Shani felt defeated. Finding Jason was supposed to be an adventure, which an adventure she was having. Just not what she had planned. It was supposed to be easy, not terribly easy but ending up in a slave trader’s cage and having to be rescued by a secret group of men was not what she had planned. Shani lay on the bed; Azizi by her side purring to reassure her, and try as she did sleep would not come. Shifting to her side Shani curled into a tight ball facing her friend. Azizi nuzzled her cheek as she wrapped an arm around his large neck then buried her face into the thick fur. Thoughts of never finding father drowned her, having to return to the tribe empty handed and explain her actions consumed her.
Arimus went to his friends. A plan formed in his head but he would need their help. Ulima was with Halim and Al’din eating when he sat with them. Halim noticed the look on his friend’s face and sighed.
“What is troubling you and how are we involved?”
Arimus laughed. “You know me too well.” He questioned Ulima more about the man who wanted Shani to disappear. After hearing all the old woman had to say he was quietly thinking. Al’din was the first to realize the one odd fact.
“That man sounds like the one who has been visiting Musad’s village.”
Halim’s eyes narrowed. “Why would he care about Shani?”
Arimus explained what Shani was doing in the desert. Her father had been missing for quite a few years, hunting for her mother’s killer. Now Shani searched for him. Somehow this strange foreigner knew her; wanted her gone. The group came up with a plan to help Shani and keep her safe, along the way they would watch Musad and his village.
“Musad will be at Ya’hiad in a couple of days with Liana.” Halim reminded Arimus.
“That man is disgusting.” Arimus spat the words. Musad was a horrible person. He cared nothing for his people, even little for his own family. During Arimus’ only visit to the village Musad established he had seen evidence of viciousness on the face of Musad’s wife. Liana was terrified and obeyed every command uttered from the pig’s mouth. Arimus was there to meet his betrothed wife for the first time and Musad offered him the use of any woman in the village, even in front of his own daughter. “I know he is helping the slave traders to gather our people and steal their lives.”
“How do we get Rasheem to believe that without proof?” Al’din was in charge of making sure the spies they planted kept in touch. “None of our men have seen Musad with the traders.”
Arimus waved a hand at him. “Sooner or later that witless lard will make a mistake. Until then we have to wait and watch.”
Ulima was worried about Shani and had been quiet long enough. Arimus realized he still had not spoken with her about all she knew. At his request Ulima left the men to plan, and then he took her to the side and spoke to her privately. Ulima was fond of Shani, all because she had taken the time to learn a song. She said that Shani needed her, not knowing how or why she felt that way Ulima had decided that fate had put them in the cage together, and next to Shani she would stay. That was unless, of course, Shani did not want her to. Arimus made the old woman promise to never speak of the Abdel-Ma’at, of what she knew. If asked Ulima was to tell people that he asked her to come along and tend to Shani. All she knows is that Shani and Arimus met in the desert, and he wanted a woman to be with her while she traveled with him. He would let Al’din make up a story about how Shani was bruised so badly. Al’din was better at story telling than Arimus was anyway. Ulima again asked when she could see her new friend.
“Let her rest for tonight. In the morning you can harass her all that you desire.” Arimus was surprised at the woman’s answer.
“You are greedy. You want Shani to yourself for tonight, never minding the fears of an old woman such as me.” There was a twinkle in her eye as she poked him in the chest with a bony finger. “You tend to her tonight, do not agitate her wounds.” Then she simply turned around and went back to where Halim sat. Arimus shook his head as he watched the woman leave. He did not intend to agitate Shani or her wounds. He simply wanted to hold her.
Remembering how Shani looked on the stage with a collar around her neck made Arimus angry again. If he had taken care of that trader before then Shani might not have been hurt. He felt that in some way it was his fault for Shani’s ordeal at Covarte. He had been worried that Shani would not wake up as fast as she did. She was so limp in his arms when he carried her from the stage, never moved a muscle until she woke up. The bruises were ugly against her tanned skin, they would heal soon enough. Perhaps she had something in her little bag of tricks for them. Arimus went to her mare. One of his men had found the mare standing idle in the desert just outside of Covarte. Minus the spear all of Shani’s things were there as far as Arimus could tell. He grabbed her bags and started walking back to her tent. They had a lot to talk about, and he felt a sudden need to hold her, to have her close to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The group of men looked to each other and around the town again. People pointed and stared. Their red cloaks and black skin stood out among the natives. All were warriors; their leader oddly enough was the shortest of them. It took some persuasion but the man whose arm he held bent backwards finally gave him the information that he wanted.
