Sheik

by Mason, Connie

  “Indeed, my lord. Shouldn’t you be awakening Lady Zara? I will await you by the wall.”

  “Allah be praised. How did you get over the wall without the guard seeing you?”

  “In good time, Jamal. Youssef and the horses grow impatient. You must hurry. We must be far away from Meknes before the sultan learns you are missing and sends his army after you.” Turning abruptly, Haroun disappeared into the dark, shadowy reaches of the garden.

  Zara awoke to the sound of voices. Her eyes opened just as a dark shadow passed through the door. “Jamal!” She jerked upright, holding the sheet against her naked breasts. “Where are you?”

  “Over here, my love.”

  She saw him then. He was fully dressed and walking toward her. “I was about to wake you. Haroun was here. He’s waiting in the garden for us. You must dress quickly.”

  Joy suffused her beautiful features as she leaped out of bed. “Now do you believe me, oh doubting one?”

  “I’ll never doubt you again,” Jamal laughed, hugging her tightly. “Hurry, sweet vixen. I don’t know how Haroun is going to get us over that wall, but if anyone can do it, he can.”

  Minutes later they joined Haroun at the wall. Jamal was surprised to see a rope dangling down within reach, held in place at the top by a pronged hook. He gave it a tug and found it surprisingly secure.

  “How did you keep from getting cut to pieces on the broken glass at the top of the wall?” Jamal asked.

  Haroun grinned. “Look up.”

  Jamal gazed up, to the very top of the wall. He could just make out something white spread over a section of the wall. “What is it?”

  “A thick sheepskin rug. Is that not clever? It was Youssef’s idea. When I reached the top of the wall I reversed the hook so the rope hung down into the garden. Then it was a simple matter to let myself down.”

  Jamal still was not convinced. “Once we climb to the top of the wall, how are we to descend?”

  “That is even more clever. Wait and see. By the way, that was my idea. Youssef insists that Lady Zara go first.”

  “Can you do it, Zara?” Jamal asked worriedly.

  “Easily,” Zara replied. “Give me a boost.”

  Jamal grasped her waist and lifted her until she had a good grip on the rope. Then, bracing her feet against the wall, she slowly climbed toward the top. It was a long way up and she didn’t look down. When she reached the top she rested on the sheepskin rug and looked down, wondering how she was going to descend to the other side.

  “What is she going to do now?” Jamal wanted to know. “I hope you’ve got this all figured out, Haroun. If Zara is hurt, I’ll never forgive you.”

  “Just watch,” Haroun said complacently.

  Jamal’s features contorted in dismay as Zara launched herself from the top of the wall and dropped from sight. “Allah help her! What happened?”

  “Not now, Jamal. You go next. I will follow and remove the rope. The sultan will drive himself crazy wondering how you escaped.”

  Trusting Haroun completely, Jamal grabbed the rope and walked up the side of the wall to the top. He paused a moment at the crest to peer downward into the darkness. He could barely make out the dark-robed figures standing below. Joy bubbled up inside him when he saw a donkey cart piled high with hay.

  “Jump!” Zara’s voice floated up to him through the darkness and he obeyed instantly, launching himself from the top of the wall. He landed in the hay with a thump. The wind was knocked out of him, but he was otherwise unharmed. Zara scrambled up beside him.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine, what about you?”

  She rubbed her rump. “I have a bruise or two but nothing serious.”

  “Out, both of you!” Youssef hissed. “Haroun is already at the top of the wall.”

  Together they scrambled out of the cart and gazed up at Haroun. The rope came down first and was quickly disposed of. Then Haroun leaped from the wall into the cart, dragging the rug with him.

  “Where is the guard who usually patrols this section?” Jamal asked.

  “I took care of him,” Youssef said. “Come, we must leave while the city still sleeps.”

  Suddenly a man appeared from the shadows beneath the wall and climbed into the wagon. Without a word he picked up the reins, slapped the donkey’s rear and moved the cart down the deserted street. In minutes it had disappeared into the night.

  “Come, Zinab waits nearby with the horses.”

  “Zinab? The slave girl? Are you mad, Youssef? What is she doing here?”

