He sat Massarah on the carpet and retrieved the gifts. To Massarah, he presented wooden carvings of three animals. To Sawsan, he presented a pair of dancing shoes. They were inexpensive, but he’d decorated them himself.
Sawsan squealed happily. “They are so pretty! So pretty!”
Massarah looked at each carving soberly, holding them up for his father and naming them. “Goat. Horse. Piece of sh—”
“Massarah!” Shahin interrupted, his eyes widening. The young boy just looked at his father innocently.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Shahin drew a deep breath. “Camel,” he said firmly.
“Camel,” Massarah chirped obligingly, already playing with the figures.
Noori smirked at the near slip, asking, “Have you allowed him time alone with Rami? That sounds like one of his pearls of wisdom.”
“Rami,” Shahin muttered, leaning back as Massarah climbed into his lap to show off his new toys.
Noori reached to help Sawsan try on her shoes. “The next time you dance, every eye in the room will be on you, most beautiful princess.”
“Pretty, pretty!” Sawsan trilled.
“Children,” the father rumbled.
“Thank you,” they chorused in reply, Sawsan twirling, Massarah absently playing.
Noori smiled gently in return, whispering, “I also have a gift for their father.” He held out a hand, waiting until Shahin extended his own to retrieve it. He awkwardly reached around Massarah to accept the gift.
Noori let the intricately beaded chain fall into Shahin’s hand. It had a loop on each end. “To help you keep your spectacles, my lord.”
Both of Shahin’s brows rose slowly as he studied the beaded chain curiously. When Massarah reached to yank, he quickly lifted the chain out of range. “No, Massarah,” he said absently, looking at the loops.
“You gave Father a token of your esteem?” Sawsan asked, oddly questioning.
Shahin’s eyes shot to his daughter and narrowed.
“A token of my gratitude,” Noori was quick to point out. “Your father brought me out of bondage from another household. For that I will always owe him my very existence.”
Sawsan seemed to lose interest and went back to dancing around the table. Her father, however, watched Noori silently for a long time, the chain grasped securely in one hand.
Chapter 9
Shahin stormed into the tent, his face a dark thundercloud, his muttered words harsh and biting as he talked to himself. He grabbed a satchel and stuffed a robe into it violently. Noori jumped at the sudden entrance. Shahin was not expected back in the tent for hours and his appearance and his apparent mood led Noori to believe there was trouble brewing. “My lord, is something wrong?”
Shahin growled under his breath and yanked a soft blanket off his pallet. “Have my horse saddled,” he ordered gruffly. He stalked over to a small table and grabbed his comb and more clothing, movements jerky and angry.
Noori stepped outside the tent, asking Rami to have the sheikh’s horse readied for travel. Entering the tent once more, Noori moved closer. “What is wrong?” The sheikh’s behavior was frightening him.
The sheikh jerked his chin to the pallet. “Pack another blanket for me and some food,” he said shortly, and he took a deep breath and visibly tried to calm himself.
Noori packed the bag as ordered, grabbing a spare bag and packing an extra blanket for himself. Slinging the bags over his shoulder, he asked, “Should I have a horse prepared for me as well?”
“No, I go alone,” Shahin answered shortly, strapping on both his long sword and knife.
Noori shook his head adamantly, daring to contradict the orders of his lord. “I will go with you, my lord.”
The sheikh pulled on his vest, making no acknowledgment of Noori’s words. He slung the two bags over his shoulder and stalked out of the tent. Noori followed, keeping close to Shahin’s heels.
Shahin efficiently fastened his bags to the saddle of the waiting horse and mounted, shading his eyes as he looked across the village.
“I will saddle a horse and follow behind you, Master.” Noori turned to find a horse, spotting one at a nearby tent.
“Come back here,” Shahin growled, and Noori shook his head once more, surprised at his own audacity at refusing the sheikh, yet determined to attend him. Rami watched with wide eyes.
Blinking in amazement, Shahin huffed and urged his horse to walk over to where Noori was preparing to mount. With an annoyed sigh, he held out his hand. “I said, come here,” he rasped.
