NO REST FOR THE WEARY
Ardeth, Ash, and Faras rode back to the village in silence. Once they were in clear sight of the guest tents, Ash brought her horse to a sudden halt. She dismounted without ceremony, the horse obediently waiting to be tethered, which Ash did not do. She would not so kindly leave that to the men…or better still…to Ardeth. He always had a soft spot for horses. Not that leaving the animal standing would cause him harm, but it would serve to thoroughly goad her brother in-law. She was right. In Ash's wake, annoyed, Ardeth growled and took hold of the reins. The two men rode on to Ardeth's tent. When they arrived, they dismounted and Faras tethered all three horses to a hitching post where the animals gratefully drank from a trough nearby. Quietly, Faras followed Ardeth's lead inside his tent.
"What were you thinking," Ardeth demanded of Faras no more than ten seconds after he stepped inside.
Faras nearly jumped two feet off the floor. Ardeth had voiced his question in true machine gun fashion, barely giving himself time to breathe. "I do not know how to answer your question, ra'îs," he said calmly. "My answer is one you will not accept."
Ardeth shook his head incredulously. "I know you have some type of infatuation with her. Normally, I would not interfere. This time, I must. She is your charge, not your mar'a. In less than seven days time, she will go back home. I will not allow you to take advantage of that or of her. You do not know her, Faras. You do not know her family." Sighing heavily, he repeated, "What were you thinking?"
"I do not intend to dishonor her," Faras insisted. "I would do that to no mar'a, especially your silfa. I am insulted you would think that of me."
"You kissed her, did you not," Ardeth asked pointedly. "Her time here is brief, Faras. You cannot begin or maintain any type of entanglement with her. I know you are not a man who takes advantage of young niswân. I know you do not toy with the emotions of the niswân you take a romantic interest in. I do not think you understand that Ashlyn Harding is different, Faras. If you cannot follow my orders, if you cannot restrain yourself, I will assign another warrior as her guide."
"Do what you see fit, ra'îs," Faras said. "I have served you well through the years. One thing I have never done is defied your orders. Perhaps it is best to assign her a new guide. I must be honest with you in saying that I do not know if I can stay away from her."
Ardeth nodded curtly. "Understood and taken into consideration. You are dismissed."
Ash bypassed her tent and went to that of her parents. Unless they wanted to scold her for kissing Faras, she had no idea why they needed to see her. However, as soon as she entered the tent, her questions were answered.
"Rihana," Ash called happily when she saw Ardeth's younger sister.
"Ashlyn, so very nice to see you again," Rihana said as she embraced the other girl. "I am so sorry that I missed your sister's burial ceremony." She drew back to look at Ash. "I am here now. We have much to talk about."
Ash hadn't seen Rihana in some time. She was more talkative and animated than her brother. She was a vibrant, dark eyed beauty like Liliana. "I am so glad you made it, Rihana. I was hoping I'd see you before we had to leave."
"Aiwa," she said with a smile. "I am as well." She looped her arm through Ash's. "Come. Let us find some trouble to get into."
"Too late, already done that," Ash grumbled under breath as Rihana led her outside.
"Too late," Rihana said, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What has happened? You have not been trading harsh words with my brother, have you?"
Ash opened her mouth to tell Rihana all about it, but she snapped it shut the instant she saw Ardeth and Faras approaching. Immediately, her body stiffened up. Both men had their eyes fixed on her. Ardeth appeared to be challenging her without words. Faras' gaze was less menacing, more apologetic. It was clear he wanted to speak, but he would not defy his omnipotent leader. Who was Ardeth to believe that he had total control of everyone around him? It was an arrogant attitude. He was arrogant.
As the two men drew closer, Faras veered away, but Ardeth kept a straight course toward Ash. "Rihana, I need a moment with Ashlyn," he said when he stood no more than a foot away.
