The Sheikh and the Servant

by Sonja Spencer

  Chapter 15

  Alimah quickly found a basket of grain to carry, blending in with the other servants seamlessly. He would be invisible like this; no one paid much attention to the slaves who were working. He made his way through camp toward where he knew they used to keep prisoners. As he got closer, he left that basket in a supply tent and instead took two skins of water. He thought he might get through to the prisoners with the excuse of watering them. He left the tent and walked along the dark path carved out of the canyon wall, his heart hammering.

  Noori felt his way through the darkness of the canyon, searching for any sign of Massarah. His heart would not allow him to leave the young boy in harm’s way. Rounding a rock, he bumped into another slave. He lowered his eyes. “Pardon me. Master sent me for….” He dared look up and gasped when he met Alimah’s eyes.

  Alimah gasped as well and clasped Noori’s hands in his. “How did you escape?” he asked quietly, looking back over his shoulder and then ahead.

  Noori stumbled somewhat as relief allowed his defenses to fall. “I was beaten. They thought I was dead.”

  Eyes widening, Alimah noted the hunched shoulders and shaking hands. “They are waiting for my signal to storm the camp; we need only find the prince.”

  “I heard the guards mention the amir’s tent,” Noori confided. “But I do not know which is his.”

  Alimah’s face hardened. “I do.” He looked to Noori, shoulders set. “Follow me.” He turned away from the prisoner’s area and led the servant back to the main village and down a well-traveled path. True to his belief, no one paid them any attention.

  Noori followed without question, not doubting for a moment that Alimah would find the prince. Sadiq had found a true gem in the rough in Alimah. They neared a tent that was conspicuously unadorned. He could have hit himself for passing the tent by without thought earlier. He had expected anything Qutaibah had to be opulent and grandiose.

  “Qutaibah ever was the practitioner of deceit,” Alimah murmured. He led Noori around the back of the tent and pulled a pair of flint pieces from his pocket. “Stay here. Hopefully the guards will leave the tent.” He hurried off back down the row of tents.

  Noori stood silently, barely able to contain himself as he heard the soft, whimpering cries of the prince through the canvas walls. He was true to his word, however, waiting for Alimah to return.

  Alimah stole back some minutes later, a grim smile on his face. “’Twill not be long,” he said. And just as he said, within a couple minutes screams rang out, and guards pounded down the path as a fire blazed up in the center of the camp. “Now there is likely no guard inside. But just in case, let me go in first and alert him.” He placed a comforting hand on Noori’s shoulder. “Soon you will be with the prince.” He slunk around the tent’s corner.

  Noori could hear Alimah speaking to the guards inside the tent, and then a knife thrust through the canvas, ripping it to the ground. A squirming Massarah was passed through the destroyed fabric, and Noori took him unquestioningly. He pulled him to his chest and whispered soothing words to him.

  Alimah wiggled out through the hole, smile firmly in place. “Come on; let us leave this place. It stinks.” He had a large sack in one hand.

  Noori followed Alimah, despite his pain, fully trusting the young man with not only his own life, but that of Massarah, and by extension, Shahin. They wound their way between tents, avoiding anyone in camp until they reached the edge of the small village.

  Turning back to the village, Alimah watched the sheikh’s riders destroying the camp and defeating Qutaibah’s followers. He smiled viciously and nodded, turning to whistle down the canyon path. Soon hoofbeats approached with an answering whistle that Alimah repeated. Sadiq appeared on horseback from around the corner.

  The former slave grinned up at Sadiq. “Let us take Noori and the prince away from this place,” he said, walking to take the reins of the second horse Sadiq led and stopping near Noori. “Can you mount? Or are your injuries grave?”

  Noori’s face remained neutral as he moved to mount the horse. He nearly swooned in pain as he tried and realized the danger he placed the prince in. He handed the boy to Alimah and then mounted the animal. Holding his shaking hands out, he whispered, “Pass him to me.”

  Alimah did so. The child had quieted his cries once he saw Noori, and his little arms wrapped around Noori’s neck. Alimah helped Noori with the reins. “I can ride with you,” he offered. “You should focus on holding the prince,” he pointed out.

