Pride and Audacity — Part 6

Rashid waited for Califar in the stable yard of the Sand Palace. What started out as a troublesome day was deteriorating into an interminably lengthy one as well. Observing his stable of blooded stallions be put through their daily exercise was pacifying for a while, but if Califar didn’t appear soon he’d leave him behind.

He glanced toward where two of his mares were being groomed. Their tails, having already been trimmed, were now braided with black leather strips ornamented with gold studs. Recently sold to a trusted buyer from England, they were being prepared for delivery. He lifted his propped foot from the hitching stone and walked a few feet to stand in the shade of a palm grouping. The dry powdery sand stirred and covered his boots.

Sweat trickled down the back of his neck. The intense afternoon sun could bake a man if he tarried too long in its company. It was almost as dangerous as the fiery anticipation melting holes in his patience these past three weeks. In his opinion, there were only two ways to relieve a man of the strain knotting his muscles and driving his passions. No man of honor would indulge in the first on the day before his wedding. The second was long hours on the back of a horse.

He wondered what was keeping Califar. They were supposed to have had lunch together and then leave for the Oasis of the Moon. A plan delayed due to the unexpected arrival of representatives from Ramin.

Like many other Middle Eastern countries, Ramin was dealing with a pending water crisis. Ahalamin was unique among its neighbors, being blessed with four large lakes in its higher elevations and deep water tables. He would have to find a way to help his brother-nation without damaging his own resources. Water was ultimately going to be a major catalyst for change in his part of the world. The precious commodity could turn out to be more valuable than oil. Not that he intended to sell it. No, the question was how to protect Ahalamin’s resources for its people.

As men had used gold, sugar, slaves, and oil over the ages, there would always be those who sought and those who would supply at any cost. Kicking the dust at his feet, he tightened his fingers around the coiled whip in his hand. He despised waiting; Califar would have to catch up later.

He signaled to one of the stablemen and gave him orders to have his stallion brought out. Five minutes later the stableman attempted to bring the horse into the mounting area. Ali, high spirited and in need of exercise, sidestepped and then reared, pawing at the air with his hooves. The young handler yanked hard on Ali’s lead. The stallion jerked his head high and unbalanced the man, who landed in a heap on the ground.

Rashid could not believe what his eyes witnessed next. The brainless man kicked Rashid’s horse and used the loose end of the lead as a whip across Ali’s head. Rashid sneered. A low, feral growl crawled from his gut to escape across his hard lips. The man was a fool. Loosening his grip on the whip in his hand, he let it uncoil and drop to the sand. He gave no warning as black leather streaked toward the offender. The whip coiled around the man’s wrist and Rashid yanked, sending the man sprawling face down in the dirt for the second time.

“Get away from my horse!” barked Rashid.

The young man scuttled backward and then lurched to his feet. Alarm shaped his expression as he recognized the prince. Rashid shouted for the stable master. Three men sprang through the double gates leading to the mounting yard. The oldest, wiry and lean, stepped forward.

“Yes, my lord? How may I be of service?”

“Remove this fool from my sight before I have him fed to the jackals! No one mistreats what belongs to me!”

“Yes, my lord. Pardon, my lord.” The stablemaster hurried the offender from the Prince’s presence.

Rashid scowled as the group of men backed away from him and disappeared around the shadowed corner of the compound. Shaking with fury, he drew out the task of coiling his whip. When he was done, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and took slow, measured steps toward Ali. As he drew close, he stretched his hand forward for the horse to smell. The stallion recoiled with frenzied anxiety. Horses were valiant animals but they reacted like prey when threatened. Right now, Rashid knew Ali viewed him as the hunter, someone to avoid, distrust.

Turning slowly, he walked to the far side of the open area and stood with his back to the stallion. A dangerous position if Ali decided to take out his agitation on him. Nevertheless, he would not harm his horse further by adding to his fear. He knew Ali needed to regain control, on his terms. Figuring this was going to take time, he sat on the ground and crossed his legs. Hunching over, he drew his robe completely around his body to protect his skin from the sun’s scorching rays.

A half-hour later, a bump on his shoulder and Ali’s hot breath on his neck made the wait worth the effort. Rashid reached to the side and picked up the horse’s lead, where it dangled in the sand. Easing to his feet, he faced Ali and once again offered his hand for the horse to smell. Ali accepted the gesture and soon Rashid’s touch.

“Are you having a problem, my Lord?” asked Califar.

“You are late,” growled Rashid. “Since when does answering a summons take two hours?”

“A pleasant day to you also, my Prince,” replied Califar, with more humor than deference. “I was delayed because I was in the middle of obeying another of your royal commands. I regret I cannot be in two places at once.”

Rashid glared at Califar who was not as intimidated as he should be. Then contemplating his next words he let a mocking grin transform his expression. “One day, my friend, you are going to force me to remove your inflated head.”

“Did I transgress, my Lord?” Califar dropped to his knees and prostrated himself to the ground. “My head is yours with but one condition.”

