Walking to the front they all stood speechless for a moment as the bodies of the dead confronted them.
“Dear heaven’s,” Sophia was stunned by the carnage. “This was a close call.”
“We were very lucky,” Akeim spoke solemnly. “I would not have prevailed against so many had I been alone.”
“So, the lion has teeth,” she breathed.
“Indeed,” Akeim gave her a brief glance before turning away.
“What lion?” Samuel looked around curiously.
“He speaks of your friend,” Sophia enlightened him.
“Alec, a lion?” Samuel scoffed. “What is it about you and all these names? Demons, snakes, lions…” he paused, considering it. “Just out of curiosity, what am I?”
“You’re sneaky like a fox,” Akeim commented dryly before whistling for his horse.
“I’m not so sure I’m flattered,” Samuel snorted, “especially since I so nobly sacrificed myself back there.”
“I’m sure he meant cunning,” Sophia amended diplomatically.
“Perhaps you would prefer being a sacrificial lamb?” Akeim turned with a questioning brow.
“More like a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Alec, who had been listening, amended.
“That’s hardly the way to treat an injured man,” Samuel bemoaned.
“Well then you’ll be really happy about this.” Alec stooped to pick up Samuel’s prized rifle and handed it to him. “Sorry. It was unavoidable.”
“Augh, what has happened to you?” Samuel asked in dismay as he cradled the weapon looking down at the cracked stock with a huge chunk missing.
“I’ll replace it when we get back or,” Alec picked up his own rifle, “you may have mine.”
“Just tell me it was worth the sacrifice.” Samuel replied stoically.
Alec rolled his eyes. “I’m fairly certain it saved my life.”
“Well then, I’ll carry it proudly.”
“I’ll be happy to replace the stock,” Alec offered.
“Nonsense, I shall display it on my mantle in a place of honor.” As a by note he added to the side for Alec’s ears only. “Besides, nothing excites the ladies more than a tale of bravery.”
“I see… Would you care to know how it happened then?” Alec asked curiously.
“Not necessary, I’ll improvise,” Samuel grinned.
Akeim who had been gathering weapons nearby as they spoke came over and handed Samuel a sword that had been broken in half. “You may have this for your trophy as well.”
Samuel eyed the useless stub suspiciously, “Oh, no thank you.”
“Are you sure?” Akeim said with a slight grin on his face. “You obviously need all the help you can get.”
Alec chuckled while Samuel grumbled. “Sure, pull one over on the stunned man. That’s not very sporting.”
Akeim climbed up the rock to where his horse waited for him. “Gather up all their weapons,” he ordered as he mounted his horse, “While I collect the animals.”
“I say,” Samuel complained after he left, “who put him in charge?”
“I did.” Sophia’s voice brooked no defiance.
“Can’t argue with that,” he agreed quickly with a grimace toward Alec.
~*~
Alec looked over at the sun which was sinking low on the horizon. They had ridden for hours along the Nile. Although Akeim had made a habit of riding ahead to scout the terrain first, the threat of being ambushed made for an arduous journey, especially with the extra horses they were herding.
Calling a halt, Akeim finally dismounted. Alec and Samuel walked with him to the ridge. On the other side lay a fishing village that had served as a center of trade for thousands of years. Akeim pulled an eyeglass from the pouch he carried at his waist. Keeping low he used it to assess the village below.
“Well… Do you see any of the Devil’s henchmen?” Samuel asked impatiently.
Akeim continued to watch the people of the town go about their business while ignoring his question. In response, Samuel gave Alec a look of exasperation.
Akeim methodically returned the telescope and eyed them critically. “I think it would be best if we wait until nightfall to ride into town.” He pointed to the terrain below. “We will herd the animals there, to that corral on the edge of it.”
Alec nodded in response.
“I say we ride down there with guns blazing and be on our way.” Samuel argued. “How many can there possibly be anyway?