  “Zara offered her our protection. Zinab insisted upon accompanying us, and I hadn’t the heart to deny her. She isn’t safe in the city. Ishmail will scour the area for her once your escape is discovered. He will believe that she was in the room when you disappeared and was the last person to see you. Should Ishmail find her, she’ll be severely punished for her part in your escape.”

  “Escape wouldn’t have been possible without Zinab,” Zara said. “She is welcome to come with us, isn’t she, Jamal?”

  “Of course, but we must hurry. ’Tis imperative that we reach Tangier as quickly as possible, before Ishmail confiscates my ship.”

  They melted away into the shadows, following Youssef through the narrow streets of the medina. Zinab was waiting with the horses in an alleyway. Maintaining silence, they mounted and rode away. Youssef signaled a halt a few miles beyond the city.

  The skies were still very dark, with no sign of approaching dawn. A sliver of moon hung low in the sky. Zara watched as it slid behind a cloud and disappeared. She knew without being told that the time had come for her father to return to his mountain stronghold. Zara was torn. One part of her wanted to remain with Youssef, to ride at his side as she had always done. But another part of her, a softer part she had just recently discovered, recognized that she was no longer the same woman. She was going to have a child, Jamal’s child, and she had to protect that tiny new life growing inside her. But was she prepared to leave the fierce, unforgiving land she loved so dearly? Was she ready to follow Jamal to a strange new place of foreigners and infidels?

  Zara’s ruminations ceased when Youssef began to speak earnestly to her. “’Tis time to part, daughter. I must return to the Rif mountains. I will miss you, but it would be selfish of me not to want a better life for you.”

  Zara felt certain the sound she heard was that of her heart breaking. “I cannot leave you, Father. Jamal will understand. I must stay and fight on.”

  Jamal nudged his horse closer and grasped the reins from her hands. His voice was hard, unrelenting. “The only thing I understand is that you will come with me. Youssef agrees with me. Leaving Morocco is in your own best interest. You are mine, Zara. I won’t let you leave me.”

  “Protect her well, Jamal,” Youssef said, resigned to the loss of his beloved daughter.

  “Zara will reside with me in the ancestral home of the Earl of Lanford in Kent County,” Jamal said. “Direct your messages to her there.”

  “Who is the Earl of Lanford?” Zara asked. “You told me your mother resides in England. Is the earl a relative?”

  “I am Jamal Brantly, the Earl of Lanford,” Jamal admitted. “Before Grandfather died I was merely a marquis. I inherited his title last year in addition to vast estates in Ireland and England and a fortune to go along with it.”

  Zara was stunned. What other secrets was Jamal hiding? “Do you have wives and concubines in England?”

  Jamal chuckled. “England permits a man to have only one wife. Some men keep mistresses, but I’ve yet to hear of an Englishman with a harem. Fear not, sweet vixen, you are all the woman I need.” What he didn’t say was that his mother had a young noblewoman all picked out for him to marry. Although he had never agreed to the match, his mother was quite set on it.

  “May I have a word alone with Zara?” Youssef asked.

  “Of course, but please remember ’tis dangerous to tarry. We’ll make a quick stop first at Paradise, then
proceed directly to Tangier.”

  “I will be brief.”

  Jamal didn’t want to drop Zara’s reins but reluctantly did so as he moved off to confer with Haroun.

  “What is it, Father?” Zara asked. “Have you changed your mind? Do you want me to stay with you?”

  “I want you to be happy, Zara. If you cannot abide going to England with Jamal, I won’t force you to leave. Are you truly set against becoming Jamal’s wife? My heart tells me you love the man.”

  “I cannot lie to you, Father. I do love Jamal. And I believe he loves me. But England is so far away. It will be like starting life all over in a strange place where nothing is familiar.”

  “Then you wish to remain in Morocco?”

  She dropped her gaze. “I’m carrying Jamal’s child.”

  “Ah, now I understand.” He regarded her through slitted eyes, his expression fierce. “Had you told me this before, I would not have allowed you to risk your life in Jamal’s behalf.”

  “That’s why I didn’t tell you. Jamal doesn’t even know yet.”

