"I will do no such thing. Have you lost your senses?"
"If you do not tell him I want to see him, I shall just be forced to go with Tajarez without his consent."
Tess knew by the stubborn set of Mara's chin she would do just that. Crumbling to herself, she ascended the stairs. "This is not my doing. I will not shoulder the blame."
Mara found Jeffery waiting for her in their father's study.
"What are you up to? I have watched you floating around all morning, smiling at everyone, looking as if you were the bird that swallowed the worm."
"I will tell you when David and Linda join us."
"Good lord, you did not disturb David and Linda, did you/
"I did, and with good reason, as you will see."
David and Linda entered the study, holding hands. David's eyes immediately sought his sister. "Tess came knocking on our door, acting like a crazy person. She said I had better talk to you before you ruined your life forever. What is this all about?"
"If you will sit down, I will tell you."
David sat Linda down on the sofa, and then sat beside her. Jeffery sat on the arm of a chair, studying his sister.
"I applaud your ability to get everyone's interest, Mara. You are now the center of attention. Talk," Jeffery said in an amused voice.
"I am going to be married," she blurted out.
"Are you crazed?" David fired, rising quickly to his feet despite Linda's restraining hand. "You had better explain that statement, miss. If this is some jest, I can assure you I am not amused."
Jeffery watched his sister's face, dreading her answer. Could the Indian, Tajarez, have found her?
"It is no jest, David. Tajarez was here last night. I do not know how he found me, but he wants me to marry him and go to his home with him. I told him I would."
"Over my dead body," David said, running his fingers through his hair.
"Do you think we will allow you to marry an Indian, a savage?" Jeffery injected.
"Think what your friends will say," David added.
"Do you think I care one whit what my friends say? I only know Tajarez loves me and wants me. That is the only thing I care about. I will go with him, with or without your blessing," she said defiantly.
"Like hell you will!" David said.
"Mara, have you considered the consequences?"
Linda said quietly. "Are you prepared to leave your home and family and to travel to some unknown destination? I have heard stories of the hard life the Indians live. I understand they live a most meager existence. You are used to every comfort, and all the finer things in life. I do not believe you could exist in some filthy hovel."
"Linda, you of all people should understand. You are a woman in love; you know what I am feeling.'1
"It is not the same, Mara. David and I come from the same world. We grew up together, knowing that we would one day wed. You really know nothing about this man. You have known him for such a short time. I love you as my own sister, and would not like to see you make a mistake that would ruin your whole life."
"Nothing you say makes the slightest difference to me. True, I have known Tajarez a short time, but the love is genuine all the same."
"You are under age, and as your guardian, I will never permit this folly, Mara. It would not be six months before you would be home begging me to take you back. No, I will not permit it," David stated firmly.
Jeffery rose and stood before Mara. "I cannot believe we are standing here discussing your going away with an Indian. Have we all lost our minds?"
Mara pushed Jeffery aside and turned to David. "You can lock me in my room, and you can watch me every waking hour, but you cannot prevent me from going to him. Why won't any of you understand, I love him."
David jammed his hands in his pockets and walked over to the window. He had not handled the situation very well. He had tried to do what he knew was best. He found he could not stand the thought of an Indian's touching his sister, much less marrying her. He turned to Jeffery.
"You talk some sense to her. She has always listened to you in the past."
"No one needs to talk to me," Mara said, sitting down on the edge of the sofa. "If you loved me, as you say you do, you would want to see me happy."
Linda took her hand and squeezed it. "It is because we love you that we are concerned for your happiness. I had envisioned us as a family. When you and Jeffery marry, we could be so close, and our children could grow up together."
Mara was touched by Linda's declaration. She would miss her family, but she would go with Tajarez, no matter what. Rising quickly to her feet, she ran to David and threw her arms around him as tears spilled down her cheeks. "I implore you to just meet and talk with Tajarez. I know you will like him."
