeth had asked him to intervene when Ashlyn Harding arrived. He was to distract her, keep her occupied.
Faras would not defy his orders, but he was not happy with his assignment. He knew Ashlyn was difficult, but no one expected her to show disapproval at a time such as this. Faras was naïve when it came to young Miss Harding, he knew. Yet, he didn't feel it was necessary to divert her attention. If she was as headstrong as Ardeth described, she wouldn't be easily fooled. She might become more stubborn than ever before. It was one responsibility for which he did not wish to be saddled. Set him against any minion the Creature could unleash and he would gladly sacrifice his life. He could not say the same about one Ashlyn Harding. Again, he would not defy his Chieftain. At the same time, he didn't have to enjoy the task, either.
Speaking of tasks, he thought as he approached the tent of his friend and fellow warrior, Sahli al Fayd. He had asked Sahli to gather the greeting party and await instructions. As Faras entered the tent, he eyed the four warriors patiently waiting for him. They were the best and fiercest of the tribe. They were also prepared to do battle. He had the utmost respect for them. Unlike what many would believe, none of them sought conflict. If it arose, they would fight 'til death, regardless of the odds set against them. With six good men, they would have more than a fighting chance against Auberjonus.
"My brothers," Faras began. "The Hardings are due to arrive in Cairo within a few hours time. I want two men flanking each member of the family." He looked at Sahli and Shaji. The two men were as different in temperament as night and day, so they would serve well together. Sahli was a grizzly bear of a man where Shaji was fierce, quiet, and gentle. "Shaji, you and Sahli will ride with Danforth Harding." His eyes next fell on Ja'an and Maleek. They were both young, but as fierce as the elder two. This would mark their first real assignment as warriors. They had been training for quite some time. He could tell by the hungry look in their eyes that they were ready to do battle. "You will ride with Harding's wife. The Chieftain and I will escort the Hardings' daughter. Ardeth and I will meet the family in Cairo to lead them out to the Narrows where the rest of you will await our arrival for the ride back here. We must ensure that we protect them at all costs. Any confrontation will be seen as aggressive. We must respond in kind."
He was met with shouts of agreement. The family would be protected and protected well. He nodded respectfully to the men before leaving Sahli's tent. They were prepared and would not fail their Chieftain.
Faras made his way back toward the Chieftain's tent. He didn't want to disturb him. He didn't feel it was right, but Ardeth had advised him to report back after the short meeting. As a grieving husband, he shouldn't have to deal with matters that could easily be passed on to him or any of the other warriors. When it came to family, the Chieftain could not be swayed, regardless of how many ready hands he had. Fierce stubbornness was an ideal trait to possess, but it had its time and place. Ardeth Bay wasn't listening to anyone, especially his equally stubborn Second.
"Yâ raîs," Faras called.
"You may enter," he said.
Although Ardeth couldn't see it, Faras nodded his head respectfully before he entered. It was done almost by force of habit. Faras saw that Ardeth was busily gathering necessities for the trip to Cairo. He worked quickly, surely. It was more than easy to see that he had shoved his consuming grief to the back of his mind. "I know I am speaking out of turn, but ignoring the pain will not make it go away," Faras said gently.
Ardeth stopped what he was doing to focus his dark eyes on Faras' face. "You do speak out of turn, my friend," he said, choosing his words carefully. He loved Faras as a blood brother. He didn't want to turn his back on his friends during a time such as this, but he did not think he should receive a lecture, either. He was no child. "I appreciate your concern, but I must advise you against offering unwanted input into a rather personal tragedy. Liliana was my wife. Not yours."
How it killed Ardeth to use words in the past tense when speaking about his wife. It killed him to speak strongly against Faras. The young warrior had served him well through the years. He had spoken of a situation he did not clearly understand. Faras was unmarried. He had never lacked female companionship, but he was certain he had yet to give his heart fully to one woman. Until he did, he would never understand. Faras would well serve Rimâd as an escort. Their attitudes meshed well.
Unable to reply to his Chieftain's words, Faras nodded, choosing instead to say something else, something that would actually get through to him. "The men are prepared."
"Very good."
It hadn't been long since Ash had set foot on Egyptian soil, but it felt like decades. As she and her parents stepped off the platform leading away from the steamer, her eyes identified two men sitting astride horses, with three others tethered behind them. Their bodies were almost hidden by their burnoose and ghutrah. One of them had to be her brother in-law. The other she did not recognize. Her heart was heavy. Her sadness biting. Some other element was missing. Liliana. Normally by now, her elder sister would have tackled her, knocking her off her feet. The memories threatened to strangle the life out of her. Suddenly, the heat was oppressive and unbearable. She hadn't noticed until that moment. Until the point of no return.
The two figures neither moved nor attempted to do so. Ash lagged behind her parents. She couldn't take her eyes off either of them. It amazed her how fiercely they fought; oftentimes killing their opponents, but they took great care of their animals. The horses were beautiful, dark, and majestic. It was obvious they were well loved. Your sister was loved as well. You know that.
Faras watched as the Harding family approached. Ashlyn trailed behind her parents, but he had no trouble seeing her. She was no little girl. She bore no resemblance to Liliana. She was like her father with fair, peachy skin and honey brown hair. Her hair was tied back, but if loose, it would likely fall past her shoulders. As she drew closer, he saw that her eyes were blue, reminding him of the cool waters of their village's Oasis. To his weather beaten eyes, she was very striking. He suddenly didn't mind that she would be his charge while in Egypt, even if her disposition was less than genial.
