Chapter 2: The Sad Return Home

Ten miles away from the medjai village Ardeth and his men rode through the desert with pride from their victory in battle, and a deep longing to get back home and rest. Ardeth grinned as he listened to the sound of his men singing about their wives or betrotheds. He listened as they talk about how much they wanted to take their women in their arms and hold her like there was no tomorrow. He was glad his men were happy, and they deserved to be. Their campaign had lasted a month; for once again someone had tried to release the secrets dangers of Hamunaptra upon the world. Ardeth shook his head, when will people ever learn, that if something is buried beneath the sand that it should most likely stay there. Ardeth was broken from his quiet thoughts when his best friend Nasir rode up next to him.

"Ardeth" he said with a nudge to his friend

"Ah Nasir, how are you my friend?" he asked acknowledging his friend

"I am quite well, but the better question is how are you?" he asked with a smile

"I am also well, just thinking is all" Ardeth told him with a reassuring smile.

"Ahh yes, probably thinking of the beautiful Lady Layla waiting at home for you." Nasir said with a grin.

"Actually my friend I was thinking of our battle and what needs to be done to insure the safety of our people. There are many things I have to do and discuss with the elders upon our return" he admitted

"Ardeth you have a beautiful wife waiting for you at home, and yet you only think about your duties. Ardeth no one in our tribe will fault you for attending to the needs of your wife and yourself for a couple of days." Nasir told him in a passionate tone.

"What are you saying Nasir?" Ardeth questioned feeling that there was more that Nasir needed to say to him.

"The last time I spoke with Yazmine she told me that Layla was very unhappy, and although she tried to hide it her sadness showed in her eyes. Yazmine asked her about it and she told me that Layla broke down crying in her arms. Ardeth she is suspicious that your love has faded and that there is someone else…."

At that Ardeth halted his horse as did Nasir.

"How could she even come to believe that? I would never." Ardeth said stunned and somewhat hurt.

"Ardeth you know as well as I do that your marriage to Layla was frowned upon because of her background as a rich and privileged woman with questionable values. Ardeth you are the one person besides Yazmine and myself that trust respect and love her." Nasir told him honestly.

Ardeth's heart pounded. He could not believe that his lovely desert flower was in such pain and that he had failed to notice.

"Nasir, tell me does Layla intend to leave me?" Ardeth asked

Nasir sighed "According to Yazmine the thought has crossed her mind several times. She doesn't understand how the one person who is supposed to want here there the most can treat her like she is invisible. Ardeth as your friend I'm advising you to please attend to Layla first when we return."

Ardeth nodded solemnly "Thank you my friend."

Nasir nodded and rode ahead, he could tell that Ardeth needed time to be alone and think about their conversation.

For the rest of the journey Ardeth remained deep in thought about Layla. Over and over again he pictured her face. The natural beauty she possessed was unsurpassed. Her chocolate brown eyes were deep pools that he downed in every time he looked at her. Her smiled was brighter than any star in the sky. Her voice was like that of an angel. He absolutely loved the way she said his name, even when they argued the way his name sounded coming from her lips was heavenly. And how could he forget her lips, soft, full pillows that he loved to kiss and her kisses left him wanting more and more of her.

Late in the evening the returning warriors rode into their village and were greeted with the smiling faces of the people of the village holding lanterns to guide their way. All the tenets had warm lighting from them and all the families were gathered around the returning warriors.

Ardeth scanned the faces of the crowd but did not find the once face he was looking for. After putting his horse in the stable he went looking for Nasir. He had thought about what his friend had said and decided to take some time to mend the relationship with his wife.

"Nasir my friend, I am taking your advice and taking time to spend with Layla" he said

"Good my friend I will speak with the elders on your behalf. Everything will be taken care of" Nasir told him.

Ardeth nodded and then left Nasir to go and find his family. As Ardeth approached his tent he noticed that it was dark inside and that there was no noise to be heard. He assumed that Layla was asleep, but not for long. He would cleanse himself and then give her the greeting deserving of a chieftains wife.

Ardeth entered his tent, lit a few candles. He quickly bathed and then headed to his bedroom in search of his wife. Upon entering he noticed that something was different. All of Layla's things were gone. He looked toward their bed which stood in the corner and approached it. He saw that Layla was not there, but instead a piece of parchment paper with writing on it, addressed to him.

Ardeth,

If you are reading this then I have decided to leave. You are free to marry whomever you wish in my place. I know whoever you choose will make you much happier than I can. I have left the rings on bedside table. Do not fear I have returned to where I belong. Please do not come looking for me. Give my love to Nasir and Yazmine.

Goodbye,

Layla Rahal

Ardeth read the note and his chest panged unbearably with grief and angst. He could not believe that his bright morning and evening star had left. Nasir was right he had been neglectful. He hadn't learned the balance between Chief and husband, nor did he want to at the time, but now that he had it came at the greatest price…Layla.

Ardeth could not move, he could not sleep or eat; all he could do was sit and stare at the note and that is what he did for the rest of the night.