They had seen him walking with a spear across the center of town. Bodies were being moved away. A large one rolled off of a stage landing with a thud on the ground by people cleaning up what had obviously been a bloody battle. When they approached the man he was angry to notice that the little man carried a spear that looked just like the one he held. He pushed the little man out of his way and turned to walk away when suddenly he on the ground, arm twisted behind his back almost to the point of breaking. All he had to do was tell what he knew about the spear.
The little man and his friends laughed when the native man cried in a high pitch voice and spilled everything. The little man let him go finally, warning him that if he ever touched the strange girl who had been the cause of today’s troubles they would come back. The group left the town and searched the sand for tracks. They found one that seemed like it would be the right size. The native man said there were at least thirty men and horses dressed in all black. The tracks showed about that many horses, even though it was hard to tell. Any other track they saw were a camels or didn’t show enough horses. They mounted their own horses and headed in the direction the tracks lead to. The little man again telling his friends what he was going to do Shani’s backside when they found her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arimus entered the tent quietly, and then placed her things on the floor beside the bed. As soon as he sat next to her Shani pulled the blankets over her head. “Go away.” Arimus laughed at her and pulled the blanket down.
She tugged it back over her head. He tugged it back down. After a few more times Arimus tugged it down and then sat on the end so she couldn’t pull it back up. Shani kept her face buried in the side of Azizi’s neck, she didn’t want him to see her crying. A young woman came in carrying a tray. Arimus motioned her to put it on the table and leave, which she quickly did. He leaned over trying to see her face, “Shani, what is wrong?”
“Go away!” her muffled voice came from the cat’s neck. Arimus looked at Azizi and pointed to the flap in the tent. Azizi was not sure if she should leave his mistress alone, but knew she needed more than him to hold onto right now. The panther moved his head and stood which caused Shani to bury her face in a pillow. “Fine! Leave me then!” Azizi lowered his head, licked her cheek, and then leapt to the flap in the tent with ease. She was angry now, but later she would be fine. Azizi was hungry and went in search of food, leaving Arimus to deal with her.
Arimus moved the pillow from Shani’s face to find her staring at the wall of the tent. He sighed heavily. “Shani, please tell me what is wrong.”
She was already in the shape of a ball but found a way to curl up tighter. She felt horrid, beaten emotionally, and worst of all she had lost her faith in finding her father. Her tears were gone; they all had soaked Azizi’s neck. Arimus noticed the redness around her eyes, puffiness in her face. He knew she had been crying. In one swift movement he pulled her up, made her sit, and held her close. The tears she thought gone now came back, softly this time, not harsh sobs as before.
“Oh Arimus, I’m never going to find my father. I left my tribe and made them angry for nothing.” Shani felt vulnerable while Arimus was gone. Now, with his arms holding her she felt utterly safe. Wrapping her arms around his waist she voiced her fears.
“I’ve dragged Azi through the desert. Lost my mare. Been stuck in a cage, bruised all over. Now I can barely move and I’m ready to scream.”
Arimus was trying to sooth her by stroking her hair. “You forgot the one positive aspect of your journey.” He used a finger to tilt her chin up and force her to face him.
“What?” she asked discouragingly.
He looked deep into her eyes then smiled wickedly. “Me.” Arimus noticed the corners of her mouth turn up slightly. His little joke made her smile. “You did not lose your mare. One of my men found her and brought her here.” he pointed to the floor, “Your things are right here.” Shani moved slightly to see where his finger pointed. Losing her balance she tightened her grip around Arimus who easily helped her to lie back on the pillow. “Should I make you a rotten drink to help you feel better?” he teased her.
Shani smiled at him. “That rotten drink won’t help my aching heart.” She was being honest. Her heart was hurting from all of the emotions she had felt since finding her father’s journal and learning about Christina’s death. Life had dealt her nothing but heartache since.
Arimus stretched across her lap, propping himself with his hand placed next to her hip. He brought his free hand to her neck. Wrapping fingers around the back of her neck he gently kneaded the skin. “Why does your heart ache?” Arimus was reigning in the urge to lay atop her, kiss her until she wanted him as much as he did her. Where that desire was coming from he didn’t know. Now was not the time.
