When Ardeth rode back into camp three days later, he was weary, frustrated and found himself wanting nothing more than to see Katy and find out how she had fared among his people. Menes moved forward to meet his Chief as three young boys hurried out to take the horses from the warriors. Wives and children crowded around their men, welcoming them home. For the first time ever, Ardeth felt a sudden pang in his chest, wanting to see someone other than his second-in-command there to meet him. His gaze searched the crowd for her until Menes spoke:
“I trust all went well?”
Ardeth nodded. “Were there any problems while I was gone?” The unspoken words hung between them: had Seth attacked?
Menes shook his head as they moved further into camp. “All has been quiet. Perhaps too quiet for those who believe the world exists in chaos. There was a small argument between Amenti and Sitra because they each want their daughters to marry Kahma but I believe the Elders took care of the matter.”
“And which woman will be bestowed upon our warrior?”
“Zahra.”
“Ah. Wise choice for him.” Zahra had long been pursuing Ardeth, desperate to earn his affections. He was glad that her attention would now be focused elsewhere.
Ardeth was about to ask Menes where Katy was and why was he not with her, when he followed his assistant’s gaze to a group of the younger warriors who were under Menes’ direct command. They were training with their scimitars in a nearby clearing, perfecting those skills most needed in a desert warrior. He looked away, preparing to ask his question once again, when he hesitated, his brow furrowing. Something had not been right. He stopped, looking back at the group of trainees once more when he realized what it was that had caught his attention. Saying nothing, he quickly pushed past Menes, who already knew where he was headed and why, and fell into line behind his Chief. The warriors crowded around the scene parted as their Chief arrived to allow him into the circle. He stood with legs braced apart and arms folded across his chest, and watched the antics before him with a half smile.
Someone had seen fit to supply Katy with a change of clothing, and she was now dressed in the style of the Medjai, down to the turban wrapped around her red locks. His gaze had almost passed over her, until he had noticed the long strands that appeared amidst the black cloth down her back. The dark clothing suited her coloring, making her pale skin and fiery hair all the more noticeable. She was laughing brightly as she practiced with the men, lunging forward with her scimitar, blocking when necessary and occasionally besting her opponent. Ardeth could see that the warriors were holding back with her, allowing her to appear more skilled than she was, though in truth he was pleased with how adept with the weapon she did appear to be in such a short time.
“She was restless,” Menes spoke beside him. “Whining about being locked up in the tent. Have you had to be stuck with a woman who constantly complained? It is unpleasant to say the least. I think she did it simply to vex me. So I asked my warriors to keep her occupied. They have done an excellent job, I think.”
Ardeth nodded, his eyes never leaving her as she moved around the circle gracefully. He wondered how he could have at first missed her tall and shapely form that only seemed emphasized by the Medjai clothing. “She is skilled.”
“She is a woman with a weapon,” Menes replied with a sneer, clearly expressing what he thought of the idea. He glanced at his Chief, noting the way he watched the American and he frowned. He hoped that Ardeth was not forgetting his duty to the Medjai.
Katy laughed suddenly at something one of the warriors did and Ardeth found he wanted her smile directed at him. Three days away from her, and he had thought of nothing but her. He hoped that she too had thought of him. Moving into the circle, he walked quietly behind her, signaling to the warrior in front of her not to give him away. He watched as she defended a blow aimed to her then twisted with her scimitar, removing the weapon from her opponent’s hand and knocking it a few feet away. Of course, the warrior had allowed her to do so but the fact that she had learned the move was the most impressive aspect of the moment. Without a sound, Ardeth removed his own scimitar and moved up behind her, quickly pulling her back against him in a tight hold and placing the blade gently against her neck.
Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, “Not bad, Westerner, but what if there are two opponents and one sneaks up on you?”
Katy’s heart slammed wildly into her chest. Ardeth! She attempted to calm her breathing, the tremors that racked through her as his mellifluous voice washed over her, his breath warm against her ear. She wished she had known he had arrived so that she could have met him as he rode into camp. As it was, she wondered what he thought of her dressed as one of his people, away from the safety of his tent where he had told her to remain. Katy decided she had to prove to him she could protect herself, so that he did not attempt to lock her away again.
Taking a deep breath, she replied softly, “I would let my attacker believe I was a helpless and fearful female, unable to protect myself.”
“And then?”
“And then…” There was really no help for it. Katy slammed her heel into Ardeth’s right foot, causing him to howl, more from surprise than pain, and she quickly pulled from his embrace, snatching his weapon from him and turning the tip of it against his own throat. “You were saying?” she asked with a smile.
The Medjai Chief allowed a chuckle. “Most impressive, Katebet. But, you should never underestimate your opponent.”
Before she could blink, he withdrew a second scimitar, knocking the first from her hand, then tripping her over his ankle to the ground where he quickly followed her down, pressing his blade once more to her throat, gently, but with just enough purpose to let her know who was in control.
Katy laughed breathlessly, surprised by the move against her but pleased that Ardeth was being so playful. Though he lay atop her, he held his own weight, careful not to crush her. Their faces were inches apart and Katy found herself staring into the dark eyes above her, that were at once both intense and gentle. Her gaze roamed over his face, the tattoos on the high cheekbones, the neatly trimmed beard that ran the length of his jaw line, emphasizing it, and the full lips that she suddenly wished to feel against her own. A tremor ran the length of her body and her heartbeat jumped.
