Chapter 14

Clive hired the men he needed and found a local who knew where the Medjai lived. These men were vagrants, willing to do anything to make money, and they had no problem in ignoring the law. Clive wasted no time in purchasing horses and supplies for this desert trip, wanting to take care of the leader of the Medjai once and for all. He checked his gun to make sure it was loaded, and slipped a knife on his backside, intending on killing Ardeth one way or another. He watched as each of the hired men mounted a horse, and noticed that one of them had a crossbow strapped to his back. Clive walked up to him.

"What is that for?" he asked, pointing at the weapon.

"There will be sentries at the outskirt of the village. The only way to kill them quietly and from a distance is with this."

Clive raised his eyebrows at the logic of it, and whistled happily as he finished checking his men. Everyone was finally mounted and Clive climbed up into his saddle. "All right, men, this is it. We go to rescue my fiancé and hopefully kill the bastard that took her. Zuhn, will you kindly show us the way to the Medjai camp?"

The man with the crossbow moved his horse to the front of the group and guided them through the streets of Cairo and out to the desert beyond.

The Medjai traveled at a brisk pace across the desert, wanting to get the supplies back to the village quickly. The newness of traveling on horseback wore off for Eleth after the first day, and he would constantly ask his father how much further they had to go. Elizabeth worried that Eleth's complaining would upset Ardeth, but he would answer Eleth each time patiently, pointing out something of interest in their surroundings, to ease his son's boredom. Elizabeth would listen to father and son talk, and smile, as her prayer for a father-figure in her son's life had been answered by not just anyone, but the boy's natural parent himself. By the last evening out on the desert, Eleth knew the routine and walked confidently with his father as Ardeth made the rounds at night, visiting with each warrior before settling in. When it was Ardeth's turn to keep watch, it was all Elizabeth could do to keep Eleth with her, for the boy wanted to stand guard with his father.

"But mummy, I want to stand guard with daddy!" cried Eleth.

"No Eleth, not until you're older....Eleth!" cried Elizabeth as the boy ran off to join Ardeth.

He raced through the camp and up to the dune to where Ardeth stood. Ardeth heard him come up behind him and turned around just as Eleth threw himself at his father's legs.

"I want to keep watch with you daddy! I'm a warrior too!" he said defiantly.

Ardeth's heart leapt with joy as his son hugged his knees tightly, but knew his duty was not to be taken lightly. Ardeth tilted Eleth's chin up to look at him. "I would be proud to stand watch with you, my son, but only when you are a warrior. You can not be a warrior until you become a man and receive these marks of honour," Ardeth pointed to the tattoos on his own face. "We must be careful when we are out on the desert, to guard against the bandits, and so I can not let you watch with me."

"But daddy...," started Eleth.

"Sh. No more talk. Return to your mother," he commanded gently, as he tousled Eleth's hair.

Eleth looked up into Ardeth's eyes and pouted, but did as he was told and walked back to his bedroll. Ardeth watched Eleth, with pride and joy glowing in his eyes for his son. His eyebrows drew together as his thoughts slipped back to the upcoming argument with the council. They would let Eleth stay, he was sure, but not Elizabeth, and she would never leave without Eleth. He looked out over the moonlit sand and frowned. He was the lord of the Medjai, he didn't need their permission to let her stay. But it would divide his people, possibly creating a rift that could never be fixed. He sighed to himself as he thought about what had changed within him over the past five years, since the night he had taken Elizabeth back to Cairo. He had been firm in his beliefs then that they couldn't be together, and now, here he was, bringing her back to his people for the rest of her life. Was it so wrong to be with a foreigner? He looked down into the camp and watched as Elizabeth rubbed Eleth's back to get him to sleep. She seemed to sense him looking at her and looked up, straight into his eyes. The love and trust that radiated out from the depths of her soul through her dark eyes, entered the very heart of him, and he knew he could never part from her again. He would make it work out, somehow. He smiled at her and turned back to his duty, praying into the night air. "Allah, help me," he said simply.