“I guess I’m just feeling defeated.” Shani liked the touch of his hand on her skin. She dipped her head forward to allow his hand more access to her neck. The gentle firm pressure felt wonderful. Her mood started to shift also. Ebbing away was defeat. In place was something she had not felt in such a long time she had almost forgotten it. Her breaths came faster, heart started to pound. Warmth started in her stomach and spread all over her body. She wondered for a fleeting moment how she could so easily go from feeling horrible to wanting Arimus in her arms.
“Shani?”
Her head jerked up and she looked directly into Arimus’ eyes. He had been saying something but she never heard him. “I’m sorry…. I …..” Her gaze lowered to his lips, then she blushed and looked away. Arimus saw the look in her eyes and bent his head to kiss her. He had been trying to tell her of the plan he and his friends had come up with, but the look in her eyes told him she had been lost in her own thoughts. Ulima’s words sprang into his mind. She had called him greedy. Now Arimus was in completely agreement with the old woman as his soft kisses turned into need. He was greedy. He lowered his hand from her neck and wrapped it around her waist. She still was not close enough to him for his liking. Arimus edged closer until he could feel her chest moving with every breath she took.
Shani was shocked at her own thoughts. She had landed Arimus on his back for kissing her, now she tangled her fingers in his hair holding him close. She was still scared of how she felt for him, but her heart took command and she gave in. Her heart pounded against her chest as Arimus ran his hand along her lower back, sending shivers along her spine. She was content to be lost in his arms. His mouth left hers to travel to her neck. Shani moved her head slightly when he moved her hair from her shoulder. Running a hand down his chest she could feel the tension in his muscles.
Arimus knew he was having as much of an affect on Shani as she was on him. He knew he had to stop, even if his body screamed no. He placed his hand on her hip while bringing his mouth back to hers, leaving a trail of kisses along her collarbone and neck. It took great effort for him to reign in desire and rest his forehead against hers. He gently squeezed her hip. Letting out a strangled sigh he pulled back from her.
Shani was amazed at how she had reacted, at what she thought, at how easily Arimus made her body react. When he pulled away she felt cheated. Things had gotten too heated between them. She had not wanted to give the impression of being lewd but she was unable to keep her hands from his hair, her lips from his.
Arimus replaced his arm around her back and held her tight as Shani let her head rest against his chest. “How are you feeling?” His hand stroked the small of her back.
“Sore, but I will live.” She wrapped her own arms around his waist and held tight. The warmth from his body seemed to have a calming effect on her, the exact opposite of what his lips had done to her just moments ago.
“Shani, we do need to talk.” He gently pulled back, shifted around on the bed, and sat next to her.
“I do owe you an explanation, don’t I?” she lowered her head in guilt. “Arimus, I’m sorry I put you and your friends through so much trouble.” Shani tried to pull away but he held her tight.
“Shh,” he stroked her hair and tried to soothe her. “I am not angry with you, at least not anymore. Holding you right now and knowing you are safe is what matters most to me.”
“But I…..”
“Hush woman, or I will start to kiss you again. Then you won’t be safe.” The tone in his voice told Shani that he was not joking with her. What he implied with that statement caused her stomach to tighten. She blushed instantly and looked away. What was strangest to her of all was that she liked the idea of not being safe in the way Arimus implied. “Now talk with me. We have much to say.”
Arimus held her close while Shani spilled her story before him. Her mother’s death, her father’s suspicions of murder, the chief hiding it all from her. Finding Jason’s journal had been complete accident, but opened her eyes. Her father had raised her to be strong and independent, just like Christina had been. Most said Shani was wild, far from being a proper young woman with the way she ran with the tribal men. She admitted her tribe was not Massai, but instead were a group of people who named themselves Ibibio. Her parents had gone to study them before she was born, before she was conceived. They were the only people the tribal elders trusted. After learning all about the new tribe they wanted to stay. The chief allowed this, having grown fond of the family and wanting to see the baby that would be born.
She left to find her father, without permission as she had already admitted. She had grown tired of the desert and a tad reckless in her search. She was tired of the sand and wanted to be back in the thick green foliage back home. Arimus made a face at her desire to go home. Shani sighed heavily and looked up at him. “It would be your turn now.” the corners of her mouth were turned up in a small smile.
