Sheik (11 page)

Much later, after they were both dressed and ready to leave, Jamal opened a small casket sitting on a lacquered chest and removed a large brass key. He called Hammet, who appeared instantly, handed him the key and told him to escort Zara to her father. It wasn’t the first time Zara had seen Jamal remove or replace the key in the casket, but she was happy to learn that it was still kept there.

Zara was shocked by Youssef’s appearance. He was pale and wan and looked as if he’d lost considerable weight. He was a man accustomed to living with the elements, racing his camel over mountains and through valleys with the sun and wind in his face. If she didn’t free him soon, she feared he would waste away in his dark prison, deprived of sunshine and fresh air.

“Are you well, daughter?” Youssef asked with concern. He hated the thought of Zara being used by Jamal. He knew she had offered herself to the sheik but he could not like it. If Jamal wanted her,
he should marry her. She had been an innocent until Jamal violated her.

“I am well, Father. We must speak quietly; Hammet waits outside the door. I think I’ve finally gained Jamal’s trust. He’s give me permission to visit the
souk
. I have a plan, Father. Remember the man who came to me in the stables and told me you were coming to rescue me?”

Youssef nodded. “His name is Rachid. He’s a camel trader who spies for me in the village.”

“My plan depends on Rachid’s willingness to help us.”

“The danger to you is too great. Should Jamal learn of your betrayal, he will punish you. I hear his temper is fearsome when roused to anger. ’Tis said he’s fair and just until he’s crossed. I fear for you, daughter.”

“I can handle Jamal,” Zara said with more bravado than she felt. “Where can I find Rachid?”

“You’ll find him in the village, Zara. He is the only camel trader in the
souk
who sells and trades racing camels. Quickly, tell me your plan.”

When Zara left her father a short time later, she was more determined than ever to free him. He was barely existing in Jamal’s foul prison. With firm resolve she prepared for her walk to the village. Hammet provided her with a black
djellaba
, which she donned over her caftan, fastening the veil over the lower part of her face so nothing but her eyes showed. Jamal had already left for Meknes with Haroun, but two men-at-arms were waiting for her when Hammet escorted her to the gate. They were given a bag of coins to pay for Zara’s purchases.

The walk to the village was hot and dusty, but Zara relished each step, for it took her closer to freedom.

The
souk
was crowded with people, some haggling over prices, some trading and others hawking their wares. Her passage warranted only a passing glance, for the villagers were accustomed to seeing Sheik Jamal’s concubines strolling though the
souk
with their guards in attendance. Zara made a great show of examining merchandise for sale and purchasing geegaws she had no use for. When she finally approached the open grassy area where the camel traders did their business, her gaze settled on the man buying and selling racing camels. It had to be Rachid.

“I would like to speak with the camel trader,” Zara told her vigilant guards. “Racing camels are of great interest to me. My people find them perfect for their needs and ride them exclusively.”

The guards exchanged glances. They saw no harm in Zara’s speaking with vendors since no orders had been issued disallowing it. Still, they hesitated.

“Please,” Zara said prettily. “I wish only to discuss his animals. They are sleek and look swift of foot, do they not?”

“I prefer horses,” the first guard grumbled.

“They are mean-spirited animals,” the second guard added. “Go then, speak to him if you must, but do not linger.”

Bouyed by her success, Zara approached the small, bearded camel trader. She introduced herself quickly. “I am Zara, daughter of Youssef. Are you Rachid?” The man nodded. “Listen carefully,
for I have little time,” Zara continued. “Pretend we are discussing your camels.”

Rashid nodded his understanding. “How is your father? I am sorry things worked out as they did. What can I do to help?”

“I need a sleeping draught. Something strong but not so strong as to kill. Can you get it for me? And if so, how soon?”

Rachid pretended interest in the camel nearest to him. “It is possible for me to obtain what you need.” He pulled at his beard. “Give me an hour. Continue your stroll through the
souk
. I will find you.”

Zara thanked him and left, aware that the guards were watching her intently. She didn’t want to arouse suspicion when she was so close to her goal. She spent a long time browsing through vendor stalls, purchasing small items, inspecting and rejecting others and lingering over an array of vibrant silks. After a while she began to despair that Rachid had failed to obtain what she needed. Then she felt a jolt and something was thrust into her hand. Her palm curled around a small packet and she quickly thrust it into her pocket. When she looked around she saw no one but the usual crowd of people going about their business.

Zara left the
souk
soon afterward. Her guards seemed relieved as they escorted her back to the harem. She thanked them for their escort and hurried inside.

“Did you enjoy your outing?” Nafisa asked as Zara passed through the main room.