As much as Faras,' Ardeth's eyes were also fixed on Ashlyn. He assessed her in a markedly different light than Faras. Right now, she was the bane of his existence. With each step, the distance between them decreased. The look on her face was hard to read, yet Ardeth knew what she was thinking. Her thoughts matched those she had in her mind years ago when he took Liliana as his wife. Her mouth longed to release a string of curses the most learned of men would not comprehend. He had a big heart, a gentle soul. He expressed negative thoughts and actions toward his enemies on a regular basis, but did not extend that to his family. As he kept his eyes focused on his young sister in-law, Ardeth was afraid they would lock horns many times over the next few days. He had no spirit for it, no patience. He did not want Rimâd questioning his love for Liliana or their marriage. Perhaps Faras could keep her focused on other things until the burial ceremony. It wasn't that he wished to exclude her from the preparations, but he didn't think her input would be valuable. She was hurting. She wanted to hurt back. Ardeth knew he was her intended target. He wasn't proud of his thoughts or actions to keep her at arm's reach. It was necessary, sadly so. Rimâd did not understand then, and it was obvious she did not understand now. The only thing that had changed about her was that she had grown up. She wasn't as beautiful as his Liliana, but she was a beauty in her own right. She was a beauty. She was a beauty out for Medjai Chieftain blood.
When the Hardings stood no more than a few feet from the Medjai warriors, the two men dismounted and removed their ghutrah. It was then that Ash finally got a good look at both men.
Ardeth hadn't changed much, only aged a few years. He was more distinguished looking, stately. His black curly hair was still very beautiful and long, falling almost past his shoulders. His lovely eyes were dark brown, his lips were full. His face bore the same marks as he possessed the last time she saw him. Liliana once told her that with each battle won or lost, a Medjai warrior earned a different mark on his body. Ardeth likely had several. Liliana never elaborated on that topic, but Ash ventured to guess many times. She had no clue as to what Ardeth and his merry band of warriors warred against. However, from what Liliana said, they were constantly battling someone or some thing. Despite her dismissal of him, she could not deny that he was a very handsome man. She then remembered her childish crush on him as a girl. Then, she thought he struck quite an amazing figure astride his horse. It was an image that stayed in her mind throughout her girlhood. He seemed to be a great giant, ten feet tall, vicious, snarling. Perhaps he was to his enemies, but he never had an errant word for her or those whom he loved.
She batted her thoughts aside as she looked at the other man. Like Ardeth, he was tall, lean, and muscled. His beard was fuller, a mellow brownish red, like the hair on his head. From what she could see, it was wavy and touched the nape of his neck. He also bore the same facial markings as Ardeth. They were nearly identical. His eyes were dark, similar in shade to Ardeth's, perhaps a shade lighter. The two men could have been relatives. He too, was very handsome, but differently so than her brother in-law. It wasn't that he lacked the smoldering sensuality or passion that often exuded from Ardeth's pores. Ash couldn't put her finger on it, but his ruggedness was much more subdued. He appeared to be neither kinder nor gentler than Ardeth. Instead, he exuded calmness, levity, and tolerance. He wasn't a great giant like his Chieftain. He was a gentle soul. A loving one.
Before Ardeth could speak, both elder Hardings embraced him. They were already shedding tears for their mutual loss. Although difficult, Ardeth remained stoic. After the tide subsided, he focused his eyes on Rimâd. She was as stoic as he. More so. He wanted to speak to her directly, comfort her, and embrace her as he had embraced her parents, but he hesitated. Perhaps that would come later. She was not receptive. Neither was he.
"Please," Ardeth said. "I would like to introduce you to my Second, Faras." Faras nodded to them. "Faras, this is Danforth, Millicent, and Ri-Ashlyn Harding." He had come close…too close…to calling her Rimâd. Not giving them time to exchange niceties, he gestured toward the small group. "We must make haste. Follow me."
Ashlyn laid her eyes on the horses with a most incredulous gaze. She had ridden before, but somehow, these animals seemed three times as large. She knew it was impossible. They weren't ponies. Had they seemed this large when she rode with Ardeth as a child? She was completely too overwhelmed to complain or ask a question. Her mother and father had already mounted. Again, she was the straggler. When she looked up, she noticed that Ardeth was glaring at her, his impatience obvious. She matched his glare, opening her mouth to speak, but shut it almost immediately. She promised her parents she would try, that she would not intentionally goad Ardeth. She would not break it.
"Do you need assistance?"
She turned to focus her eyes on the man Ardeth had called 'Faras.' It was spooky how they moved without a sound. He stood close to her, only several inches separating them. She wasn't naïve enough to believe the men had cologne out here in the expansive desert. Still, he had a good smell to his skin. Clean, fresh, unmolested from the modern world. "No," she said, finally speaking. "I can sit a horse. You are kind to offer." Without another word, Ash mounted the massive animal.
The moment Rimâd had settled in the saddle, Ardeth nodded to Faras, who then took to his own horse. "Up ahead, we will meet with our other guides," Ardeth explained.
"Guides? What guides," Ash asked suddenly. Why on earth did they need to meet others?
Ardeth shot her a look, but before he could answer, Faras spoke, "We have men waiting to escort us back to the village."
Ardeth turned away to face the terrain before them. A ghost of a smile touched his lips for the first time since he realized his Liliana was dead. His Second had his eyes fixed on the young woman. He was familiar with the look. Faras was taken with Rimâd. He felt uneasily relieved about that.
Translations:
Rimâd: Ash
Yâ raîs: My Chief(tain)
To be continued…