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The next evening, amidst the cheering of the people, the Medjai thundered into the village compound. The people grew quiet when they saw their great chief on his black horse, with a small boy in front of him and a woman behind him. They whispered to each other as they looked curiously at the newcomers, pointing to them, and wondering what was going on. The council of elders stood together off to the side as the horses came to a stop. Elizabeth hopped down, holding out her arms to take Eleth, but Ardeth had other plans. He got off the horse and took Eleth in his arms. Elizabeth looked wonderingly at Ardeth, but he gave her a small smile.

"Come with me," he said quietly, and he walked towards the elders.

Elizabeth followed him, very aware of the glances she was receiving from the rest of Ardeth's people. Ardeth walked confidently up to the elders and stopped, standing tall and proud in the fading sunlight.

"Bakkar and elders," Ardeth's voice rang out strong and clear, "I bring you and my people what I promised five years ago...my heir." He held Eleth up for all to see and there were many astonished gasps, as everyone could perceive that Eleth was indeed Ardeth's son.

Bakkar stepped forward, smiling. "My lord, I do not know how this miracle has come about, but he is truly your son. Allah be praised, and may you have many more sons to follow."

Ardeth inclined his head. "Thank you, Bakkar."

Bakkar looked around. "Where is the mother of your son?"

Ardeth looked behind him and saw the hesitant expression on Elizabeth's face. Holding Eleth in one arm, he reached for her hand and brought her forward, and then turned back to the council. "This is the mother of my son...and soon to be my wife."

The smile faded from Bakkar's face as he looked at Elizabeth. "My lord, this woman is not of our people. You cannot marry her," he said quietly.

"Bakkar, and elders, we have traveled hard the past few days and are tired. Tomorrow we shall meet and discuss this in private." Ardeth's eyes commanded obedience of the elder.

Bakkar pursed his lips in thought, as he wondered what the dark lord had in mind. He couldn't possibly be serious about marrying a foreigner, the people wouldn't have it. But the look on Ardeth's face left no room for argument tonight. Bakkar bowed his head in respect to Ardeth. "As you wish, my lord."

Ardeth turned to his people and spoke. "Tonight is a night for celebration, for I have brought forth the next lord of the Medjai." He held Eleth up above his head and the people cheered. Ardeth brought him back down and gave him to Elizabeth, then commanded his people. "Let us unpack the supplies and feast at this joyous occasion."

The villagers quickly went about unloading the packhorses and seeing to the evening meal. Elizabeth was bewildered with the flurry of movement and stood in the center of it all, not knowing what to do next. Ardeth gave some orders to his warriors and then noticed Elizabeth standing in the melee. He walked over to her and smiled.

"Come. You can wash in my tent while everything is prepared." He led Elizabeth and Eleth to his tent, and showed them in. "Here is water and cloth with which to remove the desert journey from your skin."

Elizabeth took Eleth over to the water and began to wash him up. "Thank you, Ardeth."

Ardeth removed his turban and scimitars as Elizabeth finished washing up Eleth and herself. Then Ardeth went to the water to wipe away the dust of the past three days, while Elizabeth and Eleth sat on the divan, waiting. When Ardeth was finished, he looked at Elizabeth and saw the worry in her face. He walked over to her and knelt down in front of her, reaching up to stroke her face with his long fingers.

"Do not worry. Tonight we shall celebrate and tomorrow I will tell the council why you must remain with me. All will be well."

"I just feel a little lost right now, that's all," she said, trying to be brave for Ardeth's sake.

Ardeth smiled and stood up. "Wait here," he said, and exited the tent.

Elizabeth sat with Eleth, listening to the hustle and noise going on outside the tent. A moment later, Ardeth returned with Elizabeth's bags.

"Here," he said as he put them next to her on the ground, "unpack your things. That will give you something to do until supper is ready. I must meet with Hamid. I will be back for you and Eleth when it is time to eat." He began to walk out the door, but Elizabeth's voice stopped him.

"Where should I put our clothes?" she asked.

"There is a chest in the sleeping quarters," he said, pointing towards the side of the tent. "Put them with mine."

Now that she had something to do, Elizabeth's thoughts were more focused. "And where are we to sleep tonight?"

Ardeth came back to her and pulled her off the divan and into his arms. "You sleep with me," his low voice rumbled.

Elizabeth blushed, smiling at the ardor in his eyes. "Ardeth, where is Eleth supposed to sleep?"

"In the sleeping quarters also." Ardeth frowned slightly as he thought about that. "I will make a divider for the room before tonight is over. He shall sleep on one side and we shall sleep on the other."