“It was good to be outside the palace walls,”
Zara replied, eager to return to her room.

“You must rest now, Zara. You want to be fresh and rested when you go to Jamal tonight, don’t you?”

Zara merely nodded as she continued on her way. Once in her chamber she removed the packet from her pocket, shed her
djellaba
and sank down on the bed. Then she opened her palm, unfolded the packet and studied the powder inside, wondering how much it would take to make Jamal sleep deeply without doing him harm.

Suddenly Saha appeared in the doorway and Zara closed her fingers over the packet. “I’ve brought you something cool to drink,” Saha said, offering Zara a tall glass of sparkling red liquid. “I know how hot and dusty the
souk
can be on a day like this.”

Zara eyed Saha suspiciously. Her act of kindness was unexpected and totally out of character. But if Saha meant to offer friendship, Zara certainly didn’t want to discourage her. “Thank you, Saha, how thoughtful of you. Have you changed your mind about me?”

Saha gave a delicate shrug. “You seem to please Jamal and it has occurred to me that I should try to be more tolerant of you. I do not wish to incur Jamal’s wrath for treating you badly. One day he will tire of you and turn to his concubines for comfort. So drink, Zara, and consider my offering an act of friendship.”

“Why not?” Zara replied, aware that she wouldn’t be in the harem long enough to develop a friendship with Saha even if she was inclined
to do so. Saha was the last person with whom she’d share her plans.

Zara accepted the glass from Saha and lifted it to her lips. The cool liquid had just barely touched her lips when Nafisa rushed into the room and slapped the glass from Zara’s hands. Zara watched in dismay as the glass shattered on the floor, creating a splash of red against the pale peach-colored carpet.

“What have you done, Saha?” Nafisa cried, rounding on the frightened concubine, who was cowering in a corner. “Jamal will kill you for this.”

Zara was slow to react. When it finally dawned on her what Saha had tried to do to her, she began shaking.

“Please, Nafisa,” Saha begged, “do not tell Jamal. No harm was done.”

“No harm?” Nafisa cried. “You tried to poison Zara. What if I hadn’t heard Amar and Leila talking about your plans? What if I hadn’t arrived in time to prevent such a tragedy? Jamal must be told.”

“You meant to poison me!” Zara cried, finally finding her voice. “Why can’t you realize I’m no threat to you?”

“Jamal asked you to marry him,” Saha charged.

The breath caught in Zara’s throat. “How did you know?”

“Everyone knows,” Saha claimed. “There are no secrets here.”

“Get out!” Zara ordered. “The sight of you sickens me.”

Realizing the gravity of her sin, Saha felt real fear. “Will you tell Jamal?”

“I will tell him,” Nafisa said, answering for Zara. “Now get out of here. Go to your chamber and await word from Jamal.”

Turning on her heel, Saha fled, sobbing loudly.

“What will happen to her?” Zara wondered.

“That’s for Jamal to decide. What she tried to do cannot be dismissed.”

Zara didn’t want to feel compassion for the misguided concubine but she couldn’t help it. Since Zara’s arrival at Paradise, Jamal had all but ignored his women.

“Fear not, Zara, I will see that nothing like this happens again.”

Exhausted from her trip to the village and lack of sleep the previous night, Zara decided a nap was in order. She hid the packet containing the sleeping powder beneath her mattress, then lay down and drifted off to sleep. Hours later she was awakened by the sound of angry voices and loud wailing. Within moments Jamal burst into her chamber.

“Are you all right? Nafisa sent word to me the moment I arrived home.” Dropping down beside her, he dragged her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “How dare Saha try to poison you! I’ll never let you out of my sight again.”

“I’m fine, Jamal, truly. Nafisa arrived in time to prevent me from drinking the poison.”

“I shudder to think what would have happened if Nafisa hadn’t learned of Saha’s plan to do away with you.” He grasped her hand. “Come with me.”

She followed him into the main room where
Saha, Amar and Leila huddled together on a couch, sobbing quietly. One look at Jamal’s stern visage sent them into a fresh paroxysm of tears.

“Quiet!” Jamal ordered harshly. “What you have done is wrong and must be punished. Since Saha is the perpetrator, she will be dealt with first.” He crooked a finger at Saha. “Come with me.” He strode through the harem, taking both Zara and Saha with him.

Once beyond the harem doors, Zara noted with surprise that Haroun awaited them. Haroun had eyes for no one but Saha. His lust for the beautiful concubine was evidenced by the burning look he bestowed on her.

“What are you going to do to me?” Saha asked fearfully. “I could not bear being whipped, my lord. And the bastinado would kill me. Forgive me, Jamal, I beg you.”