David could never stand the sight of his sister's tears. His arms went around her comfortingly as he looked at Jeffery over her shoulder. "How can I communicate with this man? You said he could not speak."
"His English is as good as yours or mine, David. Will you go to his camp and at least talk to him before you make up your mind?"
"If he comes here, I will speak to him. I would welcome the chance to thank the man who saved your life, but I will not give you to him."
"When do we meet this Tajarez?" Jeffery asked.
"Today. This afternoon he is sending a man to escort you and David to his camp."
"He what?" David's voice boomed out. "Does he think he is some damned king or something?"
"David, what difference where you meet him? We do owe this man a great deal," Linda spoke up. "And I am going also."
"Linda, who knows what we will find when we get there? I do not think it is wise for you to go."
"Nevertheless, I am going," she told him stubbornly.
"Let her go, David. I confess to being curious about seeing this Indian camp myself," Jeffery said.
"All right, I know when I am outnumbered." David gave in grudgingly. He held Mara away from him. "I will go to this camp, and I will speak to this man, but I will not give you to him. Is that clearly understood? When did you say this Indian guide would be here?"
Mara kissed her brother on the cheek. "He will be here this afternoon. I will have George saddle the horses," she called over her shoulder as she rushed from the room.
After she had gone, the two brothers looked at each other.
"I hope I am doing the right thing, Jeffery. I tried to think what father would do in my place."
Jeffery shrugged his shoulders. "Let us just take it one step at a time. It may be that the Indian will not take her against your wishes."
"I cannot put much hope in that."
"Do you suppose they will have their faces painted?" Linda asked.
"I certainly hope not," Jeffery said, laughing. "I believe they paint their faces when they are on the warpath."
"I still think you should remain here, Linda," her husband told her. "We do not know what we might encounter."
"Oh, no, you are not leaving me behind. I want to see what this Tajarez looks like. He must be special if he won Mara where all others failed."
David heard a rider approach the front of the house. Pulling the curtains aside, he saw an Indian dismount. He stood beside his horse, tall and proud.
"Look at this!" David motioned for Linda and Jeffery to join him at the window.
"I have never seen anyone who resembles him. Look at the silver around his head and upper arm," Jeffery said.
"He looks very fierce. I would hate to cross him," Linda said, feeling fear prickle her spine.
"Jeffery, go and tell George to bring our mounts around to the front. Then tell Mara we are leaving," David said.
When George led the horses to the front of the house, he stared at the Indian in shocked surprise. Jeffery had warned him what to expect, but he could not help gaping as the Indian stood with his arms folded across his chest.
Palomas quickly dismissed George as unimportant. He was very aware of everything that went on around him. His kee
n hearing picked up every sound. He saw the three persons who came out the front door. He looked at the man with the golden hair. Tajarez had told him about the Golden One's brothers. His eyes moved to the woman. She was beautiful, but her hair was a soft brown, and not the golden color. He did not know who she was. The prince had not said a woman would be with the men.
The door opened a second time and Palomas saw her. Nothing Palomas had been told prepared him for the lovely vision with the golden hair. His eyes locked with her green ones, and he was lost. Swallowing a lump in his throat, he walked slowly toward her.
Mara stared in awe as the Indian advanced. His buckskin vest and trousers were beaded in silver to match the silver and turquoise armband and headband that he wore. The man was not handsome, but he moved with such grace and agility that Mara thought him almost handsome.
The four Goldens watched, awestruck, as the big man went down on one knee before Mara and lowered his head.
Mara was completely at a loss. Was it not out of character for an Indian to bow before a woman? She looked at Jeffery for some direction, but he was staring at the strange occurrence. So Mara did the only thing she could under the circumstances. She touched the bowed head and smiled shyly as he raised his head to look at her.
"Hello. Are you sent by Tajarez?" It was a senseless statement, she chided herself. Of course he was sent by Tajarez.
