Chapter 4: A Personal Question

The next morning found Ardeth in the same position as the previous night. He still could not believe that his desert flower had left him. Inwardly he knew he only had himself to blame. He looked over the note once more and read every line over. "Please do not come looking for me" she had asked of him. He knew he should honor this request but yet he knew he wouldn't and couldn't. He had to find a way to get her back. He immediately decided that he would do what was necessary to bring Layla home. He quickly washed and put on clean robes. He gathered some things and then left without looking back. On his way to gather his horse he was stopped by Nasir.

"Ardeth!" Nasir called to his friend.

"Nasir my friend, Layla has left I must go and bring her back." Ardeth said to his friend

Nasir nodded "We know she has been spotted by some of our men in Cairo. She is at her parents estate."

"Then that is where I must go." Ardeth said and started to put the saddle on his horse when Nasir grabbed his friends arm.

"Ardeth there is more. We fear Layla is in grave danger." Nasir said with a serious look.

Ardeth looked at his friend with concern "What do you mean danger?" he asked

"Ardeth I must ask you, how much do you trust Layla?" he asked

"I trust her with my life." Ardeth answered gravely not liking where this conversation was going in the least. "Nasir tell me plainly what is going on!"

"Layla has been seen in the company of James Bergenfield, we believe that he plans to steal the heart of Sekmet." Nasir said

Ardeth's face paled. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. "Layla's necklace" he said in a grave and worried tone one that betrayed all the fear he felt.

Nasir nodded "It is only a matter of time before he notices it. The council of elders has requested your presence. They fear Layla might betray our secrets."

"She would never. She may not love me anymore but she would never put us at risk." Ardeth spat hating the accusation and suspicion Layla was under.

Nasir nodded "I know my friend, but the council insists. Come now the sooner you speak with them the sooner we can rescue Layla."

Ardeth nodded and followed Nasir. Ardeth clenched his fists and cursed himself. If only he had been a proper husband she would not be in this kind of danger. He had no one but himself to blame. Even more so he knew the council wasn't going to like the fact that he had given Layla the heart of Sekmet, one of the most dangerous of ancient possessions as a gift.

As they neared he tent Ardeth squared his shoulders and stood tall prepared to defend Layla to the death.