“I can’t forgive you, Saha, but neither can I inflict pain upon a woman. Though you deserve to be beaten, it will not be by my hand.”

Hope flared in Saha’s eyes, but Jamal was quick to extinguish it. “I am giving you to Haroun. May Allah have pity on him.”

Haroun looked thunderstruck. Jamal’s generosity humbled him. He had long lusted after Lady Saha. He knew what Saha had tried to do to Zara, but still he wanted her. He was strong. He would tame Saha and keep her in line. He would see to it that she never bothered Jamal or Zara again.

“I am truly grateful, my lord,” Haroun said, finally finding his voice. “You will not regret your generosity.”

“So be it,” Jamal said. “Take her away; the sight
of her sickens me. Keep her in the village, tie her to the bed, beat her if you wish, but keep her out of my sight. Choose two worthy men from among my men-at-arms and I will present Amar and Leila to them.”

Afraid that Jamal would change his mind, Haroun sent Saha for her
djellaba
. When she returned, he literally dragged her away. Jamal watched them go without visible regret.

“All three, Jamal?” Zara asked, stunned by his swift and decisive justice. “You will give away all three of your women?”

Jamal sent her a smoldering look that spoke eloquently of his desire. “I have said it before and I will say it again, Zara. I need no other woman but you.”

Chapter Ten

A week had passed since Zara’s first visit to the village. Just today she had returned to the
souk
, with Jamal’s permission, and arranged with Rachid to have racing camels waiting at the back gate during the darkest hours of night. Zara had discovered the gate during her explorations and learned that it was little used and normally left unguarded except for one sentry, who made rounds every hour or so.

Zara dressed carefully for her visit to Jamal that night, choosing a sunny yellow caftan with a deep pocket. She knew what must be done but not how to accomplish it, except that Jamal had to ingest the sleeping draught before he took off her clothing. Without her caftan she would have no access to the sleeping draught in her pocket. The escape had to be accomplished tonight. All
the arrangements were made; she had to make it happen.

Zara was ready when Hammet came for her. Her footsteps echoed hollowly as she walked through the empty harem. All three concubines were gone now. Jamal’s justice had been swift and relentless. Amar and Leila had been given to two deserving soldiers, who found houses for them in the village. The soldiers looked decent enough to Zara, but the concubines would never again have the luxuries they had enjoyed in Jamal’s household.

Jamal drew Zara into his arms when she entered his chamber. He never tired of seeing her, of holding her in his arms, of making love to her. It still frightened him when he recalled how close he had come to losing her. Saha had gotten off easy; he could have put her to death had he been of a mind to do so. Had Zara actually consumed the poison, his retribution would have been harsh and swift.

“There is something I must tell you tonight,” Jamal said, drawing Zara down with him on a couch. “I have thought upon it during this past week, since my last visit with the sultan.”

Zara lost the ability to breathe. “It’s about my father, isn’t it?”

“In a way. ’Tis time I returned to pirating. The sultan is a greedy man. He is ever eager to add to his depleted coffers, and my pirate ship brings him substantial riches. Your father cannot stay here in my absence. I have no choice, Zara. Youssef must be turned over to Moulay Ishmail.”

Zara blanched. Praise Allah that her escape plans had been set into motion.

Her stricken expression must have convinced Jamal that she was devastated by his decision, for he said, “I’ve kept Youssef here as long as I dared. I have fulfilled my part of our bargain.”

“Why can’t I see to my father’s care in your absence?” Zara asked. “We both know the sultan will kill him.”

Jamal hardened himself against Zara’s pleas. His decision was final—Youssef must be sent to Meknes. “You won’t be here to care for your father. I’m taking you with me.”

Zara’s eyes widened in shock. Obviously her plan to bind Jamal to her had worked beyond her wildest expectations. Her mouth went dry. Jamal cared for her, cared enough that he wanted her with him. Allah forgive her for what she was about to do. No matter how desperately she wanted to be with Jamal, she could not bear being his slave, nor could she endure the thought of her father’s death. Escape was the only answer.

“I… have never been on a ship. Perhaps I will not like it.”

Jamal pulled her against him. “I want you with me, Zara. I am not ready yet to part with you. The sultan hinted that I should return you to his harem. He’s decided he wants to tame you himself, but I cannot bear the thought of Ishmail’s hands upon your sweet flesh.”

When Jamal started to remove her caftan, Zara demurred, saying, “’Tis difficult to accept the fact that my father will soon die, my lord. How can
you expect me to respond to you when you are sending my father to his death?”

“I would keep Youssef here if I could, Zara.”