  Suddenly Jamal appeared beside them. “We must leave. ’Tis dangerous to dally.”

  “Jamal is right, daughter. You must go. Your place is with Jamal now.” He raised his hand in farewell. “May Allah protect you and the ba—”

  “Father!” Zara shook her head. She wanted to be the one to tell Jamal about their child. “Allah guard you and keep you, Father.” A sob caught in her throat as Youssef rode off into the night.

  Taking no chances, Jamal regained possession of Zara’s reins and set both horses into motion. Less than an hour later they reached Paradise. Jamal was so certain his escape wouldn’t be discovered until they were well on their way to Tangier that he decided the brief stop was necessary to tie up loose ends.

  Awakened from sleep, Hammet stood before his master, wringing his hands as he listened carefully to Jamal’s words.

  “I don’t have long, Hammet. Zara and I must be away before daylight. There is much to be done before the sultan’s men arrive to confiscate my home and property. Praise Allah that most of my wealth was transferred to England during my last trip. I intend to take only a small purse of gold coins with me to Tangier. The rest is to be distributed equally among my men-at-arms, the servants, slaves, Nafisa, Dr. David ben Israel, yourself and Haroun. There is enough in my treasury to make all of you wealthy.”

  Just then Haroun entered the room, followed by everyone who lived and worked in the palace. “Everyone has been awakened, Jamal. They await your orders.”

  “Some of you may already know,” Jamal said, addressing the large group of men and women gathered in his outer chamber, “that I am a wanted man, condemned to death by the sultan. I owe my life to Lady Zara, her father and Haroun. Morocco is no longer safe for me. I plan to leave the country aboard my ship. I must leave here within the hour. Since you are all my responsibility, it is my wish that every slave be set free. Slaves, men-at-arms and servants, all will receive a purse with gold enough for each one of you to pursue a new life.” An excited murmur rose up around him.

  “Haroun will see to the distribution. I suggest you all leave before Moulay Ishmail’s soldiers arrive to confiscate the property.”

  Dr. David ben Israel stepped forward. “I have always wanted to see England, my lord. Would you have room on your ship for my humble person?”

  “And I, my lord,” Nafisa contended. “I am an old lady with nowhere to go. I beg you, take me with you. I can be helpful to you and your lady.”

  “I, too, wish to accompany you, master,” Hammet said with great dignity. “No Englishman can take care of you as I can.”

  “It goes without saying that I will join you, Jamal,” Haroun declared. “I have been to England with you many times in the past. I will serve you in England as I served you here.”

  Jamal was truly touched. “Are you sure, my friends? England is not the sunny country to which you’re accustomed. It is cold and damp and dreary.”

  “It will be a great adventure,” David ben Israel proclaimed. “I may be old but certainly not too ancient to enjoy a new adventure.”

  Nafisa and Hammet nodded their heads in mutual agreement.

  “Very well,” Jamal allowed. “But a large group traveling to Tangier will arouse suspicion. Here is what I propose. Zara and I will go to Tangier, board my ship and set sail immediately for Mogador, the pirate stronghold on the Atlantic coast. Ishmail won’t think to look for us there. Those of you who wish to accompany me to England will meet the Plunderer at Mogador. Trust Haroun to lead you there safely.”

  Haroun frowned. “My place is with you, Jamal.”

  “Others need you more than I right now, my friend. Fear not, Zara and I will encounter no trouble. Besides, there is much for you to accomplish here before the sultan’s men arrive. Distribute the gold and silver according to my wishes. Strip the palace of all valuables and distribute them and the stores of food among the villagers. Better they should have them than the sultan.

  “If we reach Mogador first, we will wait for you. If you reach there first, I will look for you at the Pirate’s Lair Inn on the waterfront.”

  “I do not wish to go to England.” The crowd parted as Saha stepped forward.

  Jamal spit out a curse. He had forgotten about his former concubine. Saha belonged to Haroun now, and Jamal had no say in her fate.

  “You will go where I go,” Haroun said sharply. “Prepare for our journey, we leave at dawn.” He turned to Hammet, Nafisa and the doctor. “Go now and make ready for the journey. Take only what you need, for speed is of the essence.”