“What kind of condition?” Rashid stared down at the back of Califar’s head.

“The sacrifice will need to improve your disposition, my Lord.”

Rashid roared in laughter and nudged Califar with his boot at the same time. “Get up, you fool, and let’s ride.”

Desert breezes swirled around the two riders as they slowed their pace and rode in mutual silence. Seldom did they have the gratification of a few hours away from the burdens of rank and privilege. As the sun sank lower on the horizon and the tattered clouds slipped unnoticed across the yellow and mauve sky, they came to the crest of the hill overlooking the Oasis of the Moon. The tranquil water of the Moon Pool adorned the desert landscape like a dark emerald, and the sand reflected the colors of the evening light like faceted diamonds. A profusion of palms tilted slightly over the pool’s edge and pink oleanders skirted its banks.

The two servants sent ahead had erected a tent at the north end of the oasis. By the aroma wafting on the breeze, the lamb was roasting over the firepit.

“You look hungry,” Rashid said with teasing humor.

“Since you are the cause, perhaps you would take pity and feed me,” Califar grumbled.

“How am I the cause?” Rashid asked in an injured tone.

“Did you not tell me to join you for lunch in your quarters?”

Rashid nodded and grinned. “You’re right. I do owe you a meal. We’ll race. Whoever wins gets served first.”

Two powerful steeds lunged forward. In a bold move, Califar turned his stallion to the left and cut in front of Ali, forcing Rashid to pull up. Rashid returned the favor moments before they reached the campsite, securing himself a win.

The night’s darkness and the expansive star-studded heavens wrapped their world in privacy as they reclined on cushions and finished their meal.

“It is good to have your companionship tonight,” said Rashid. “Too long a time has passed since we have ventured into the desert together.”

“You have something on your mind you wish to speak of?” Califar shifted his body into a seated position.

“As you know, I leave for New York tomorrow. I do not know how the arrangements will proceed…but I would like you to be present for this marriage.” Sincerity rang clear in Rashid's serious tone.

“I am honored,” said Califar. “And, I accept. You know I wish you much happiness in this union.”

Rashid pushed his legs out and crossed them at the ankles. Turning his head, he faced Califar. “I wish to thank you for being both guardian and brother to me. I know I would not be the man I am today if you had not been there to temper my youth.”

Califar nodded. “It was a great tragedy to lose both your parents and brother when you were but fifteen. However, the man you are today has nothing to do with me. You are the man you willed yourself to be. With the strength of this ancient land in your soul and the heart of its people in your blood, you have become a leader capable of taking them into a new, modern world. A world Ahalamin must be part of to survive in these times.”

Califar grinned at Rashid and then added, “You will marry this woman and she will give you strong sons. When we are both but a memory in these shifting sands, they will continue to secure Ahalamin an honorable place among the nations. And, as for this American bride you have chosen, I have no doubt you will charm her into doing your every bidding.”

“Let us hope you are a true prophet.” Rashid laughed.

Sweltering humidity thickened the air as Rashid and Califar walked from the private airport’s security hub to the waiting limousine. Rashid stretched his neck. He disliked the strangling attire western men wore with ease. The fit of each garment prevented the smallest circulation of air which could give a man relief from the muggy heat.

The cool air spilling from the opened door of the waiting limousine gave him some hope as he slid into the car. “Is Mr. Ballard expecting us?” he asked the driver.

“Yes, Your Highness. My instructions are to take you straight to the Ballard Building unless you have another stop you wish to make.”

“No stops,” said Rashid.

Narrowing his mental and visual focus, he stared straight ahead. He was not experiencing the joyful contemplation of a man in anticipation of his nuptials. What he was feeling could better be worked out in a battle exercise with his bodyguards.

Depending on someone else to arrange the details of his marriage bordered on the objectionable, at best. The sooner this arrangement saw completion, the sooner the perverse annoyance would end. Allah was not favoring him with speed, however. What could not have been more than fifteen miles from the airport to Jacob’s office took the better part of an hour in the congested New York traffic.

At last, he and Califar entered the Ballard building and, by a private elevator, made their way to the executive suites. The receptionist informed them of a delay in Mr. Ballard’s arrival and offered them a seat and a cup of coffee while they waited. Rashid refused both. Instead, he walked to an expansive wall of glass and stared at New York’s towering structures of concrete and steel. He wondered how anyone survived a lifetime in this hard landscape. Canyons of stone and mortar were poor substitutes for unending skies and armies of majestic sand dunes marching to a shared destiny.

A commotion across the room seized his attention from the city below. A whirlwind hit the outer door of the reception area in the form of a woman. Backing through the door, she shouted at someone to hold the elevator. Depositing two large bags on the floor, she hurried back through the entrance.

With his attention riveted, Rashid waited for the woman’s return. Loaded with more packages, she swept into the room and tossed them, one at a time, toward the receptionist. She sucked up the room’s energy with her vibrancy. Rashid could not help but stare. By the incredulous look on Califar’s face, he was suffering the same problem.