“I need time to come to grips with my grief. Let me get something cool to drink. I do not feel too kindly disposed toward you right now.”

“Very well,” Jamal agreed. “There is food and a pitcher of apricot nectar on the table. Choose whatever you desire.”

Zara walked slowly to the table and poured two glasses of nectar. Turning her back to Jamal, she poured the contents of the packet into one of the glasses and stuffed the empty paper back into her pocket. Then she returned to Jamal’s side and handed him the doctored drink. Her face was devoid of all emotion as she watched him take a huge gulp of the juice. She sipped at hers, not really thirsty or hungry.

“I will speak in Youssef’s behalf,” Jamal promised in an effort to placate her. “I’m not hungry for his blood.”

“Is that your last word?”

“Aye, my decision is made.”

“Then I am no longer obliged to honor our bargain. I wish to return to the harem.”

Jamal drained his glass and set it down with a bang. The glass shattered but he paid it no heed. “Nay! I will not be denied. You are still my slave and I will have you whether or not you are willing.”

Didn’t Zara realize he cared for her? Jamal wondered. He’d never felt this way about another woman. His feelings were so strong he couldn’t endure a long sea voyage without Zara. His decision
to take her with him had not been lightly made.

Zara stiffened with indignation. She’d acted the meek love slave long enough. She’d held her temper, bit her tongue and forced herself to submit to Jamal’s sensual nature. Against her will he’d taught her to crave his touch and enjoy his lovemaking, but captivity was not a way of life she would ever choose. With Allah’s help she would not be a slave much longer. Jamal had drunk all the draught and would soon succumb to sleep.

“Slave I may be but I do not wish to accommodate you. Our bargain is over.” She started to rise.

Jamal grasped her wrist, refusing to let her leave. “Forget that ill-conceived bargain. I will have you, sweet vixen. I should have known your submission was but an act. Do you feel nothing for me?”

Feel nothing for him? Her body was aching for his touch, but to admit it would compromise what remained of her pride. “I honored our bargain; you have no complaints.”

His eyes blazed with fury. “Have you played me for a fool? Did you deliberately seek to capture my heart?”

He whipped her caftan over her head and tossed it aside. Anger and desire combined to make him hard as stone.

“Nay! I never wanted your heart, only your trust.” Allah, what was she saying? She must not arouse his suspicions. Jamal didn’t look the least bit sleepy yet. In fact, he looked wide awake as he
stripped off his own caftan and flung it aside.

Jamal pushed her back against the cushions and pinned her there with the hard length of his body. His lips flattened against his teeth, giving him a feral look. “Tell me you don’t want me. Say the words and I’ll send you back to the harem.”

Zara stared into his eyes, stunned by the intense longing within their dark depths, and the ability to speak left her.

“Say the words, sweet vixen,” Jamal repeated. Silence. Zara still hadn’t found her tongue. “That’s what I thought,” he said smugly. “You can’t say it because it would be a lie.”

His smile turned predatory as his mouth burned a path to her breasts. Her erect nipples became the objects of his attention as he kissed and sucked the tender buds, then nipped them between his strong white teeth. Zara arched and cried out, wanting this yet denying her need for the handsome sheik with her whole heart.

“Shall I get the silver balls?” he asked huskily. “You seemed to enjoy them the last time.”

“Nay!” Zara choked out. Allah help her.

Jamal shrugged and lowered his head to resume his assault upon her succulent nipples. When his lips traveled downward to her smooth mound, Zara finally found the courage to say the words he had demanded of her.

“I do not want you! Pray stop!”

Jamal raised his head and gave her an amused smile. “Too late, sweet vixen. You had your chance. Now you must pay the consequences. Come, Zara, yield to me.”

His head lowered and his tongue parted her, finding the tiny jewel at the top of her thighs. He spent several breathless moments tormenting her before sucking the erect bud into his mouth. Zara screamed, stiffened and then went limp.

Jamal shifted upward between her outstretched legs, flexed his hips and prepared to thrust into her. Suddenly his eyes grew murky and a confused look passed over his face. Then his eyes rolled upward and he dropped heavily on top of her. The sleeping potion had finally worked!

Zara poked Jamal and called his name. He did not budge. She let out a sigh of relief. For a time she had feared the powder wouldn’t work. Now she realized that Jamal had such a vigorous constitution that it had taken longer than usual to take effect. She squirmed from beneath him, breathing hard from the effort, and stared at him. He was so still it frightened her.

She felt his neck for a pulse and found it beating strongly. She nearly collapsed with relief. She had no idea how long he would sleep, but at least she was assured that he
would
wake up. She was shaking when she pulled a light blanket over him and backed away.