Elizabeth gasped. "But Ardeth, he'll hear us!" she complained.

Ardeth looked down at Eleth, who was busily pulling all of his toys out of the satchel. He pulled Elizabeth tightly against him as he turned his attention back to her. "He will be too tired. He will not awaken."

"Ardeth..." began Elizabeth, but she was cut off as his lips descended on hers.

Several moments later, Ardeth lifted his head away from Elizabeth, breathing hard. "I must leave you now, or we will not join in the celebration tonight."

Elizabeth smiled, with a devilish gleam in her eyes. "We could skip supper and you could stay here with me," she said coyly.

Ardeth groaned softly at the alluring invitation, and stepped back from her. "Woman, you tempt me almost beyond control. But you will need nourishment before you share my tent tonight." The look in his eyes left no doubt in her mind that she would get little sleep that evening. Ardeth brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, then let go, and walked out of the tent. Elizabeth grinned to herself and set about unpacking her bags and getting acquainted with Ardeth's tent.

As promised, Ardeth came back to gather up Elizabeth and Eleth for the evening meal. He brought them out of his tent and took them over to the tables, walking confidently among his people, as if all was right with the world. Elizabeth didn't share his confidence, and looked around nervously, trying to decipher the looks on the villager's faces. Ardeth brought her to the women's table and seated her next to a pregnant villager.

"Anara!" gasped Elizabeth.

Anara turned to her and smiled. "Elizabeth! You have come back to us!"

Elizabeth saw the warmth and friendliness in Anara's eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. She sat down next to her and Ardeth placed Eleth next to Elizabeth. Elizabeth got Eleth situated in his spot and then looked up at Ardeth.

"I must sit with the warriors, but afterwards, I will come back for you." He gave her a smile of encouragement, and walked away.

Elizabeth turned her attention back to Anara as they began passing the food around. "So, Anara, Ardeth tells me that you married Hamid?"

Anara smiled brightly. "Yes. I know I told you before that I was to marry Ardeth, but that was not in Allah's plans. I love the man who shared a tent with me, even if he did trick me."

Elizabeth's eyebrows went up. "He tricked you?"

"Yes," grimaced Anara. "He told me that I was wanted in Ardeth's tent, and I went running to Ardeth that evening. But it was not Ardeth who was waiting for me, it was Hamid."

Elizabeth was shocked. "But Anara, are you happy with the way things have turned out?"

"Oh yes. I have a husband who loves me very much, and he has given me three sons. I hope," she lowered her voice conspiratorially, "that this time it will be a girl." She looked down at her round form and giggled.

Elizabeth smiled at her. "I hope so too, Anara, and I'm so glad that things turned out well for you." She gave Anara's hand a squeeze, then looked around at the tables full of women. "Anara, I don't see Rameth. Where is she?"

Anara's smile faded from her face. "She is with Allah, now."

Elizabeth gasped. "What?"

"We were raided by a terrible tribe of bandits a few years ago. Rameth was caught in the battle and killed."

Elizabeth's shoulders drooped. "Ardeth didn't tell me!"

"He is a warrior. They do not waste time on remembering things of that nature. But those bandits were finally made to pay for their crimes, almost at the expense of my lord's life."

"You mean, that scar along his side?" Elizabeth asked in wonder.

Anara nodded her head. "Yes. One of the bandits hurt him badly. He almost did not survive." Anara cocked her head to one side and looked at Elizabeth. "I think it was thoughts of you that saved him." Elizabeth said nothing, and Anara stood up carefully. "I must go serve my husband now. I will be back shortly." She gave Elizabeth a warm smile and walked away.

Elizabeth looked down at her plate, trying to digest all that Anara had revealed to her. Rameth dead, and Ardeth almost dying....she shook her head, finding it hard to believe. She looked over at Ardeth, watching him speak animatedly with his warriors, until he turned to look at her. She gave him a sympathetic look and Ardeth guessed that Anara had told him about his mother. He gave Elizabeth a small smile and then turned back to his warriors.

Elizabeth turned her attention back to Eleth, making sure that he ate a decent amount of his dinner before running off to play with the other children who had finished. By the time Eleth crawled off the bench and ran off to play, Anara had come back and sat down next to her. Anara saw the anxious look on Elizabeth's face as she watched Eleth with the other children.