“From what I could see, it appears that there are several men down there who do not appear to be fishermen.”
“How many were there?” Alec looked back down at the village.
“See that encampment on the other side?”
“Yes.” Alec nodded while Samuel tossed his hands in frustration that Akeim would answer Alec and not him.
“It wasn’t there earlier this spring.”
“There has to be at least a hundred tents down there,” Samuel scoffed. “You actually think they are all in league with the white serpent?”
“Devil,” Alec corrected.
“I’d rather ride in under the cover of darkness and not find out the hard way.” Akeim stood and walked back to where the women were sitting in the shade.
“I’m telling you, he’s starting to get on my nerves.” Samuel whispered.
“No offense,” Alec shrugged his shoulder in commiseration, “but if I had to choose a plan at this time, I’d go with him on this one.”
~*~
They skirted quietly around the buildings of the town after having left most of the animals in the corral. Akeim was first, followed by Alec and the women, Samuel brought up the rear. Each led their own mount, walking beside it, rather than risk riding through the streets.
A man, dressed more like a marauder than fisherman, paused near the entrance of the alley they were hiding in. Much to their horror, he entered the dark passage and relieved himself against the wall. Belching loudly, he then expelled exhaust from the other end before continuing on.
“That was god-awful.” Samuel declared in a whisper to the one closest to him to hear. Cupid snorted softly in response.
Akeim spied around the corner, then looked back, using his arm to signal the others to follow, he started across the street. They all slipped soundlessly into a storage building across the way.
“Wait here,” Akeim turned to the others once the animals were settled. “I will go talk to the Omdeh.”
“The Omdeh?” Alec looked over at Samuel for an explanation.
“The governor,” Samuel responded.
Both Alec and Samuel followed him to a small side door. They waited in silence to make sure the coast was clear. Akeim stood with his face pressed to the narrow opening as he looked out.
“Are you sure you don’t want one of us to go with you?” Alec whispered behind him.
“It is best that I speak to him alone.”
“I could help you make an excellent deal,” Samuel suggested.
Akeim gave him a look of annoyance. “He does not care for foreigners.”
“You have a lot in common then,” Samuel commented dryly.
“On this we agree,” Akeim turned back to the street, monitoring the activity outside.
“Well, seeing as how I’m not going,” Samuel continued despite the man's chafing remark. “Could you see if he has any ammunition?”
“Anything else?” Akeim replied sarcastically over his shoulder.
“Now that you mention it. Do you know if he sells whiskey?” Samuel goaded him. “I’ve heard some tradesmen are dervishes.”
“Meaning?” Alec asked quietly.
“Someone who will sell alcohol to a heathen,” Samuel supplied as he waited for Akeim to answer.
“I am not here to buy you alcohol,” Akeim replied with mounting irritation.
“I am willing to part with this,” Samuel held out a purse of gold coins, “to aid in the deal.”
Akeim briefly turned to see what he of
fered then turned back to the door.
Incredulous, Alec eyed the coins. “You mean you had this on you the whole time?” he whispered in disbelief.
“Of course I’ve had it on me. It’s not like we’ve passed any banks.”
“You mean you could have bought our freedom and you didn’t?” Incredulous, Alec stared at him.
“Are you really going to go back to that?” Samuel responded with a bored sigh.
“Yes!” Alec practically swore.
“I told you… We didn’t have enough on us to ransom a nobleman.”
“And who told them I was a nobleman?” Alec growled in a low voice.
“Why are we discussing this?” Samuel groaned. “You’ve got the girl and your mother off your back.”
“Don’t change the subject. In fact, if I recall correctly, you recommended that I get a dog instead.”
“Shhh—.” Akeim whispered over his shoulder, “Stop squabbling like women.”
Alec glared at Samuel with narrowed eyes, while Samuel innocently pointed at Alec, implying it was him that was causing the trouble. Alec briefly glanced back at the women to make sure they hadn’t heard.
