The smell of food brought Azizi back to them. Shani grabbed his tail and gave it a hard yank as he passed by. “Fine friend you are, leaving me in the lurch.” He turned his head, made a guttural sound, and sat next to Arimus. Shani reached in her bags, retrieved his favorite meal and tossed it at him. Azi swiftly moved his head and caught the large piece of meat in his jaws, then began feeding.
“What is that?” Arimus said nodding towards Azi.
“I really don’t know.” She shrugged. “I bought it at the last village we were in and made sure to get plenty. He seems to love that sort of meat.”
“How do you keep it fresh?” Arimus was stunned that the meat did not look old, nor smell rancid.
“It was only four days ago that I bought it. I have special herbs that the elders showed me to use to keep the meat for him fresh.” She had finished eating, cleaned her plate, and was gathering her things to be packed on her mare.
“Herbs?” Arimus realized there was something familiar to her to him. it hit him suddenly, and he wasn’t sure how or why she was familiar. His eyes squinted as he peered past her, and then put his plate down. Shani saw the look of intensity on his face and peeked over her shoulder to see what he saw.
A cloud of dust, sand being ran over. Someone was coming, and fast.
“Azizi.” Shani looked at her cat who had not sensed them in the winds but was as alert as Arimus was now. “They are upwind. He must not have caught their scent.”
“Why don’t you get on your mare’s back and be ready to ride, fast and hard, just in case.” Arimus reached to his saddle, drew his sword, and stood.
“Why don’t I just stand with you and help you?” Shani asked already on her feet and reaching for her mask and spear.
“No!” came the sharp reply, so sharp she jerked her head to look at him. His face showed his concern, body language hinted the readiness to fight. “Just get on the mare.” Arimus looked at Azizi. “You stay with her.”
Shani’s jaw fell into the sand. He sounded like Malik with the command he gave to Azi, and even more so Azi obeyed. Malik was the only man Azi had ever obeyed without question.
Shani thought it best to keep quiet and do as she was told. She still grabbed her mask and put it on, and then grabbed her spear and ran for the mare. Shani mounted easily onto the mare’s back. Azi was right next to her, growling low and baring his fangs. “Azizi.” She got his attention, gave him a few commands with her hands, then watched as her friend ran right back to stand with Arimus.
Arimus was surprised when he saw Azi come to his side. It was a relief to know that the big cat would fight with him if that were what was to happen. He watched the riders come closer. Looking over his shoulder Shani’s mare was prancing with excitement, ready to bolt at Shani’s command. The hooves of the steeds the riders pushed got louder, almost deafening as they came closer. Azi’s ears were flat against his head, tail swishing back and forth, growling, mouth wide open with fangs bared. The riders were close now, Arimus could make out their robes flowing behind them. Black. Common enough. His sword was held up, but not in battle form. Whoever this was not going to walk their steeds in.
Only two riders, wearing black robes with deep blue trim. Arimus let out a sigh of relief and let his sword drop to his side. The riders reared their steeds to a halt so close that the hooves kicked sand at he and Azizi. He almost jumped out of his skin when Azizi roared, scaring one of the horses and causing him to rear and dropping his rider flat on his back in the sand. Before Azi could pounce on the fallen rider Arimus stopped him. “No, Azizi.” The huge cat stopped dead in it’s tracks, snarled at the man in the sand, then perked his ears up and looked at Arimus.
Shani was too far away to hear what was going on, but from what she saw all seemed well for the moment. She was curious to know what was going on, yet waited to see what would happen next.
The rider who was still in his saddle brought his steed right up to Arimus and glared at him. “Since when did you take command of such a creature?” he asked while pointing to Azi, who was still growling at the strangers.
“One makes strange friends in the desert.”
One of the others pointed behind Arimus. “So I see.” The leader dismounted as the other man picked himself up from the sand. Azi placed himself between the men and Arimus. Arimus gently touched the cat on the head and smiled. “It is ok, Azizi. He is a friend.”
Shani had finally decided that if the men were not fighting by now then it was safe to go back. She watched as the man from the group and Arimus shook hands. Her mare was whinnying and prancing as she approached. She wanted to run, she had stood still long enough. Shani removed her mask and reined in the mare before she could start, then rode to where the men were standing. Wonderful, Arabic. And I can’t understand a word of it. The mare’s snorting made her presence known just as she reached the men, plus the pointing of one of the strangers made Arimus turn his head.
“Shani,” he raised a hand, “it’s safe. They are men of my village.” Arimus was smiling then turned his attention to his friends.
Dismounting she stood behind Azi, tail still twitching, but he had settled. Arimus took her hand in his. The look on her face showed she was still wary of his friends. “Shani, this is Halim and Al’din. Old friends, please meet my new friends, Shani and Azizi.” The men bowed respectfully as they were introduced. Azi finally felt secure enough to sit, Shani reaching over his head to shake both of their hands. Neither one seemed too worried about having to reach over a huge white cat. After a few pleasantries Arimus suggested they all sit and relax.