"Elizabeth, Eleth will be fine. Now, eat your own supper, for you must please Ardeth in all ways."

Elizabeth was reminded of how they made fun of her thinness the last time she was there, and grinned at Anara. She turned back to her supper, and tackled it, eating everything on her plate, even helping herself to seconds. Anara watched Elizabeth and nodded her head.

"You eat well tonight, which is good, for I see in Ardeth's eyes that you will need the strength it will provide."

Elizabeth blushed at her remark, and finished her supper. She turned around to find Eleth running all over the compound with the other children, and sighed. "Well, at least the children have accepted Eleth."

"Everyone will accept Eleth," replied Anara softly. "It is you that the people will fight against."

"Even you, Anara?"

Anara smiled. "No, not me. I accept you Elizabeth, for you are the one that Ardeth needs. Both Hamid and I know of his love for you. And the people will come to know this in time, if, the council can be persuaded to let you stay."

Elizabeth sighed. "Well, then, I hope Ardeth can persuade them," she said simply.

Supper was finished, and the people danced and sang around a large fire in the middle of the compound. Elizabeth and Eleth sat on the ground, watching the strange dances they did. They didn't know the songs, but they joined in the merriment by clapping their hands along with everyone else. As the evening wore on, the mothers began to take their sleepy children off to their tents. The fire died down as more villagers went to their tents and soon, Anara took her own sons, leaving Elizabeth and Eleth alone by the fire. Ardeth finished making sure the village was secure for the evening and walked over to Elizabeth. He looked down at mother and son and smiled.

"I see our son has worn himself out," he said, as he noticed Eleth asleep in Elizabeth's lap.

"Yes, it's been a full day for him."

Ardeth looked around the compound once more, making sure everything was settling down for the night, then bent over and retrieved the sleeping child from Elizabeth's lap. Elizabeth got up and followed Ardeth over to his tent. They were stopped at the door by Ardeth's grandfather.

"Ardeth, you can not mean to share a tent tonight with Elizabeth, not here, in front of our people!"

Ardeth scowled at his grandfather. "She is to be my wife."

"But Ardeth..."

"Go to bed, old one," interrupted Ardeth. "Elizabeth sleeps with me."

The old warrior saw that it was useless to argue with his grandson, so he left them without a word and went to his tent. Elizabeth looked at Ardeth apprehensively.

"Ardeth, maybe it would be better if I..."

"Get in the tent, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth didn't argue, and went inside. A small lamp was lit, providing light to see their way around. She walked with Ardeth back to the sleeping quarters and saw that he had put up a divider, making two smaller sleeping quarters out of the one large room. Ardeth pushed aside part of the curtain and put Eleth down on a small cot, stroking his sleeping face, still in awe of the fact that this was his son he was touching. He walked out as Elizabeth came in and covered him with blankets, not bothering to change him into his nightshirt, for she didn't want to disturb him. When she was finished, she leaned down and kissed Eleth's cheek, playing with the child's dark curls for a moment, before turning away. She walked back into Ardeth's sleeping room and saw that he had already stripped down to his pants, leaving his firm chest bare and gleaming in the flickering light from the small lamp.

She suddenly felt shy as she realized that they were no longer on the desert, journeying from one place to another, but in Ardeth's home, and that if Ardeth got his way, it would be her home too. Ardeth watched her face closely and saw her hesitancy.

"Elizabeth, come here," he commanded gently.

Elizabeth walked over to him and stood still before him. Ardeth reached up and loosened her blouse so that it slipped off her shoulders and fell to the ground. He ran his hands up her arms and caressed her bare shoulders and neck.

"Are you ready to share a tent with me?" he asked softly.

Elizabeth looked into his dark eyes, seeing the caged animal that was ready to be let loosed. "Yes," she whispered.