  Noori was too exhausted and too in pain to argue. He simply slid forward on the horse’s back and held the child as tight as his injuries would allow.

  Alimah carefully mounted the horse and settled behind Noori, sliding his arms around the other man to take the reins. He looked to Sadiq for guidance. Noori was clearly injured, and badly, if the way he moved was any indication. His hair had been torn out in patches, and severe bruises covered the right side of his face, extending down below the line of the torn shirt.

  Alimah looked back down the path to the village. “And the sheikh?”

  “He and his men will meet us at the oasis. We are to set up camp there for the night.” Sadiq informed him. He had faith that Shahin’s men would eradicate Qutaibah’s rogue camp.

  Guiding their horse to follow, Alimah nodded and they rode away to safety.

  Alimah did his best to support Noori on the ride, and a couple hours later they arrived at the oasis. Many guards and village people were already there, having transformed the shaded oasis into a well-guarded camp.

  Noori woke immediately, and upon seeing Sadiq’s reaching hands, he passed Massarah to him. He waited until Alimah dismounted before he slid clumsily to the ground, his legs not supporting him at all as he landed in a heap at the other men’s feet.

  Alimah sank to his knees beside Noori, calling out for a healer. He tried to help Noori at least sit up, but the pain on Noori’s face was obvious. “Be still,” Alimah urged him. The healer bustled over with a couple of men and a stretcher. They carefully lifted Noori onto it. “In this tent,” Alimah said, indicating the sheikh’s. Not even blinking, the healer led the way.

  Sadiq held the boy close to himself, not loosening his grasp at all as he pulled Alimah under his free arm. Alimah was scared. To see Noori so still when he had been so full of life was a frightening thing. He prayed to the heavens that the sheikh would return to camp as soon as possible.

  The healer shooed the men away, asking for water and bandages as he opened the kit he carried on his shoulder. He carefully started searching Noori for his wounds, noting the bruises and cuts. Alimah stood to one side, ready to help, watching Sadiq place the now-drowsy prince in his father’s bed, sitting next to him and rubbing his back comfortingly.

  Finally sighing in relief, the healer looked up to Alimah. “Heavens be praised, nothing is broken. But he will be very sore for some days and bruised quite colorfully.” He quickly mixed a painkiller into water and helped Noori sit up, urging him to drink.

  Noori sipped the drink quickly and glanced over to see Sadiq rubbing Massarah’s back. “I want….” He stopped, unable to voice his desires.

  The healer rubbed his shoulder carefully. “What, child?” the old man asked. “What can we get for you? You need only relax. You have done us all the greatest honor this night.”

  Noori opened sleepy eyes to whisper, “I wish Massarah to rest near me.”

  The old man smiled. “Thy will be done, child. Sadiq?”

  Sadiq stood and carried the child to Noori’s side. He placed the warm, sleepy body of the small prince into the crook of Noori’s arms, smiling as the other man’s face became peaceful once more.

  Alimah smiled as well, and then he listened to the healer’s instructions about the medicine for Noori. He nodded and walked the man to the tent flap, bidding him a good evening.

  #

  When the sheikh strode through the tent flap, he came to an abrupt halt as he took in Sadiq and Alimah huddle
d together. Then he saw Noori and Massarah, and he immediately moved to kneel next to the pallet. The tent flap stirred again and Massarah’s nurse entered, looking anxious.

  “Noori,” Shahin said softly, one hand touching his cheek as his other stroked the sleeping Massarah’s hair. “I am here; all is well,” Shahin whispered, leaning to kiss Massarah’s forehead. The exhausted child didn’t even move. “Let me take Massarah,” Shahin urged quietly, sliding his hands under his son.

  Noori loosened the hold he had on the toddler, and cradling his son close, Shahin closed his eyes and offered a prayer of thanks to the heavens. He reached out and laid a comforting hand against Noori’s cheek for a long moment. Then he stood, kissed Massarah again, and carefully eased him into the nurse’s arms.

  Shahin moved back to the pallet, kneeling beside it again and taking Noori’s hand. His brow furrowed as he took in the bruises and contusions on Noori’s torso, and he looked to Sadiq and Alimah for explanation.