The men were busy talking, a few chuckles here and there. Shani just sat there, elbow on knee, chin in hand, listening. She didn’t understand a word. “You would think that after having been in this land for a month’s time I would have picked up at least one word of your language.” She smiled sweetly with a sarcastic tone. All three men looked at her.
“I’m so sorry, I forgot you couldn’t speak Arabic.” Arimus shook his head and smiled apologetically.
“Forgive us our rudeness.” Halim slapped Al’din neatly on the arm. “Remember, only english from now on.” Al’din just nodded his head.
Arimus was the one who caught her up to speed. “They were just telling me things that are going on at the village. And asking about you and Azizi.”
“Us?” her eyebrows went up.
“They were curious as to where you are from and how we met. All of which I was about to explain to them.”
Shani could not keep the smug little smile from spreading wide across her face. “But will you tell them the truth?” She didn’t know why but she loved to antagonize him at times.
Shaking his head and laughing, bringing confused looks on the faces of his friends. “Yes I will tell them the truth.” Then began the story of how he met the woman and her friend, Azi. As he told them what had happened Shani noticed that Al’din was looking her up and down, and for a moment stared at her midsection with his mouth gaping. Arimus caught his friend’s expression and noticed the stubborn look spreading on Shani’s face. He said something sharply in Arabic, which brought Al’din’s eyes back to his. “She is not from here. Do not look upon her as if she is profane.” Arimus’ voice was harsh.
Al’din hung his head. “I am sorry to offend.”
Shani was surprised at the tone in Arimus’ voice towards his friend, and noticed just how quickly Al’din was to respond and correct himself. “I am not offended.” She smiled to prove her words. “I am used to being gawked at in this land. I realize my appearance is shocking to people here.” She waved her hand in the air as if it did not matter.
Al’din thanked Shani for her forgiveness. Arimus finished his tale. Halim burst into laughter in the end. Al’din and Arimus joined in while Shani sat there confused.
“I do not mean to sound rude nor ignorant, but what is so funny?”
Halim leaned forward. “You are an enigma here. You will find no other woman like you. Not tattooed, they wear much more clothing, and they most certainly do not have those for pets.” He finished by pointing at Azi.
“So Arimus tells me. But I still fail to see what is funny.”
“Perhaps if you sat and talked with one of the women from the village you would understand better.” Halim offered.
Shani had forgotten about her new plans, and decided that now would be as good of a time as any to inform Arimus of them also. “Arimus, I think it would probably be better if I went straight on ahead with my travels.”
“Excuse me?” he blinked back shock.
“I’ve already lost a little over a day’s travel. I need to be getting on with it.” She tried to soothe her nerves by telling herself that it was not anger she saw in his eyes.
“Are you insane?” Arimus asked in a low voice.
That struck a nerve in Shani. “No. I changed my mind. And I don’t want to fall…….”
Halim broke in. “Arimus, if she wants to travel on I see no reason why she shouldn’t.”
“She is heading for Covarte.” Arimus said flatly.
Halim and Al’din both looked at Shani as if she were an idiot. Al’din was shaking his head. “Little lady, you could not possibly want to go to such a pitiful excuse of a town. They have……”
“Arimus has already told me of what resides in Covarte. I’m still going.” The tone in her voice told the men that she would not listen to reason.
“Do you not realize that individuals that visit that hell of a town will kill you? That is, after they have done what they wish with you?” Halim sounded incredulous.
Shani’s lips barely moved as she spoke at this point. “I have heard all I need to know of Covarte from Arimus. I am well capable of handling myself among thieves and whatnots that may reside inside the walls of that town.”
Arimus was worried. He may only have known her a few days but he knew enough. Shani would walk right down the middle of the main street in that town, and most likely get herself and Azi killed. “Shani, please. Those people will take one look….”
Holding her hand up Shani shook her head and sighed. “Listen. I’m in no mood to argue about this so why……”
Arimus was not going to let her cut him short. “So why don’t you just come to my village and get a few days rest like we planned?” he stood and crossed his arms glaring down at her. This pricked her anger and she stood, placed her hands on her hips and glared back.
“Are you telling me what to do?” she asked through clenched teeth.
“I am only suggesting.”
Shani realized that she was not going to win this quarrel. Eyes narrowed she tilted her head to one side. “I am not going to stand here and argue with you.”
Halim and Al’din exchanged quiet glances. Halim had to keep from laughing his friend and the strange woman.
Before Arimus could say another word Shani turned on her heels to walk away. He grabbed her shoulder, then found out just how much her tribesmen had taught her. In one swift movement she had grabbed his wrist and ducked her body low, one foot caught his ankle and he felt his arm twist a bit. Arimus landed flat on his back. Halim and Al’din now stood and backed up. Azi literally leaped away, knowing full well the extent of his mistress’ anger.