Ardeth smiled and enclosed her within his strong embrace, pressing her full breasts against his firm chest. He lowered his head and brought his mouth down on hers, wasting no time on being gentle. He had held her in his arms for three nights out on the desert without being able to do anything, and now that they were alone, he could no longer hold back. Elizabeth surrendered to his demanding kiss, knowing that his desire was raging inside of him out of control, and welcomed it by slipping her hands underneath the waistband of his pants. He groaned into her as she began sliding them off of him, feeling her warm hands on his naked skin, and his own fingers quickly unbuttoned her skirt. It fell down around Elizabeth's ankles and she stepped out of it as Ardeth pushed her back towards his bed. He lowered her down and pulled off her boots, then bent down to remove his own boots before climbing on top of her. There was nothing tender about the dark lord this time as he attacked her mouth with his, slipping his tongue between her lips and drinking in her sweetness. His arms held her tightly, while his knee parted her legs, allowing him intimate access to her. Elizabeth opened herself up willingly to Ardeth's urgency, feeling that same need within herself, and moaned softly as he entered her. Ardeth watched her face while he plundered her repeatedly, observing her half-closed eyes and parted lips, as she panted with each thrust. His own breath came in ragged grunts as his hips met hers again and again, in an almost savage act of lovemaking. Elizabeth was surprised at her own brazenness as she urged Ardeth on, letting loose the animal within herself to match his own primal instinct as she writhed beneath him. As their fervor reached its peak, they clung to each other as their muscles contracted, making both of them cry out with their release.

Ardeth collapsed in Elizabeth's arms, breathing hard, as he sought to bring himself under control again. Elizabeth stroked his back and shoulders as they lay together, letting her own heartbeat return to normal. Some moments later, Ardeth lifted his head and looked at her, his eyes full of concern.

"Did I hurt you? I was not in control," he admitted.

Elizabeth smiled up at him. "No, Ardeth, you didn't hurt me and I enjoyed every second of it."

Ardeth kissed her tenderly, then rolled off of her and on to his back, sighing deeply in contentment. He put his hands under his head and closed his eyes as his breathing slowed down. Elizabeth rolled on to her side and caressed his chest, gazing fondly at his face. After a few minutes of quiet, she spoke.

"Ardeth, I'm sorry about Rameth," she said softly.

Ardeth opened his eyes and stared up at the roof of his tent. "So, Anara told you?" he asked quietly.

"Yes." Elizabeth paused. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ardeth shrugged his shoulders. "It happened over a year ago. I have done with grieving and have avenged her."

"Almost at the cost of your own life."

"I am a warrior," he replied simply.

Elizabeth sighed. "I wish she could have seen Eleth."

"She would have loved him," he agreed.

Ardeth closed his eyes and Elizabeth decided to drop the subject. She bit her lip as she speculated whether or not she should broach the subject that had been gnawing at her ever since they had left Cairo.

"Ardeth?" she whispered tentatively.

"Yes?"

"What's going to happen tomorrow? I mean, with the council of elders?"

Ardeth looked over and saw the worried expression on her face, and reached his arm out to gather her close to his side. Elizabeth snuggled against him, resting her head on his broad shoulder, as she waited for his reply. "I will prove to the council that you and I are supposed to be together."

"How?"

"Very simply, that Allah has brought us together again and given me an heir through you. That should be sign enough for them." Ardeth's voice was full of confidence, but still Elizabeth was doubtful.

"But Ardeth, what if they don't accept that answer?"

"It is not up to them to decide. I am the lord of my people, and I say that you shall be my wife."

"I swear to you, Ardeth, if I have to leave, I won't go without my son," said Elizabeth vehemently.

"Our son," corrected Ardeth, as he squeezed her. "There will be no need for you to leave. You and Eleth will stay here forever." As an afterthought, he added, "And you shall bear me more sons."

Elizabeth smiled at that, somewhat mollified by his statement, and decided to tease him. "What if I want girls instead of boys?"

"You do challenge me on everything," he sighed, shaking his head in amusement.

Elizabeth saw the smile at the corners of his mouth and grinned as she began to play with one of his nipples, teasing it to harden under her fingertips. Ardeth put up with it as long as he could, and then his desire burst forth in a flurry of movement as he tumbled Elizabeth beneath him. "Woman, shall I prove to you right now that you shall bear me another son?" he said, his voice low and full of passion.

"You can try," said Elizabeth spiritedly.

Ardeth smiled and brought his lips down on hers as they began again to join their bodies as one, taking their time to explore and please the other as the night wore on. When at last their passion was spent, they held each other close as they finally succumbed to blissful slumber.
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