Arimus told her of the Abdel-Ma’at. How he knew someone from his homeland was helping the slave traders to sell his people. He and the men she met earlier formed the Abdel-Ma’at, meaning ‘servants of the goddess of truth’. Rasheem was not aware of Arimus involvement but Kaaje, his mother, was. Then he told her what Ulima saw while Shani was in the cage.
“She said there was a foreigner who argued with the slave trader. The foreigner wanted you to disappear.” Arimus felt Shani stiffen in his arms, then tremble. “What is it?”
“I find it a bit scary to know someone hates me in such a way. Especially when I don’t know who they are.” Shani snuggled into Arimus’ side wanting to feel safe. “Where is Ulima?” She looked at him with concern for the old woman.
“How did you two become friends? She doesn’t speak a word of English.”
“When I woke up she was tending to me. Then she was humming a song and taught it to me. I don’t know why but I like her.” Shani again remembered what had happened to Yorky on the stage. “You aren’t going to do anything to her are you?”
Arimus winked at her. “The woman scares me to be honest. She was adamant about coming to see you tonight. You will see each other in the morning.” He released her long enough to reach for the tray of treats he had brought. “Hungry?”
Shani sat completely upright and nodded her head. The tray was loaded with assorted foods she had never seen before. The aroma of mint tea hit her suddenly and she smiled. “Tea would be wonderful right now.” Arimus poured her a cup and handed it to her. She drank it slowly. “What is all of this?”
Arimus pointed to the different items. “Loz, bataatis, mohz, ‘anub and some pastries to sweeten your palate.” The look on her face showed that Shani was clueless. He laughed. “Almonds, pistachios; both are nuts; banana, and grapes.”
“I have more to tell you.” Then reached for the tray himself. Shani looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish. “Halim, Al’din, and I were talking and thought of a plan. It would keep you safe and sound, with me,” she raised an eyebrow, “and we would find information on your father for you.”
“How would you do that? Better yet, why?” Shani didn’t understand why he would want to help her, even more so why his friends? She had most certainly caused enough trouble to them all. Why take on more?
“The Abdel-Ma’at is everywhere. Always watching, listening. We can ask without raising suspicion about your father, and quite possibly learn who the stranger was at the cage and why he wants you to disappear.”
Shani’s mood changed suddenly. A thought running through her head scared her to her very core. “Where is Azizi?” She felt like a child, wanting her only true friend with her, as she felt vulnerable.
Arimus noticed the anxious tone in her voice. “Do you want me to have someone find him?” He reached for her but she shied away.
“Yes, please.” Was all Shani could say. Arimus called for a guard and asked him to find the panther. “Shani, what is wrong?” This time she let him hold her. Burying her head in his shoulder she finally voiced her fear.
“What if…if…father is found… umm…” She just couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Arimus knew right away what she meant and held her tight. He could not think of a thing to say to her. Shani sighed deeply and buried her head in more. She felt safe with Arimus holding her, keeping her fear from choking her. She kept watching the flap of the tent waiting for Azizi. She needed to see him.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be silly.”
“You are not being silly.” Arimus tried to soothe her.
“I just suddenly realized that if I find him…. gone….,” she chose that word carefully, “then Azizi is the closest thing to family I will have left.”
“What about your tribe?” Arimus thought of how alone she must feel now. He was amazed at how strong her spirit was, and how fragile she was at this moment.
“They have been like a family to me, I love them all dearly. But none are true family.” She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall again. The chief had been hurt when he heard her speak those words just before she left. “Everyone has died, left, or been pushed away.” Her voice was barely a whisper now.
He kissed the top of her head. “Shani, as long as you need me I will be here.” Azizi walked into the room, sensed his mistress’ mood, and leapt onto the bed next to her. She sat straight up to reach out and touch her friend, making sure he was real and alive. The guard walked in to be sure the cat entered. Arimus thanked him and then listened to the story he had to tell.
The guard had found Azizi on the outside of the tiny village, just where darkness crept over the light. He seemed to be looking at something in the horizon, his nose to the wind. The guard had been apprehensive to approach as he could hear a low growl rumbling from the beast. It had taken a few moments but Azizi had finally given up his perch, and followed the guard back to the tent.
Arimus related the guard’s story to her and she sat up lost in thought.