Rami gaped, watching avidly.
Noori looked up at Shahin, whose expression was hidden from him by the bright sun behind his back. He didn’t question the act, however. He simply took the offered hand and gasped as he was pulled up onto the horse behind the sheikh.
As soon as Shahin felt Noori’s body behind him, he spurred the horse, and they rode off, leaving a stunned Rami in a cloud of dust. Shahin guided the horse out of the village and into a gallop across the arid sand.
Noori held on for dear life as Shahin rode as if the hounds of hell were after them. The fast pace left no opportunity for conversation. He simply pressed against the sheikh’s back, arms wrapped tightly around the other man’s body as they galloped toward some unknown destination. Noori could do nothing more than close his eyes and hold on.
The horse crested a dune and rode down into a sheltered area of hidden cliffs. The landscape changed dramatically, palm trees and greenery growing along a small bubbling creek. Shahin pulled the horse to a stop in the shade of a date grove.
The change of scenery pleased Noori, but he couldn’t wrap his mind around it. “Why have we stopped, my lord? Are we not heading for some other destination?”
Gracefully dismounting, Shahin started pulling off the bags, shouldering them. He tethered the horse within reach of the water and walked away, splashing through the scanty creek, the water splashing on his boots and black trousers. Noori slid from the horse and followed him. He waded through the creek as well. Shahin followed the cliffs, finally rounding a corner that hid a waterfall and large pool, surrounded by a thick grove of palm trees. He tossed the bags down and pulled off his turban. It also hit the sparse grass.
Noori rounded the corner and nearly bumped into him. He gaped at their surroundings for a moment, and then regaining his composure, he immediately started helping Shahin undress. “Do you wish to swim, my lord?”
Grunting in assent, Shahin stripped down to his trousers, allowing Noori to unbuckle his boots. He unbuckled his sword belt and knife, setting them aside, then turned and walked into the pool toward the waterfall with a sigh. Noori turned aside respectfully, folding the discarded garments and laying them on a nearby rock. He then knelt beside the rock to watch and wait.
Wading into the cool, refreshing water, the sheikh soaked himself under the waterfall before floating on his back, eyes closed. Noori watched him longingly. He had tried his best to make himself indispensable, but at times he felt as if he failed miserably. “If you wish to speak, I will listen.” His voice was low, probably indistinguishable above the roar of the waterfall.
For a long moment, Shahin made no indication that he heard. But then he visibly sighed and righted himself, peering at Noori on the shore. “Come and swim,” he said evenly before turning his back and swimming back to the waterfall.
Noori immediately removed all but his trousers and under-tunic and waded into the water. He stood beneath the fall for a moment, enjoying the cool water, before swimming near Shahin. “’Tis a pleasant way to spend the afternoon,” he remarked idly, waiting to see if Shahin would elaborate on his mood.
Shahin nodded, sliding his hand through his dripping hair. He looked around the grove. “I have not been here in years,” he finally said, swimming back out into the pool, away from the noise.
Noori followed behind, finding a rock near the edge of the pool to recline against. “If I may ask, why haven’t you been here, my lord? It is a lovely spot. Quiet. Relaxing. Solitary
.”
Rolling his head around, the sheikh popped his neck and shoulders with a tired sigh. He looked around again, his face its usual mask, but his eyes were melancholy. “This was my wife’s favorite retreat,” he said hesitantly.
Noori lowered his head in shame. “I should not have been so insistent in coming with you,” he murmured. “I did not intend to intrude on your privacy, my lord.”
Amazingly, Shahin chuckled, his only response as he lay back to float. Not understanding why Shahin was laughing, Noori looked up from under his eyelashes to catch a rare glimpse of a smile on Shahin’s face. After a few minutes, Shahin righted himself, water trailing over his shoulders from his hair. He waded past Noori, patting his shoulder a couple times, slight smile still in place.
“I do not understand, my lord,” Noori murmured, eyes following Shahin’s form as he left the water of the pool. “I do not know why you laugh at me when I am ashamed for being so uncaring.”