  “He said he was beaten and left for dead,” Alimah said quietly, having moved from Sadiq’s lap to stand at his side.

  Sadiq rose to his feet and approached the pallet the servant rested on. “The healer said there were no broken bones. Lucky.”

  Shahin’s shoulders relaxed a bit, and he nodded. “You both have my deepest gratitude.”

  Sadiq dipped his head in reverence. “You both have my deepest respect.” He nodded toward Noori, indicating him along with Shahin.

  “There is a tent for you. Go; take your well-earned ease. We will start back for Meda’in Saleh sometime tomorrow after everyone has rested. I have unfinished business with Qutaibah.” Shahin’s eyes were bleak and unforgiving as he spoke of his enemy.

  Sadiq nodded. “As have I.” He moved to leave the tent before offering his arm in a companionable gesture. “You have my loyalty, my lord,” he said as he pledged his service.

  Shahin took his arm in return with a short nod. “You have my protection, Sadiq,” he replied in answer to the pledge.

  Chapter 16

  Some hours passed as Shahin sat in his tent, holding vigil near Noori’s side. The nurse had smiled and retired to the far side of the tent with the sleeping Massarah in her arms, so Shahin knew they were near. He spent most of the time deep in thought, examining the strong emotions that swamped him concerning Noori. He knew now that he had somehow grown to love this man, this man who had nearly given his life to protect Massarah. Shahin could no longer deny his heart. The fiercely possessive furor that had filled him on the long hours of riding across the desert was not only for his son.

  He blinked when he heard a low groan escaping Noori’s lips. “Water,” Noori rasped.

  Torn from his ruminations, Shahin quickly took up his own goblet of water and slid his other arm under Noori’s shoulders, tilting him up and pressing the cup to his lips.

  Noori took a few sips before looking up into Shahin’s eyes. “Prince Massarah? He is safe?”

  “Yes, he is well and safe with his nurse,” Shahin answered quietly as he set the goblet aside, easing Noori back down onto the pallet. “Are you in pain?” he asked, concern coloring his voice.

  “A touch.” Noori laughed softly. “Not as much as before.” He could not help himself; he reached out to take Shahin’s hand.

  Shahin nodded, easily twining his fingers with Noori’s. “I would that you not hurt,” he said, brow furrowed.

  “It would hurt worse knowing I had failed you, my lord,” Noori whispered.

  “You did not, my faithful servant,” Shahin answered quietly, squeezing his hand carefully.

  Noori lifted apologetic eyes to the sheikh. “I am sorry I could not protect them both, my lord.”

  Raising a hand, Shahin shook his head. “From Mother’s words, I know not even I could have stopped what happened. You protected my son. Although you were separated from him and injured, you found him and kept him safe. For that, you will always have my gratitude.”

  Noori lowered his eyes once more. “I do not wish your gratitude, my lord. I was merely proving my loyalty to your lordship and house.”

  “Your loyalty is unquestionable. You showed you cared,” Shahin murmured. His hand rose so that his knuckles brushed Noori’s cheek, and without warning, his fingers moved to the platinum wrap on the servant’s ear, pulling it free gently.

  Noori’s head lifted with the action, and his eyes filled with tears. “You wish me to leave?”

  Shahin shook his head slowly as he moved from his seat to kneel next to Noori. “No,” he said in a bare breath. “I wish you to stay, a free man, of free choice. You have more than earned your freedom.”

  Noori nodded, lowering his gaze. “I wish to stay. But I will always be your servant, my lord, whether by your will or not. I would serve you unto death,” he vowed in a low tone.

  “Call me by my name,” Shahin ordered softly, moving both hands to cup Noori’s face and turn his shining eyes up to him.

  “Yes, my lord,” Noori murmured. He poised his lips, shaping the word, “Shahin,” as he looked into Shahin’s eyes.

  Shahin’s shoulders sagged in a rare show of weakness. “You need but say my name, and I am your servant, in all things,” he murmured raggedly.

  “Shahin,” Noori whispered again, lifting a hand to Shahin’s torso. “I do not wish a servant, but a friend. A….” He closed his mouth, inhaling deeply.