The man rose and nodded. "Tajarez," he repeated. He then walked away from her to stand beside his horse. Palomas waited until they had all mounted, noting the strange seats fastened to their saddles. He mounted his horse, and with one last glance at the Golden One, led the group into the forest, Jeffery riding beside him, while Linda and David rode just behind.
Mara watched until they were out of sight. She felt apprehensive about the meeting, but Tajarez had said to trust him. She wished she could have gone with them. The waiting was going to be very difficult.
Jeffery rode alongside the Indian, feeling a sense of adventure. How his friends would envy him when they learned he had visited an Indian camp.
When they came to what should have been the end of the trail, David noted that the trail had been expanded, and as they wound around a bend, he saw a large clearing. There were many tents that had been erected in the clearing, and one huge white one stood apart from all the rest. They dismounted, and the Indian motioned for them to follow him as he made his way to the big white tent. They were surrounded by many Indian braves, who were dressed very much as was their guide. The dark eyes seemed to bore into them. The guide left them at the entrance.
The flap was immediately pushed aside, and a young Indian maiden stepped through the opening and smiled shyly at them. She was dressed in soft, fawn-colored buckskin with silver and turquoise beading. Her hair was as black as midnight and was encircled by a silver and turquoise headband. Her upper arm was spanned by a matching bracelet.
Jeffery thought her the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
"My name is Sasha," she told them in lilting English. "I am cousin to the prince, Tajarez, who is prince royal to the Lagonda tribe, son of the king, and future king of the Seven Cities of Gold. In his name, I bid you welcome."
The Goldens exchanged startled glances. Then Jeffery stepped forward and smiled. "We are indeed pleased to meet you, Sasha. My name is Jeffery. This is my brother, David, and his wife, Linda."
Sasha looked into the green eyes of Jeffery Golden, then at his hair, which was the golden color. Surely, he was the most beautiful man she had ever met. She blushed and lowered her head, unable to look into his eyes any longer. "Please enter. My prince awaits within." She pulled the flap aside and allowed them to precede her.
The three Goldens stood in stunned silence. The ground was covered with white ermine skins. There were white doeskin cushions placed about the room, and there was a table set with golden plates and flagons. There was a curtained-off area at the end of the tent, and they watched as the curtains were swept aside and two men walked slowly toward them. The two men looked very much alike, except that one was taller and dressed in white doeskin. His dark head was encircled with a band of the purest gold, while a golden armband in the shape of a cobra spanned his upper arm.
The Indian dressed in white smiled and inclined his head slightly. His bearing was noble, his face exceedingly handsome.
"Welcome, I am Tajarez. This is my cousin, Anias." He indicated the man on his right. "I am sorry he does not speak English. My cousin Sasha you have already met. Her English is quite good."
None of the Goldens seemed able to respond.
Tajarez stopped before David. "I welcome you, David, as the eldest and head of the Golden family."
David nodded, still unable to speak.
Tajarez moved to Linda. "Linda Golden, may I wish you every happiness in your marriage? You are as lovely as Mara told me."
Linda smiled, warmed by his friendliness. "I thank you on both accounts," she told him, offering him her hand automatically.
He took it and bowed gracefully over it. Then Tajarez turned to Jeffery. "Jeffery Golden, we met briefly yesterday. It is easy to see that you favor your sister."
Jeffery looked him over while they shook hands. "Yes, I believe we collided in the entryway."
"That we did, Jeffery. You will forgive me for not introducing myself at the time. It did not seem the appropriate moment."
Tajarez turned to Sasha. "Sasha, bring my guests a drink that they may refresh themselves." Then he turned back to David. "Please, be seated."
He waited until they were seated and then sat down beside David. Sasha handed David a golden flagon, and he took a small sip. The liquid was sweet and tasted of honey and spice. When he looked up, he saw Tajarez was watching him closely.
