Several hours later Ahmed fell back to talk to Ali "We will be at the Oasis soon. We can stop and then we will have a couple of more hours to ride."
"That would be wonderful "
A bit later they stopped refilled their canteens, stretched a bit and then climbed back on their horses to finish the ride.
As they left the Oasis, Elizabeth asked her mother "Are you getting nervous?"
"Yes, actually I am" Ali said smiling at her daughter.
A bit later Ali knew they were getting close. How she knew she wasn't sure. But within minutes, just over the next dune… there it was.
Elizabeth let out a gasp and then said "Oh Mother. It's beautiful"
Ali felt so many emotions looking down at the village that had been her home so many years ago.
Then they were at the gates. Slowly they opened and Ahmen, then Ali and her family, and the rest of the Medjai entered.
Villagers lined the streets, many of them yelling "My Lady, My Lady".
Ali waved to them as they made their way down the street. Finally coming to a stop Ahmen turned to Ali "We will stop here My Lady. I believe there is someone you will want to see".
Ali nodded and she and her family dismounted. Looking into the crowd she saw very familiar face.
"Basel" Ali cried and instantly ran to the old lady. Basel threw her arms open, hugging Ali tightly. "My child..my darling Ali" Pulling back with tears rolling down her cheeks "I thought I would not live long enough to see you again"
Through her own tears Ali said "Oh Basel. I sometimes wondered too"
After another hug Ali pulled back and looking at the old women she said "Oh I need to introduce you to me family"
Looking back and realizing they were right behind her she introduced them to Basel. After the introductions it was Elizabeth that spoke "Oh Basel, I'm so glad to meet you. Mother has told us so much about you!"
"Ah, my child I hope that is good". Everyone chuckled, and then Basel added "Let us make our way to my home and get you settled."
Ahmed spoke up "We will get their luggage to your home Basel"
"Thank you Ahmed"
Making their way through the village, they were stopped many times with Villagers calling "My Lady"
Ali stopped every time and greeted them.
Finally making it back to her home, Basel opened the door and ushered Ali's family in. Ahmed and Jahar brought their luggage in and turned to leave.
Ali stopped them "Ahmed, I can't tell you what it means to me that you were the one that met us in Cairo."
Ahmed smiled "It was my honor and privilege Ali. Ardeth thought it would make you feel safer and I agreed."
The rest of her family came up and thanked both men. Elizabeth lingering in front of Jahar. He smiled at her, she blushed and finally got out a quiet "Thank you".
With that the men left and Basel spoke "I can not tell you what it means to me to have you here. You have made a very old women very happy"
It was Peter that spoke "Basel , it is our honor to be here. Ali has told us so much about you and your village. It is wonderful to finally see it in person"
"Well then" Basel said "Let's get you settled. Bring your luggage and I'll show you to your rooms."
As they made their way down the hall Basel spoke "I hope you don't mind Peter and Caroline, but I have the ladies in this room and Peter and Jonathan in this room"
"That is perfectly fine Basel. Thank you so much for your hospitality" Caroline said.
Basel smiled "I'll give you a bit to put your things away and then if you like we can have a light afternoon meal"
"That would be wonderful" Ali said. Basel nodded and then said "Ali, can I speak to you for just a moment"
Ali nodded and followed Basel back up the hall.
"I'm sure you are wondering where Ardeth is?"
Ali nodded
"He wanted to be here to meet you. But he was held up at the 10th village. He went there with every intention of being back in time. But just this morning he sent word back he would not be here in time. But he will be here in time for the evening meal" Basel stopped and then added "He wanted me to pass along his apologize for not being here"
Ali smiled a small smile "Its okay. Maybe it's better this way"
Basel nodded "I know it will be different and a bit hard perhaps on both of you. Although I hope sometimes during your visit the two of you will find time to talk."
Ali nodded "I truly hope so."
"Ali, when you do, could you remember something for me?"
Ali was puzzled "Of course Basel "
"My dear just remember that it will be as hard for Ardeth to talk about what happened as it will be for you. Maybe a bit harder. He will have to bare his soul and he's not use to being that open. I know you were hurt terribly, but he was too"
Ali thought for a moment and then said "I will remember that Basel. I promise"
Basel patted Ali's check. I know you will my dear. Now why don't you get settled and then we can have a small meal"
"Thank you Basel. For everything. I truly can't express what it means to be back here."
After sharing a midday meal with Ali and her family Basel told them about the history of the village and stories of things that happened while Ali was there and of things that happened after her departure.