  Unable to hold back any longer, Shahin leaned down and captured Noori’s lips in a longing kiss. Though a simple press of their mouths, Shahin felt complete as never before. When he pulled back slightly, he rasped, “A lover?”

  Noori nodded slowly, surely. “A lover, yes. I wish a lover.” He lifted his lips once more, brushing them against Shahin’s.

  Shahin pulled his head back, lips out of range, eyes sparkling with happiness. “Not just any lover,” he said, clasping his hands about Noori’s.

  A soft smile spread across Noori’s lips. “Not just any lover. I desire only you.”

  Tilting his head, Shahin strung together the words he’d bottled up in fear as he’d ridden across the sands to Qutaibah’s secret camp. “I don’t just want you here. I want you here with me. In my bed, in my arms, in my life.”

  Noori’s eyes closed, and he dipped his head once in assent.

  Heart pounding, Shahin pressed his lips to Noori’s forehead, his temple, his closed eyes, his cheekbone. “You hold my heart,” he whispered achingly.

  Noori lifted a hand to Shahin’s cheek, following every movement as he was kissed over and over again. “I have loved you for a long while now, Shahin.”

  With a shuddering breath, Shahin laid his forehead against Noori’s chest. “Truly, the heavens have blessed me.”

  “I am the fortunate one,” Noori countered. “A kind and benevolent lord purchased me from the depths of hell. Not only has he given me a home I love, but he has given me the freedom I crave. By that gift, I am indentured even further, because I am a slave to his heart now.”

  “Then we are slaves to each other,” Shahin said softly.

  Chapter 17

  “Noori, would you mind too terribly making an emergency errand for me?” Karam asked, stepping into the tent, clutching at a messy stack of papers.

  Looking up from where he worked on tallying candle stores, Noori answered. “I do not mind. Simply tell me what I must do, and I will do it.” He stood from his perch on an upturned cask, wiping the nib of his quill on a rag. “What needs done?”

  “You know I am courting? Well, she asked for oranges today, and the only store is at the oasis,” Karam explained. “It would be a great favor to me if you would fetch a bag. I must finish these reports that are already overdue,” he said, hanging his head as if ashamed.

  An indulgent smile crossed Noori’s face, and he laid a gentle hand upon Karam’s arm, hoping to calm the nervous man. “Of course I will retrieve the oranges for you. I would not impede my dear friend’s efforts to find a wife.”

  Karam looked pathetically relieve
d. “Noori, you are such a friend to me. Rami said he would prepare a horse that knows the way to the oasis for you. Thank you, my friend, thank you!” he said as he escaped from the tent.

  Putting his figures away, Noori tidied the area before heading out into the late-afternoon heat. True to Karam’s word, he found Rami waiting with a mount. “Many blessings, friend Rami. I would tarry with you, but I fear Karam will have my head if I am late in my return from the oasis.”

  Rami’s lips twitched. “I think Karam worries too much,” he said drolly. “This mount will take you safely across the sands. Fear not; he is well trained.”

  “’Tis not an issue of training,” Noori countered. “Merely that his subjects love the sheikh so much that they all strive to do his will in all things. Would you agree with that statement?” He mounted the horse, smiling down at Rami. “’Twill be a speedy journey.”

  Not even trying to hide his chuckle, Rami nodded. “I would agree, friend Noori. May the heavens smile upon you on your journey.”

  Noori nodded in answer, urging the horse forward. As they left the fringes of the small city, the mount broke into a fast trot, sending him through the cooling evening air. After some time had passed, the horse slowed once more, and Noori found himself near the edge of the oasis.

  Familiar with the path, the horse picked its way down the trail into the cleft between the cliffs, the sand and stone giving way to show the small, shadowy green grotto transformed. A large tent stood to one side, marked with torches. Hanging torches ringed the oasis, and more floated upon the water itself, safely away from the waterfall.

  A small frown knit Noori’s brows at the sight of the tent. He wondered if Shahin knew that someone had made camp at this favored area of his kingdom. Halting the horse, he slid from the animal’s back and tied the tether loosely to a nearby palm. He picked his way silently and tentatively into the encampment, unsure of what he would find.