Rihana nodded and began to move away, but Ash caught her hand. "No. You can stay. I don't need to be alone with him to receive a scolding. Go ahead, Ardeth. Say what's on your mind."
He wanted to tell her how much of a brat she was, how spoiled she had become, and that he was only looking out for her. He didn't much believe that Liliana would support Ash's decision to have a brief fling with one of his warriors. He still thought of her as a chaste little girl, not a grown woman with needs and desires. Be that as it may, he longed to point out that if Liliana had the same concerns, Ash wouldn't breathe an errant word. "If that is your wish," he began. "Your presence is distracting to Faras. He cannot effectively complete his assignment with you around him. I made something of a bad call when I assigned him as your guide. I am letting you know that as of tomorrow, another warrior will be your guide throughout the duration of your stay."
Ash nodded calmly, thoughtfully. "All right," she said agreeably. "However my dear brother in-law, do you believe that will assist you in your efforts to control what I do? I don't think so. Your men might be under your command, but the last time I checked, I wasn't. My kissing Faras or any of your other warriors is of no concern to you."
He clenched his jaw tightly. From the corner of his eye, he saw Rihana shaking her head in a very American'esque gesture, one that O'Connell might call a true 'uh oh' moment. "This has nothing to do with Faras. Both you and I know this. You are not the only person who is grieving. Your intolerance…your selfishness…does not further your cause. I am not your enemy. If you want me to stay in that position, you are the unfortunate one. Whether you accept it or not, while here, your family is under Medjai protection. As such, I can very well dictate what you should or should not do. Once you go back home, you may live life as you wish."
With an almost graceful flourish of robes, he turned in the opposite direction and left her. She wanted to trade insults with him, engage him in yet another bitter battle of words. It was something that she couldn't do. Sadly, he had spoken the truth. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but one that had to nevertheless go down her throat to settle in the pit of her stomach.
"What is this with you and Faras," Rihana asked once Ardeth was out of earshot.
Suddenly, she was very interested. Many Medjai maidens had vied for Faras' attention. Thus far, none had won his heart. She wasn't surprised that it was Ash who had caught his eye. He enjoyed the company of spirited, fiery women.
Ash shook her head. "He kissed me. I suppose Ardeth is up in arms about it since my time here is brief." She shook her head again. "I don't want to talk about it. Come on, Rihana," she said as she looped her arm through Rihana's, imitating her friend's earlier action. "Let's get out of here. I need to be distracted for a bit."
Darkness had fallen. All around Ash, it was quiet. For the life of her, she couldn't sleep. Perhaps it was too quiet. Perhaps the stress had finally taken its toll. Giving up for the time being, Ash crawled off the pallet. She wanted to take a walk, but she would not receive her new guard dog until tomorrow. Then again, there was always someone on watch. She figured it wouldn't hurt to make an attempt. Almost as soon as she poked her head outside, she noticed Faras. Her heart nearly skipped a beat. A thousand questions popped in her mind. Had he been on his way to speak to her? Had he wanted to see her as much as she wanted to see him? It was crazy. Still, he had caught more than her eye. Perhaps he had caught her heart. She didn't know. It was thrilling all the same.
From his stance and manner of dress, he wasn't on duty. Clearly, he was having his own trouble sleeping. When she stepped outside, he immediately noticed her, but did not approach. Damn you, Ardeth Bay. She wanted to speak to him and no one would stand in her way.
Faras had no way of knowing, but Ash was right when she assumed he hadn't been able to sleep. He had tried for hours to shut down his ticking mind. Nothing worked. Ardeth's words drilled into his brain. Yet, he couldn't say that was what drove his mind incessantly. It was the idea of dragging Ash into a sticky situation that angered Ardeth, forcing her into his line of sight. Not only that, but Ardeth had spoken the truth. Ash's time in Egypt was short. What good would it do to begin or even think of beginning a romance with her? It was nothing but pointless. He could still taste the lingering sweetness of her lips on his, making him want more. It was wrong. It was completely wrong. Somehow, he would have to honor Ardeth's wishes and keep his distance. Brave in the face of mighty danger, Faras audibly gulped when he noticed Ash approaching him. He could do nothing but face her.