“If his nose was in the wind then he was picking up a scent. The growling means he was confused by it. Since he didn’t alarm anyone then I would have to assume that he felt no danger.” It was hard at times to decipher what Azizi’s actions could mean.
The guard waited for Arimus’ orders and then left to quickly carry them out. Shani was talking to Azizi. “What did you see big guy?” Arimus wished the cat could speak and tell them.
“Whatever he might have seen won’t be sneaking upon us tonight. I told the guard to have men surround the village and do sentry duty till the sunrises.” Arimus was taking not one chance. If there were something or someone out there they would meet with the Abdel-Ma’at. Shani was tense and Arimus’ arms felt empty. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her back to him, making sure that he positioned her so she would have to lean on him. “Now, back to your father. Tell me about him.”
“Why?” She let out a nervous laugh as she watched Azizi drop to the floor and take a spot at the foot of it.
“The more information that I know the more I can pass along and the search will be easier. I can’t have my men accosting every foreigner they see.” He gave her a squeeze.
Shani knew he was trying his best to lighten her mood. “If you hand me my bags then I can show you.”
Arimus did as he was told then returned immediately to be her pillow. He enjoyed just sitting and holding her. What he wanted to do most was bring out that passion in her, but now was not the time. He needed facts on Jason, she needed to heal. So for now he would settle with her in his arms. She brought out a package wrapped in cloth. “What is this?”
Shani unwrapped the cloth revealing the book she had been reading before, and a few scattered letters. “This is my father’s journal and the letters I have from him. The journal does not really give much information, but it might give insight as to what kind of man he is.” Opening the journal a picture fell out. Arimus picked it up and was shocked. The woman in the picture was an older version of Shani. Long red hair, same beautiful smile, they could pass for twins. The man on her arm in the picture was rather large, sandy brown hair. He had a rugged look about him. Arimus noticed a difference. Christina’s eyes were hazel, Jason’s brown. Shani had gotten her eyes from him. Dropping the letters in his lap Shani laughed. “These are the letters that have the names of different places father went to. And yes, I already know,” she had seen his expression as he looked at the picture, “I look just l ike my mother.”
Arimus noticed a smaller sack. “What is in that?” he picked it up. He watched as Shani gently took the bag from his hand, and slowly removed the items as if they were gold placing them on the blanket in front of her.
She picked up each item and said what it was, or rather, who it had belonged to. The watch that belonged to her father, a pair of earrings with a matching locket had once been worn by Christina. Shani was not sure how Arimus would take to the last item. On a leather string hung the tip of a spear. It was not overly large, but having been kept safe in hiding it lost some color. “This was worn by a warrior. It is the tip of the spear he used for his very first kill during his first hunt with the men. They believe that if they wear the tip of the spear that is used in the first kill it will bring strength in battle, good luck in a hunt.” Shani seemed to be remembering the warrior with fondness as she held the spear tip in front of her.
Arimus held his hand out waiting for her to place in his palm. “Who was he?”
“Malik.” She let him have the tip and sighed deeply.
“This Malik, he means something to you?” Arimus already knew the answer. Why else would she carry the spear tip with her?
“Yes,” she watched as Arimus’ face gloomed over. Taking his hand she explained. “He was my first love. Malik died protecting Azizi from poachers. Remember when you asked me about how many times Azizi has killed?” Arimus nodded his head. “Azizi’s first kill was one of those poachers.”
“Why do you carry these things?” He handed the tip back to her and reached for the journal.
“I don’t know.” She placed the items back into their sack. “In some way it keeps them with me.”
Arimus touched her arm. “Your mother and Malik are alive in your heart, Shani. You will see Jason again.”
The pair read the journal and letters late into the night. Shani’s head was back on his shoulder again when he realized she had drifted off to sleep. Arimus kept reading, lying to himself that he would leave after a few more pages.
Azizi poked his head above the foot of the bed one time to check on them then settled down to sleep. The wind had brought him a strange yet familiar scent. There was no danger, but something was coming. Sleep would elude him for a while longer as the cat waited for Arimus to finally leave.
Arimus shifted his weight and nudged Shani to get her to lie down. She never woke up so he guided her half asleep body under the covers. Draping an arm over her waist he whispered in her ear, not knowing if she heard, “Shani, little jungle woman. So long as you allow I will be here for you. This I swear.”