Chuckling yet again, Shahin turned dancing eyes on Noori as he settled on the grass, leaning against a palm tree. “I laugh because you seem to believe I have privacy at all,” he said, lips curling in amusement.
The sight of the fuller smile nearly stole Noori’s breath. “But you could have had privacy here today. I should have remained at the tent.”
With a sigh, Shahin waved a dismissive hand. “You are not an imposition,” he stated clearly, his eyes falling closed as he yawned.
Noori moved out of the water and sat next to his lord. “Will you not share your anger with me, my lord?” His lips curled in a smile of their own. “Since I am no imposition.”
Dark eyes slid to Noori, and Shahin’s lips twitched. He looked away, considering. Finally he shrugged. “The Imam and I do not see eye to eye,” he grumbled. Noori nodded, waiting for him to continue. Shahin narrowed his eyes as he saw Noori listening expectantly. He huffed aloud. “The Imam and I do not agree on a particular matter,” he specified. “And he will not let it rest.”
“What matter is that, my lord? Might I be of service to help change his views?” Noori offered timidly, yet automatically.
Shahin snorted, shaking his head. “His mind will not be turned, not on this matter,” he said firmly. “It is of little consequence. I let him bait me.” His nose wrinkled in displeasure.
“Are you certain I might not offer my services? I was often used as an… incentive… when the amir’s deals were not quite guaranteed.”
Turning his chin sharply, Shahin’s eyes flashed. “Incentive? Like when he—” His words cut off, and he shook his head. “No. I will not tolerate anyone being used in such a manner.”
“But I was trained to do this,” Noori tried to convince him. “It is nothing more than a mere business deal to me. I shall do it if you ask it of me, my lord.”
“I will not, and neither will any other!” Shahin snapped vehemently, sitting up, looking truly affronted. “I will not allow it.”
“You do not understand, my lord. I want to do this for you. I want to make your life easier,” Noori argued.
Lips pressing together in annoyance, Shahin glowered at Noori for a long moment, obviously choosing his words carefully. “I… appreciate… your devotion, but I will never ask that of you. Never,” he growled. “You are not a mere commodity to be plundered. No human is.”
“What if I insist on doing it? Even if you do not ask it of me?” Noori’s eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared as he found himself leaning closer to press his point.
Shahin gritted his teeth, practically in Noori’s face. “Then I will have you removed from the situation bodily,” he rasped. “I will not accept such services from any person; it is not a matter of loyalty! It is a matter of what is right, what is decent.”
“What if I desire it?” Noori’s voice dropped to a low, devious tone. Stunned into silence, Shahin stared at him. Noori smiled as he realized he might have found a way to help the sheikh without the other man being able to stop it. “I am a loyal servant to you, my lord. I am faithful to you. I wish to see your tribe grow and prosper.”
Shahin frowned deeply, looking quite put out. Noori stared at him, forgetting that he was merely a servant in thrall of a great lord.
“Seducing the Imam will not help matters,” Shahin finally muttered, giving in and revealing more information. “He wishes to bend me to his will, and I shall not be tempered in this matter.”
“What is his will?” Noori asked, watching Shahin’s face for any clues.
That face shuttered and Shahin’s eyes darkened, going blank. “He wants my attendance at worship,” he muttered.
Noori closed his hand around Shahin’s forearm. “No man should be able to dictate to another whom he shall worship.”
Shahin sighed, shoulders slumping. “I still honor the heavens, in my own way,” he said quietly, eyes far away.
“I have heard you pray,” Noori admitted softly, “and my heart cries out for your loss.”
Shahin’s shoulders stiffened a bit, but just as quickly he relaxed back against the palm tree. They sat in silence for long minutes. Finally the sheikh spoke. “I forbid you to proposition the Imam,” he rasped.
Blue eyes shot up to meet black ones. “I will abide by your wishes, my lord, but I do not know why you forbid this.”
Shahin stood abruptly, folding his arms. When he looked at Noori, his face was pinched. “The Imam is my father’s brother,” he muttered.
“Then he must understand your… reluctance… to worship.” Noori stood and followed him, standing so close he could feel Shahin’s heat radiating through the wet fabric of his own clothes.