"I know Ardeth told you to stay away from me," Ash began. "I'm sorry you were put into such an ugly situation between in-laws."
Her eyes sparkled in the dark. Her hair crowned her like a golden halo. He knew very little about her. Despite that, he couldn't get her out of his mind. "You should not be out here." He wanted to say so much. The few words he spoke were the only he could manage. He was tempted to touch her hair again. If he did that, his lips would once again taste hers. Was that a bad thing?
Her eyes searched his face in the darkness. She sensed he wanted to say more. His honor and loyalty to Ardeth held him at bay. Frustrated, she asked, "Did you not hear what I said? I don't want you paying for behavior you didn't carry out alone. I like you, Faras. We simply do not have a lot of time. I wish there was more."
If they were caught, they would receive a tongue lashing. Not exactly caring, Faras took Ash's forearm and led her around to the back of his tent. There were still several guards on duty that would probably have tales to tell. He didn't think any of them were untrustworthy.
"If anyone is sorry, Ash, it is I. I curse the lack of time. I am more than afraid I started something that cannot be."
His hand still held gently onto her arm. She covered it with her own. He didn't flinch away from her touch. "You didn't act alone. I'm sorry, Faras. Ardeth shouldn't yell at you for something such as this. I will keep my distance only if it's what you want. I won't allow his whims to dictate my life. I will, however, honor your wishes."
"I do not want you to stay away. I cannot allow it at the same time. I would like nothing more than to know you, to know about your life, your past, what you want for the future. It cannot be, Ash. Reality is a horrible monster, worse than any I have fought. Your life is in America. Mine is here."
Throughout his entire speech, he kept his eyes locked with hers. It was enough to melt her heart. She looked down only momentarily before raising her head so she could focus her eyes on his again. Solemnly, she nodded. "Okay, Faras," she whispered. "As you wish." She stood on tiptoe to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Good night."
He said nothing, only lowered his head to keep her from seeing his eyes as she walked away. If he hadn't, she would have been in his arms within seconds.
It was very late. By now, Errol usually had his men make camp. Tonight was different. Having been denied access to Kashfi while the Medjai people grieved Liliana Bay, they were forced to find new stomping grounds. They had swept into half a dozen villages and Nomad camps, taking whatever they wanted, including many human lives. By night was the best time to strike. Less than two hours ago, they had taken down a small group of treasure seekers. What they hadn't expected was that they fought almost as savagely as the Medjai. Although the battle was unexpected, the Auberjonus gang had prevailed. They hadn't stayed around to celebrate the victory. It was much too risky. As a result, Errol was in a foul mood. When he was like this, he could burn for hours on his anger. He didn't care if anyone was about to drop from exhaustion.
The Kashfi Narrows called to him. He wanted to stay away for a while longer. He didn't want to admit it…and probably never would… but he was afraid to face the Medjai, especially Ardeth Bay. Although he didn't care either way, if he had known in advance who his victim was, he might have reconsidered his decision to kill her. He might have had his way with her, but he wouldn't have killed her if he hadn't discovered she was with child. The discovery had ruined his plans, angering him beyond sanity. Such flights of fancy were reserved for reasonable men. Errol was not a reasonable man. He never claimed to be. He missed Kashfi. He didn't know if he missed it enough to take on Ardeth Bay or his Medjai underlings.
"Will we make camp soon," Eve asked suddenly, her voice only slightly muffled by her ghutrah.
He glared at her. She dared to interrupt his thoughts. He was tempted to knock her off her horse. "We'll make camp as soon as I am damned good and ready to," he snapped. "You shouldn't be tired, Eve. You only stood back and watched."
"We've ridden for hours, yâ maHabbi."