Zara found her caftan and donned it quickly. Then she rummaged in Jamal’s chest until she located a black
djellaba
and pulled it on over her caftan. Next she opened the casket holding the key to her father’s jail and removed it, replacing it with the emerald Jamal had given her. Then she sat down to wait. According to her calculations,
Rachid wouldn’t arrive with the camels for several hours yet.

She watched Jamal sleep, unable to turn her gaze from his handsome features. He was so strong, so virile, so absolutely captivating that it was going to be difficult to forget him. Perhaps it would be easier to forget him if she thought of him as the man responsible for Sayed’s death, not as her lover.

She breathed in a shaky sigh and stared into the dark courtyard, noting that the moon had slipped behind a cloud and the shadows had deepened. Still she waited. Finally it was time. She gave Jamal’s sleeping form one last, lingering look and slipped out into the courtyard. She made as little noise as possible, aware that Hammet slept on a pallet outside Jamal’s door.

Zara was nearly invisible in her black
djellaba
as she crept through the darkness. She watched in silence as the sentry walked past her father’s prison and disappeared around the corner. A sigh of relief slipped past her lips when he failed to see her. She was shaking like a leaf when she fitted the key into the locked door and turned it. The door swung open on noiseless hinges, and she whispered her father’s name.

“I am here, Zara,” Youssef said, appearing in the opening. “Where’s the sentry?”

“He passed by a moment ago. We must hurry and release the others before he returns.”

Youssef stepped into the night shadows, closed the door to his prison and locked it. Then he tossed the key into the bushes. The other Berbers had been imprisoned in a common hut not far
from Youssef’s tiny prison. The door had no lock but was barred from the outside with a stout board. Youssef lifted the bar and gave a hushed command. One by one the men crept out of their prison, merging into the shadows to keep from being seen.

“Instruct the men to follow the wall to the back gate, Father,” Zara whispered. “I’m right behind you.” She was thankful that the Berbers’ blue robes blended into the darkness so well.

Hugging the gate, Youssef and Zara made their way to the back gate, keeping their eyes peeled for the sentry. He passed them without incident as they crouched behind a fig tree. Once the guard had continued on his way, they crept along the wall to the back gate. Luck was with them. They found the gate unguarded. Unfortunately, it was locked.

“Climb over,” Youssef hissed. “I’ll give you a boost.”

Moments later Zara was scrambling up and over the gate, followed closely by her father. At first they didn’t see Rachid, and Zara panicked. Then she spotted him, leading a string of camels from a grove of olive trees.

“Thank you, my friend,” Youssef said, clapping his tribesman on the shoulder. “You will receive payment for your camels.”

“I ask no payment, Youssef. It is the least I can do. Your daughter is a brave woman. She’s the one who deserves praise. Allah be with you.”

“We must leave,” Youssef said, taking swift charge, “before we are discovered.” They
mounted quickly and rode off into the night, leaving the oasis and Sheik Jamal far behind.

Jamal’s dream was not a pleasant one. He tried to rouse himself from the throes of a deep, troubled sleep but could not. He fought, but his arms would not move. Something was wrong, terribly wrong, but he was powerless to check the panic racing through his drugged mind. Then he felt hands upon him, shaking him, and he concentrated on the words being shouted into his ear.

“Master, wake up!” The shaking continued, more vigorously now. “Master, please, what has happened to you?”

Jamal’s brow furrowed. With tremendous effort he raised one lid at a time. His eyes were gritty and unfocused, and several minutes passed before he recognized Hammet.

“Hammet? What is the meaning of this?” What had happened to his voice? It sounded hoarse and distorted.

“Allah be praised,” Hammet said with a sigh. “You must try to rouse yourself, my lord. I fear you will not like the tidings I bring you.”

“Water,” Jamal said as he tried to push himself into a sitting position. He succeeded only with Hammet’s help, gulping down the goblet of water the eunuch held to his lips. “What happened? Am I ill?”

“I’ve sent for your physician; he will be here shortly. Meanwhile, I fear I am the bearer of disturbing news.”

“Disturbing news?” Jamal repeated, finding it difficult to concentrate.

Before Hammet could explain, a short, intense man sporting a beard and wearing a black skullcap upon his head bustled into the room.

“I will explain later,” Hammet said, backing away to allow the physician room to attend his patient.

David ben Israel was a Jewish physician of some renown. He’d been Jamal’s personal healer since Jamal’s birth; had brought him into the world, in fact. He was an old man, but a wise one. His status was one of semi-retirement, for his duties at Paradise were light.