The woman personified exquisiteness. A red leather skirt ended at mid-thigh, exposing long, silky legs. Her full breasts heaved under a snug-fitting black blouse. A profusion of curly, shoulder-length, red hair framed eyes as green as a fertile valley. Her red lips parted in a vivacious smile.

Shaking her hair from her face, she tilted her upper body over the corner of the receptionist’s desk and added a small package to the growing stack. Swallowing, he wondered just how much provocation one scrap of black material could handle. When he heard the low rumble in Califar’s throat, he knew he wasn’t the only man wondering the same thing. When she spoke, her voice bubbled with an unsinkable spirit.

“Victoria needs these right away. Is she in yet?”

The mention of Victoria’s name jerked Rashid’s attention back to the woman’s seductive mouth.

“No, Miss Heathly. However, she is due at any time.” Gesturing toward the seating area, she added, “Would you like to have a seat and wait for her?”

The woman’s eyes followed the direction of Miss Temple’s hand. Rashid smiled as he and Califar underwent a very thorough inspection. He was fascinated by the mischievous grin on the woman’s face as she approached Califar and extended her hand.

“Hello. My name is Jessica Heathly. Who might you gentlemen be?”

Califar stared at the woman’s upturned face and extended hand. “Are you addressing me?” he asked, raising one brow in a condescending manner.

Rashid caught the flame in his friend’s eyes before he successfully smothered it.

Jessica laughed. “I believe I am unless you have a split personality in there somewhere. If so, this truly is my lucky day.”

Amused, Rashid waited for Califar to respond. Seldom did he see his First Regent at a loss for words. Waiting for Jacob was not turning out to be the annoyance he expected. At least, he could enjoy a little entertainment at Califar’s expense.

“Come now, I know you have a name,” prompted the woman named Jessica.

“My name is Califar Husan Jafael Cadin.”

Rashid chuckled under his breath. Califar’s deep baritone voice grated with rigid formality while his eyes made a complete assessment of the woman’s feminine charms. The edgy heat of awareness in his eyes would have sent a woman of their culture scurrying for safety…not this woman, however.

“Wow! What a mouth full. Much, much too formal for me. I will call you Cali. The name suits you. I don’t have to tell you how utterly fabulous you are. Truly the best looking man I’ve seen all day. Are you from New York?”

Califar lifted his head and his nostrils flared.

Rashid didn’t know whether Califar was going to embrace or strangle the woman — intervention seemed a necessity. Stepping forward to stand beside Califar, Rashid entered the conversation. “We are from Ahalamin. Please excuse my friend’s reticence. He means no disrespect.”

Califar shot him a withering glare.

“Don’t worry. He’s too cute for me to be mad at him.” Giggling, she favored Rashid with her infectious smile. “And how about you? What is your name?”

“I am Rashid Davar.”

“Did you say, Rashid? Oh my goodness! So, you’re Rashid. I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

“I beg your pardon; do I know you?” Rashid asked, both amused and confused.

“No, but we have a mutual friend. At least I think we do. You are a friend of Victoria’s, aren’t you?” Jessica stared at him as if her life hung on his reply.

“Yes, I have met Miss Ballard. Has she spoken of our acquaintance?”

“Oh! Heavens no! Not on purpose anyway. Your name came up quite by accident.”

Jacob Ballard’s appearance prevented Rashid from pursuing what was turning out to be an interesting and informative conversation.

“Please excuse my tardiness,” said Jacob. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long. Let’s go into my office.” Jacob indicated the door to his right and then turned to Jessica.

“Hello, Jessica. Victoria said to tell you she would be delayed and would meet you at the ball tonight. I see you have met His Highness Prince Rashid Davar, and his First Regent Califar Cadin.”

“Yes, we’ve been having a lovely time getting acquainted. But these naughty boys didn’t tell me anything about being royalty.” She winked at Califar, whose eyes threatened all manner of slow torture. “Since you obviously have some business to discuss, Mr. Ballard, I won’t keep your guests chatting. I’ll catch Victoria later.”

Rashid took the hand Miss Heathly offered and bid her goodbye. She turned toward Califar and blew him an audacious kiss, then disappeared through the door, emptying the room of all her playful energy.

Rashid was eager to follow Jacob into his office but Califar was unmoving, his eyes fixed on the door Miss Heathly just exited. Leaning in Califar’s direction, Rashid could not suppress the urge to goad his friend a little. “She was lovely, was she not?” he asked.

Califar snorted. “A brazen female, totally unsuitable.”

“Unsuitable for what?” Rashid asked with a grin.

“My lord, don’t we have some business of yours to attend to? After all, you are the one who bought one of these American women.”

“Perhaps I could include Miss Heathly in the deal for you?” The horrified look on his First Regent’s face pleased Rashid. Laughing, he gestured for Califar to follow him into Jacob’s office.

To be continued…

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