  “One more thing, Haroun,” Jamal added. “I am placing Zinab in your care. She wishes to accompany Zara to England and I haven’t the heart to deny her.”

  Though Haroun did not relish the thought of playing nursemaid to a fifteen-year-old seductress, he nodded his head.

  After everyone filed out of his outer chamber, Jamal entered his bed chamber, where he had left Zara. He hoped she had gotten some rest in the short time allowed her. He found her sound asleep, her cheek resting on her hands. She looked so appealing, so innocently tantalizing, he had to forcibly prevent himself from tearing off his clothes and joining her. Unfortunately, there was no time now. Once aboard his ship they could indulge themselves to their hearts’ content. Perhaps he wouldn’t let her out of bed until they reached London. He smiled at the thought of making love to Zara day and night, for all the weeks it would take to reach their destination.

  Perching on the edge of the couch, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Zara murmured in her sleep and smiled, utterly beguiling Jamal. “Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s time to leave.”

  Zara stirred and opened her eyes. She reached out to him and he gathered her against him. “I’m ready. What time is it?”

  “Two hours till dawn. Our horses are waiting. Nafisa has packed clothing for us and the servants have prepared food. You must eat something before we leave.”

  As if Jamal’s words had conjured him up, Hammet entered the bed chamber carrying a tray. “Extra food is being packed for your journey, master. Allah be with you and your lady.”

  “And with you, Hammet. We will meet again in Mogador.”

  While Zara ate the rice and lamb and drank mint tea, Jamal explained what had taken place while she slept.

  “What if they aren’t happy in England?” Zara asked as she bit into an almond cake dripping with honey.

  “Then the Plunderer will carry them back to Morocco, or anywhere else in the world they wish to settle.”

  “What if I’m not happy, Jamal?”

  Jamal was silent so long, Zara thought he hadn’t heard her. Finally he said, “I will make you so happy you’ll never wish to leave me, sweet vixen. I will teach you English during the voyage to England, and tell you about all the customs you’ll doubtlessly find strange. Trust me, Zara. I love you. I’ll never deliberately make you unhappy.”

  As he sealed his vow with a kiss, Zara pray
ed it would be so.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The moon slid out from behind the clouds as Zara and Jamal mounted fresh horses and rode away from Paradise. Hammet and Haroun saw them off, then turned back to the palace to carry out Jamal’s orders concerning the disposal of his property.

  Overwhelmed by sadness, Jamal did not look back as he rode through the waning night. Losing the home that had been his father’s pride and joy was like being separated from an integral part of himself. As long as Moulay Ishmail lived, Jamal knew he would not be able to return to the country he loved, and the thought was devastating. Yet, at the same time, he was filled with a curious excitement.

  Jamal had always enjoyed his visits to England. He was an English earl, rich enough to do as he pleased, go wherever he wanted. A whole new life was opening to him, and being of an optimistic nature, he tried to concentrate on all the opportunities England offered him.

  Pirating was becoming more dangerous and the pickings slimmer. As much as he had enjoyed the excitement of plundering ships on the high seas, it was time he turned his talents to other pursuits. He had Zara now. She was all the excitement he needed. He could ask for no greater gift than to lie in her arms and make love to her every night for the rest of their lives.

  Zara’s thoughts were more confusing and less optimistic. Leaving behind her father and everything she had ever known and loved was horribly painful. She knew nothing of England and its people. She couldn’t even speak the language. What little Jamal had told her hadn’t been reassuring. At least the women weren’t required to reside in harems and veil their faces when they walked abroad, she reflected on a happier note.

  Zara couldn’t help wondering if Jamal would change when they reached England. She had always thought of him as an Arab, but in truth he was half English. How would she compare with the pale English roses she’d heard so much about? She tried not to dwell on England and her reception there, concentrating instead on the babe growing inside her.

  Jamal called a halt shortly after daylight to rest and water the horses. Zara was so tired, she had to be lifted from her mount. Jamal placed her beneath a shady olive tree while he led the horses to a stream to drink. When he returned, Zara was fast asleep. He let her sleep for two hours before awakening her.