Akeim grabbed the purse with a sigh and left the troublesome pair only to return an hour later with troublesome news.
“Is everything all right?” Sophia asked worriedly as she met him at the door.
“It is as I feared,” Akeim spoke solemnly. “The Maja Hadean has been alerted to keep an eye out for two Englishmen fitting their description.”
“Oh no,” she groaned.
“There is also a reward should they be found.”
“What is it?” Genevieve came forward, “Is something wrong?”
“If who is found?” Samuel asked as he too joined them.
“You,” Akeim informed him.
“Are you serious?” Samuel’s brows shot up in surprise. “Why?”
“This is because of the map isn’t it?” Alec guessed as he looked over at Genevieve who stood beside him. “We should separate. It will be safer for you.”
“No.” Genevieve quickly responded.
“In this case I agree,” Sophia said as she looked at them speculatively. “Besides, this is an easy thing to solve.”
“It is, how?” Samuel asked curiously.
In the dim light filtering through the many cracks between the boards and the open windows high above, Alec could see the expression on her face as she assessed them. “You should know,” he replied warily, “we make terrible women.”
It didn’t take long for both Alec and Samuel to be transformed. Sophia had seen to Samuel’s disguise while Genevieve worked diligently on Alec’s.
“Do I want to know where this came from?” Alec asked as something that resembled a beard was attached to his chin.
“Probably not,” Genevieve smiled sweetly.
She stood before him wrapping the cloth about his head, as she wound the material, she ended up standing between his legs. He tried to keep his eyes off her anatomy, but with her breasts at eye level it would have taken a saint. His thoughts were far from it, especially when she kept brushing against him as she moved.
She leaned forward tucking in the last piece. “I believe you are finished,” she looked down at him. The heated glance he gave her said otherwise. Though a blush rose to her cheeks, she didn’t look away. In fact she accidentally brushed against his thigh, sending scorching heat to his loins. A seductive smile played on her lips.
“Well, how do I look?” Samuel asked as he stood, interrupting them. Genevieve backed away enough so that Alec could see the transformation.
“Let my people go,” Samuel held up a staff mimicking Moses as he assumed his character.
“Seems fitting,” Alec laughed, although it took a few moments longer before he too stood, giving Genevieve a smoldering glance that only she could see.
Both Alec and Samuel wore black robes donated from Genevieve’s wardrobe. Their faces had been smeared with dark grease and they both sported beards that resembled something off of a goat.
Sophia regarded the sinister looking pair critically, “You’ll do.”
Akeim coughed and rubbed his upper lip in order to hide the smile that threatened his lips.
“You’re certainly enjoying this,” Samuel complained.
“More than you’ll ever know,” Akeim grinned, “I’m the one who collected the beards.”
“That would explain the smell,” Samuel replied.
“Is this really necessary?” Alec brought his hand up to rip it off.
“Only until we get to the boat,” Sophia said, stilling his hand.
~*~
“Boat?” Samuel scoffed, “Is that what this thing is supposed to be?”
“Shh—” Akeim whispered back to him as the men crept around the small vessel that looked as though it had seen better days.
“Who was the last person to sail it… Noah?” Samuel replied scathingly before he turned to Alec and whispered. “I told you that I should have negotiated for us.” In an effort to give the ladies some privacy, both Alec and Samuel had followed Akeim outside while he waited for the governor.
“I have seen what happens when you negotiate Samuel, and I for one, am not looking for another wife.” Akeim replied as he suddenly reappeared from around the stern. “Besides this is not the boat,” he looked out over the water, “That is.”
The ship was moored out in the bay swaying gently as the water lapped against it, its white masts shone brightly in the moonlight.
“Aahh, now that is a beauty,” Samuel sighed.
“No, not that one, “Akeim pointed, “the smaller one next to it.”
“Oh.” Samuel was obviously disappointed.
“He does have a daughter if you’d like me to bargain for the larger one.” Akeim offered with an eyebrow raised.