As if he hadn't known that. He was one step closer to hitting her. Why harm a perfectly good horse? "We'll stop when I'm damned good and ready," he repeated. "The men aren't complaining. They actually did something tonight."
"Errol…"
"Uskut, Eve," he barked harshly. "One more word and you surely will have something to complain about."
Knowing he meant what he said, Eve grew silent. Perhaps she could sleep as she rode. She had done it many times before.
Errol silently praised the gods after she heeded his warning. In such a mental state, he would have probably killed her tonight. Eve exasperated him. He was growing quite bored with her. Maybe his mood would improve if he found another woman. Ardeth Bay had a sister. A lovely one. Dare he chance taking another loved one away from him? The idea appealed to him more the longer he considered it. He would keep Eve around long enough to help him capture Rihana Bay. Once his task was accomplished, he would bash in Eve's skull.
"Ashlyn," a voice whispered urgently. "Ashlyn, wake up."
She was in the midst of a wonderful dream. The insistent voice kept trying to bring her out of it against her will. She no more wanted to wake up than go skinny dipping at the North Pole. She tried to sink back into her dream, but the voice wouldn't let up.
"Ashlyn."
This time, she did not ignore it. It was commanding now, more stern. It was the voice of her father. She sat up and goggled owlishly at him. "What is it?"
"It's the healer," Danforth said, his voice roughened by worry and sleep deprivation. "We have a huge problem. Come with me now, Ashlyn. They need us."
Ash dressed hurriedly and followed her father out to the healer's tent. It seemed as if every warrior and his family were packed inside, including Ardeth and Faras. When they noticed that Ash and Danforth had entered, those standing in their path quickly moved aside, allowing them through. Laid upon a cot was the healer. Simya was only in his forties. Tonight, however, he looked almost twenty years older. His dark hair appeared to have more gray in it. He was covered in a light sheen of sweat, but was shivering at the same time. Violently red colored splotches decorated his cheeks and forehead, mocking the hue of good health. However, there was nothing healthy about him. Ash looked up, immediately noticing Simya's assistant, Azar. He was pacing about the tent, but his cheeks held the same color as Simya's.
"Fever," Ash muttered. She focused her eyes on Ardeth's face. "Get everyone out. Now."
Ash's unexpected outburst sent Ardeth into overdrive. Uttering several Arabic commands, he shuttled everyone out. Only Faras and Azar refused to leave. The trio of ashen faced Medjai approached Ash and Danforth.
"Will this harm everyone in the village," Ardeth asked.
"We have no idea what it is yet or how many people have been exposed," Danforth said. "But we can't take any chances. Your men cannot leave camp, not until we know for certain what we're dealing with."
Suddenly, Simya sat bolt upright on the cot, startling everyone. He took one last gasp before collapsing to his back. Moving quickly, Ash and Danforth began to desperately try to revive the man. Ardeth, Faras, and Azar stood back, all of them feeling quite helpless. It was bitterly and ironically amusing to Ardeth. He had heard that the Medjai knew many ways to end human life. Yet, they couldn't save one so gravely ill. Since becoming Chieftain, Ardeth had never felt so ineffectual.
The Hardings worked diligently to revive Simya. Eventually, they were forced to give up. Stepping away somberly, Danforth looked at the other men and shook his head. He approached Azar and began rattling off several questions in Arabic. Ash didn't understand every word, but she still got the gist of the conversation. He wanted to know how it started. Both Ardeth and Faras were listening raptly. As soon as Danforth received his answers, he glanced at his daughter before approaching her.
"We can't leave now," he said. "As soon as we determine the likelihood of the fever spreading, I'm sending you and your mother home."
She shook her head. "No, Father. I want to stay. They need me here more than I was ever needed at home."
Translations:
Ra'îs—Chief(tain)
Mar'a—Woman
Silfa—Sister in-law
Niswân—Women
Aiwa—Yes
Yâ maHabbi—My love
Uskut—Shut up
To be continued…