David spoke for the first time. "I wish to extend my gratitude to you for saving my sister. It is because of you that she was returned to us safely. I would like to repay you, if you will allow me to."
"What value do you place on your sister, David?"
David looked about him, taking in the richness of his surroundings, and doubted that Tajarez would want money.
'There is no price that one can place on another human being, especially one such as my sister."
"Well said, David. My reward was in knowing Mara was returned to the family who loves her."
"I will be forever in your debt."
Tajarez waved him aside. "I will not insult your intelligence, David, by making small talk. You know why I asked you here. I wish your permission to marry your sister."
"My gratitude does not extend that far, Tajarez."
Tajarez watched him closely. "Would your objection be because I am an Indian, or because you do not know
"Mostly the first reason, partly the second."
Tajarez nodded. "I thank you for your honesty. I am well aware of the little regard the white race has for the Indian. My father's prejudices are likened to yours. Only in his case, it is the white race he has small regard for."
David looked astounded for a moment. "How would he feel about your marriage to a white woman?"
"I must tell you in all honesty, at first he was not well pleased. But he will welcome Mara as a daughter, if you would give her into my keeping."
"Would you take her against my wishes?"
"No. If you were to tell me never to see Mara again, I would honor your wish. I respect you as head of the Golden family. But I hope you will not reject me until you have heard me out."
"Have you any other wives at home?" Jeffery asked.
Tajarez smiled. "I have no wife, Jeffery, nor am I permitted but one. And when I take a wife, it is not permitted for me to ever take any other to my bed. It is a law of the Lagonda. To do so is punishable by death."
Linda's face turned scarlet. David gave her a look that plainly said he had warned her not to come along. Jeffery chuckled. "If that was a law among my race, there would be no one left to carry out the punishment."
"I have to confess to a certain amount of
curiosity," David said. "I have seen many Indians, but your mode of dress and the wealth with which you surround yourself have me puzzled. Will you tell me something about your family and your home?"
"The Lagonda tribe's history goes back for many hundreds of years. Of course, our calendar is very different from yours. Our language is different from all other tribes'. We have a form of writing, and our children are well educated, although I am sure they are taught very differently from the children in your world. As soon as a child can talk, he is by law ordered to attend classes. He is taught not only to read and write, but also to ride, swim, and survive in the wilderness. The girls, of course, are not required to attend. The clothes in which I am now dressed are what we wear when we are outside the hidden valley." He smiled. "We would look conspicuous in our normal wear."
"What do you wear when you are at home?" Linda asked, leaning forward curiously.
"We wear garments of cloth, Linda, although the women's clothes in no way resemble the lovely gown you are wearing."
"Tell us about the hidden valley," Jeffery said.
"There are seven cities, as you may have gathered. The largest of which is where my home is located. The six lesser cities are governed by lesser chiefs, who all pay homage to my father, the king and absolute ruler."
"What is your home like?" Linda asked.
"It is very large, Linda. There are five levels. It is built of stone and mortar, and has many terraces and balconies. I am not sure anyone knows just how many rooms it contains."
"Have you any brothers and sisters?" David asked.
"I had a sister, but she died when I was very young, as did my mother."
"I am sorry," Linda said. "It must have been very difficult for you."
"Yes," he said simply. Tajarez could not tell what David was thinking. This Golden family was very different from what he had come to expect the white race to be like. He knew that if he were not so concerned about whether or not they would allow him to take Mara, he would enjoy talking to them.
"How is it that your cities have gone undetected? I have never heard of your people before," David said.
"Many years ago, white men called the Spanish conquistadors searched for our cities. They had heard rumors of their existence and were greedy for the gold that is so much a part of our life. However, they did not find the hidden valley, nor has any white man ever set foot within our walls, save one. My father once found a white man who was half-frozen and near death. He brought him into our cities and treated him as one of the family. The white man was the cause of the deaths of my mother and sister."
Savage Desire (Savage Lagonda 1) Page 12