“No… no, that one will do fine.” Samuel informed him with a nod.
“I’ve heard tell that she is a great beauty,” Akeim smiled, “as great in girth as the boat itself.”
“No. Really, the small boat is an excellent choice.” Samuel assured him.
Akeim merely lowered his head with a slight nod and disappeared around the boat again in response.
“He was kidding right?” Samuel glanced warily over at Alec.
“You’re asking me?” Alec eyed him critically.
“Right,” Samuel nodded, “you’d probably love to see me married off to the bounteous beauty.”
“It couldn’t happen to a more deserving fellow.”
Akeim reappeared from around the boat. “The Omdeh is here, go back to the women and wait while I take him to see the animals.”
Alec and Samuel retraced their steps a few feet to a storage shed where the ladies waited for them. They knocked softly before entering. Not one sound was heard as they walked in and looked about the large storage shed for the women.
Alec was about to call for Genevieve when she suddenly appeared in front of him. She still had the unnerving ability to move soundlessly, but it no longer made his hair stand on end.
If he could only get a moment alone, he thought, looking at her in the light filtering through the slats in the shed. “Where is your mother?” he questioned softly.
“Behind you,” Sophia replied.
Both men turned in surprise. Alec had to admit, the effect was still hair raising.
“Now I see where she gets it from,” Samuel whispered to Alec.
“To what are you referring?” Sophia raised a brow.
“Ahh… her great beauty,” Samuel supplied.
“I thought for sure you were referring to her cat-like stealth,” Sophia folded her arms across her chest.
“Ah, that too,” Samuel amended with a quick side-glance to Alec.
“Try to remain quite while we wait for Akeim to return,” she admonished, returning to the place where she could see out into the street.
Alec had to smile at the quick putdown she had just delivered and mouthed �
��Ouch,” just to annoy him.
Samuel expressed mockery by pretending to laugh as Genevieve turned to leave.
Alec had better things to do than trade silent rejoinders with the simpleton. Genevieve had driven him to distraction earlier and he knew how he’d rather be spending his time while they waited.
“He’s a goner,” Samuel sighed as he watched Alec disappear after her. There was just no saving the man from himself. He threw up his hand and turned away. Finding some dates in the food bags he sat down on a barrel and started munching. It wasn’t long before he was nudged in the shoulder by Cupid.
“Sure, now you’re my friend,” he spoke softly, as the beast sniffed at his beard then snorted. The camel, Samuel noticed, was suspiciously short one himself. The hair the animal used to have on his neck was missing.
“Well, at least it came from that end and not the other.” Samuel handed him one of the sweet fruits.
Alec followed Genevieve to a bench in the darkened corner. Rather than sit on it as he thought she would have, she quickly stepped up and boosted herself to a ledge higher up. Silently she swung herself up to the wood beam near the window.
Damn! Alec thought as he followed her, she wasn’t making this easy. Try as he might not to make any noise, the beam creaked slightly with his weight as he settled onto it. “May I join you?” he whispered.
He could see the silhouette of her head as she nodded. She sat before an open window watching the street below. Alec scooted over until his leg touched hers, sitting back, he rested his back against the wall behind them, content to watch her in the moonlight.
She stifled a yawn then smiled apologetically.
“It’s been a long day,” he smiled softly. “There is no need for both of us to keep an eye out. Why don’t you lean against me and get some rest?” He waited wondering if she would allow the familiarity.
His nose was filled with the essence of her hair as she leaned back against his chest, resting her head on his shoulder. He breathed her fragrance in, pressing his lips against her ear.
She tensed with a shiver, but instead of moving away she nestled against him. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and let out a sigh as she settled deeper within his arms.
A peace settled over him as they sat together. One so great, that he knew without a doubt that this was the woman he had waited his whole life for. It seemed a lifetime and not enough by far as he held her in his arms, and it was over all too quickly.
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