Chapter 6: Present Your Defense
Ardeth and Nasir slowed their pace as they neared the tent of the elders. Nasir clapped a hand on his friends shoulder and gave a small smile as a sign of reassurance as he opened the flap of the tent for him. Ardeth nodded in thanks as he entered.
"Ardeth Bey you are accused of giving one of the most dangerous items in history to a woman who can easily betray us" the elder named Omar spat.
"The heart of Sekmet is with my wife Layla yes." Ardeth said smoothly. "However I can assure the council that Layla will not betray us."
"How can you be so sure Ardeth? Did she not leave do to a disagreement with you?" another elder Akar asked
"Layla left because I was not a good husband to her, not because she does not love the people of this village. I know she will not betray us because I know her heart. She is a good and honest woman she will not let darkness fall upon us." Ardeth said in Layla's defense.
"Ardeth I feel there is more you are not telling us about your decision" the eldest and kindest of the elders Alim said.
"Layla is the reincarnation of Hathor." Ardeth said
"So she is the goddess of beauty Hathor is not a danger!" Omar spat.
"Remember Omar Hathor is Sekmet but her gentler half." Alim stated.
"Yes Layla has not idea. I never told her. I know she would not betray us. Please let me go and bring her back. She is in grave danger" Ardeth pleaded
"Go and bring her back." Alim said with a wave of his hand.
Ardeth nodded and bowed and then ran toward the stables to get his horse.
"Alim you are far too trusting of that girl" Omar said with a scowl
"I must concur. She is far too dangerous especially since she does not know the power that she holds. She can be used for evil and she is already falling into the wrong hands." Akar stated factually.
"I trust Ardeth. Though mistaken I know where his intentions were, and above all we should all trust our Chieftain." Alim said to his colleagues
Meanwhile Ardeth swiftly made his way Cairo. He pushed his horse to the limit. He knew the ride would be at least two days but he couldn't stop and the thought of Layla, his Layla in the arms of another man drove him insane.
He did not know how long he traveled or whether or not he had slept at all in the two days ride. All he remembered was being outside the city of Cairo and now he found himself at the gates of her parent's estate yelling her name.
"Layla, Layla!" Ardeth yelled
"Ardeth stop yelling. Layla is still asleep. Come inside and get refreshed and take some rest." Seth told him.
Ardeth nodded and walked inside with Seth.
"Seth, Layla is in great danger" Ardeth said urgently.
"What kind of danger?" Seth asked
"Please let us talk inside and I will explain everything" Ardeth said while looking around.
Seth nodded and led him inside hastily. Unknown to them Makara had heard everything. She growled knowing that Ardeth was on to James and that sooner or later the plan would be traced to her. She couldn't let that happen.
Slipping out the back of the estate Makara quickly ran to Jahmal's hideout to deliver the news and slip him some extra money to make sure that all loose ends would be tied up once she had the jewel.