“Stop!” Halim bellowed. Arimus was already back on his feet by now and Shani’s head had jerked towards Halim when he yelled. She caught Arimus’ movement out of the corner of her eye. Shani started to take a stance expecting some sort of repercussion for having done that in front of his friends, but what she got shocked all of them.
Arimus grabbed her, wrapped his arms around Shani’s to pin them to her, then held her close. Before she could do anything he bent his head and kissed her full on the mouth. Shani was so startled it took her a moment to realize he was kissing her. She managed to get one hand free and push against his chest, but he only held her tighter. She thought of bringing her foot down on his for a fleeting moment, until her hand was not pushing so hard against his chest. Her mouth was pressing against his. Her muffled words of protest subsiding. Arimus had not meant to kiss her, and was not sorry. She was soft, warm. He could not stop himself even when she pushed against his chest. He loosened his grip about her and felt her arms go around his neck, drawing him to her. The shock of her responding to him in such a manner was short. His kiss turned gentle, hands about her waist pulled her to him. His mouth was hungry, shaking the very core of Shani.
Al’din choked on a cough, Halim’s mouth was gaping. Azi had his ears perked straight up, eye wide. Halim and Al’din just looked at each other, then back to the kissing pair. They seemed to have forgotten there was an audience.
Arimus heard his friends interrupting cough and felt bereft when Shani suddenly stiffened in his arms. She pulled away, gazing up at him. She felt as if she were dizzy, but she was not faint. His hands were still on her waist when she gathered her senses and suddenly pushed him away. Saying something loudly in her native tongue Shani walked away.
~~~~~~~~~
Arimus stood there watching her walk away. He was confused. How could she respond so passionately in a kiss and then suddenly be so angry with him? He looked at his friends. Al’din was looking everywhere but at Arimus. Azizi had chosen to hide and was nowhere to be found after he heard the expletive from Shani’s mouth. Halim’s eyes were laughing at his friend.
“What just happened?” Arimus asked. Both men shrugged at him. He shook his head and sighed deeply. Hands on his hips he stared at his feet, then up to the sky. I’m not going to let her go to that town.
Shani was fuming. Half at Arimus, half at herself. He had the audacity to kiss her! To just plainly boldly kiss her, in front of strangers, too. And she had kissed him back. She hadn’t meant to. “What am I going to do?” she asked out loud, sighing and shaking her head. The mare snorted and nuzzled Shani’s hand. Shani started to comb her fingers through the mare’s mane and then leaned against her neck. Standing there Shani’s resolve hardened even more. There would be no winning an argument with Arimus, especially with his friends to help him. So in the morning she would simply be gone. Just as she did from her tribe, she would steal away in the night, and leave no trace.
“Shani?” She almost screamed when she heard the voice. She swallowed hard and turned to see Halim standing there.
“Yes?” Her response was quiet and calm.
“I just wanted to check on you.” He smiled. “You were gone for so long that we started to think you had ridden away.”
“Without Azi?” she softly laughed. “That cat would never let me get far from him.”
“I had not thought of that.”
“Are you sure that you are not here to chastise me in some way about Covarte?”
“I had hoped you heard our words of warning earlier. Did you?”
“Yes,” her back stiffened, “I did.” She didn’t want to lie, but she needed to get out of here. No, that was wrong, she wanted to get away from Arimus.
“Have you decided?” Halim’s concern about her choice of towns seemed genuine.
“No I have not. But you will be the first to know when I do.” She answered with a half-truth. Even a half of a truth was a total lie. Jason had taught her that. If she was ever dishonest she would end up across his knee, his hand firmly teaching her a lesson hard learned.
“Are you sure that you are fine, Shani?” Halim prodded.
“Yes, I am fine. Is there something else you needed?”
“We were hoping that you would be ready to leave soon. The way to the village and to Covarte are in the same direction. We would ride with you and then part ways tomorrow morning.” He looked in the sky. “It almost mid-day. Much traveling time for today is lost.”
After asking for a few minutes alone to prepare her mare for a long day’s ride Halim went back to the others. She wondered where Azi was and then realized the word she had called Arimus and that Azi was always clever enough to hide when that escaped her lips. She smugly smiled to herself. He isn’t the only one who knows a word or two in a foreign tongue. Taking the reins in her hands the mare placidly followed her back and there were the men waiting for her. Arimus looked like that of a small child waiting punishment for having done wrong.
Once everything was packed and ready to go they were off and riding again. Shani made sure to keep at least one of Arimus’ friends in between them. Arimus noticed how she kept distancing herself from him, barely speaking to him. He wondered how he would convince her to not go to Covarte if she was not speaking to him. A malicious little voice inside of him spoke, kiss her again, and he chuckled under his breath. Arimus was sure he could convince her to stay, even if for a few days. He would even promise to not pester her while she stayed at his village. Now if only he could convince her that kissing him was a good thing.