“How do you know of it?” the sheikh rasped.
Noori dipped his head. “I apologize for mentioning it, my lord.” He avoided answering the question directly. “A friend told me so that I might better understand how to serve you.”
Shahin snorted. “Karam told you,” he stated, although his voice was not angry. Rather, it was tired. He sighed in annoyance. “You will mind my order,” he stated, closing the matter.
“I will obey your wishes in all things, my lord,” Noori replied, bowing low before him.
Chapter 10
Karam stopped Noori in front of Numair, who was sharpening his knife with a whetstone. “Here he is, Numair. Behave yourself, now.” Then the councilor bustled away as Numair rolled his eyes and looked up at Noori.
Noori greeted Numair with a slight bow of his head. “Blessed morning to you, Numair.” He stood before the other man, hands folded calmly across his stomach.
Numair waved a hand, indicating that Noori sit with him. “Our lord wishes me to train you to defend yourself,” the warrior said, going back to his sharpening.
Noori blinked at him, tilting his head as a confused expression crossed his face. “Defend myself? Against what?”
Numair blinked right back at him, just as confused. “Against enemies, of course. Against those who might wish to cause you harm.”
“Why would people wish me, a mere servant, harm? It is not as if I am the sheikh, himself. I am unworthy of a second glance from any, much less someone with a need to harm our lord.” Noori smiled and scoffed at the idea of needing to know how to defend himself.
Numair set aside his knife to fold his hands. “Consider this. You are now a valued member of the sheikh’s household. You have access to his private correspondence; you have access to his children….” His voice dropped. “You have access to him. It would hurt him, were you hurt.”
Noori nodded at the logic, but then countered, “But I am merely a replaceable servant. I will carry his secrets to my death, but I do not flatter myself with ideas of personal worth.”
The warrior watched him silently for a long moment, and then gazed out into the desert. “Perhaps you might try to think of this from our lord’s viewpoint,” Numair suggested.
Noori grinned, a bit of humor shining through his normally serious eyes as he took Numair’s hand and placed it on the other man’s chest. “Numair, fr
iend, irreplaceable.” He then took the same hand and placed it on his own chest. “Noori, servant, expendable. At a cost, yes, but surely not one the sheikh could not afford.”
Numair frowned and pulled his hand away, shaking his head. “You are not very observant,” he muttered, climbing to his feet. “Tell me, have you any fighting skills?”
“I have some skills in hand-to-hand combat,” Noori admitted. “It was always useful to know how to discourage roughhousing amongst the amir’s guests.”
Numair nodded approvingly. “Those skills will stand you in good stead, even now. Sometimes visitors do not have the proper manners.” Numair sniffed. Then he straightened, looking over Noori’s shoulder, before he bowed his head.
Noori flushed, realizing Shahin was behind him, so he lowered his head as he turned and bowed. The sheikh stood silent behind Noori, the sun shining behind him. He waited until Numair looked up, and he nodded. The warrior bowed again and left, leaving the sheikh and the servant standing at the outpost on the fringe on the village.
Shahin finally spoke. “I would that you allow Numair to teach you,” he rumbled.
Noori lifted his eyes, nearly blinded by the sight of the sheikh, who seemed to outshine the sun that hung in the sky behind him. “I will consent to it, my lord, but I fail to see the necessity of it. I am trained in intimate combat,” Noori answered.
Apparently conscious of the sun behind him, Shahin moved so that Noori could see him clearly. “I want it done; that is enough necessity,” he grumbled, crossing his arms. “I knew you would object,” he added quietly, although not crossly.
“And how did you know that, my lord?” Noori’s lips turned up at the corners, a polite smile pasted onto his face. “Are you a mystic of some sort?”
Shahin snorted. “Do not fence words with me, Noori.” He relaxed a bit and looked out across the sands. “I want you to be able to take care of yourself, should I or my guards be absent from you.”
“I do not merit such care, my lord, but I will heed your words.” Noori sighed, bowing in deference to Shahin’s wishes.
The Sheikh and the Servant Page 7