“I think I have won this match,” Ardeth told her.
His voice was like a caress against her skin. She fought back the sigh that threatened. “And what exactly is it you have won, my Chief?” Katy whispered back.
Ardeth raised his brow at her use of “my Chief”. He liked the sound of his title from her lips; he liked the idea of the power such a position over her would hold. He could then demand she be his. What a fight that would be! he thought, allowing a smile. “As the victor I claim my domination over you, Katebet.” His smile widened as she tensed beneath him. “As the vanquished, you must swear your abiding devotion to me. You must prove to me you are loyal.” Verbal sword play? Katy pursed her lips. Obviously the desert warrior above her had a few things to learn about women. “But you have forgotten one thing, my Chief.”
“And what is that, Katebet?”
“Never underestimate your opponent.”
She brought her leg up between them, kicking him off of her and rolling him to her side while she pulled a hidden dagger from her boot and rolled over with him, straddling him quickly and pressing the tip of the dagger to his chest.
“Now who is victorious, I wonder?” She smiled.
Ardeth laughed. “You are as surprising in action as you are in wit, Katebet. I have little choice but to yield to you.”
Katy grinned, leaning forward to whisper, “You just remember that, Ardeth Bay.”
She pulled back and sprang to her feet then, holding her hand out to help him to stand. He grinned at the gesture but took the offer, climbing to his feet beside her. He replaced his scimitars in their sheaths across his chest then turned back to Katy to find her smiling at him. By Allah but she is beautiful! he thought, his breath catching at the sight of the sunlight reflecting off of her almost translucent green eyes. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, that he had thought of during the days away, so many decisions that he had made. He would need to speak with the Elders first of course, and then there was her brother, who he was certain would be the greatest obstacle of all. But it did not matter. He had made the decision that he wanted Katy O’Connell for his own, and no one would stand between them.
“Have you been well?” he asked, suddenly uncertain of how to broach the subject of his feelings for her. If she were a member of his tribe, it would all be much simpler. He would go to her parents and ask for her hand and the marriage would take place. But she was not from his tribe – was raised in a separate culture – and simply telling her that he wanted her would not be as effective. He had to win her. He had to make her want him.
“Yes. Everyone has been very nice. Except Menes. I mean, not that he hasn’t been polite but I think he would have much preferred to have been riding with you than playing babysitter to me.” She was wise as well as beautiful, how could he not want her? “Menes will do his duty as he is assigned because he is Medjai.” Ardeth took her hand in his, prepared to lead her back to his tent. “Katebet, I – “
Screaming broke out across the camp. Katy and Ardeth broke apart, both turning their gazes to the direction the screams came from. The Medjai Chief’s brow furrowed as he listened to his people shouting that the spirit of Seth had returned. Amenti, who stood only a few meters from them, screamed out, lurching forward as she seemed to loose control of her body. Ardeth heard Katy gasp beside him and they both watched in horror as Amenti staggered around, her limbs jerking and shaking as a glowing light seemed to appear in her eyes. She dropped to her knees, screaming louder now, blood beginning to pour from her eyes down her cheeks, bubbling from the corners of her mouth down her chin. She convulsed on the sand, her body appearing as if it might rip apart at any moment.
“Ardeth…”
The warrior heard his name spoken softly and realized the very real danger Katy was in. He immediately pushed her to her knees, leaning over her, covering her with his body and robes, as the other men in the camp were beginning to do with the women, chanting the ancient words to ward away evil spirits. He felt Katy shaking beneath him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly to him while he continued the recitation, the screams around them slowly fading. It was well past fifteen minutes before silence once more pervaded the Medjai camp, broken only by the occasional sob of sorrow and fear. Ardeth continued to hold Katy until he felt her tremors cease. He kissed her forehead gently before slowly standing and surveying his camp.
Other warriors began to move away from the woman they protected as well, surveying the damage that had been done. Amenti lay only a few feet from them now, her daughter Zahra bent over her, wailing in sorrow. Knowing that Katy was safe for the moment, Ardeth moved over to the grieving girl and placed a hand on her head, whispering a few words of comfort to her in their language. She nodded, stilling her sobs, beginning to gather her mother into her arms to prepare her for burial. Menes approached, speaking low to his Chief:
“Five were attacked, Ardeth. Five! We have lost Bastet, Dalila, Maat, Henut and Amenti! Something must be done!”
“There is nothing that can be done until Djau returns with word that they have recovered the sacred urn.”
“Something can be done,” Menes whispered fiercely. “We give the girl to Seth! Our warriors can defeat Seth’s army once that has occurred! You know how well we did against the Anubis warriors!”
Ardeth rounded on his second-in-command, his eyes blazing. “No! I have sworn to protect her and I will live by that promise. Katy O’Connell will not be harmed.”
“And meanwhile, the women of our tribe are murdered before us!” Menes spat. “I wonder if you even know where your loyalty lies anymore.” With a hard, pointed look, the warrior stalked off to begin burial plans.
Ardeth collected the anger he felt building at Menes and forced it down. He turned to go back to Katy, fear flooding through him when he found she was not where he left her standing. One of the trainees obviously noticed the concern on his face, for he came forward, informing Ardeth that the red haired woman had gone back to his tent. His chief nodded, relaxing, thanking the boy and then headed toward his home.
Katy could live the next hundred years and never forget what she had just seen or the terror it instilled in her. What had she done? She stared at the amulet she held in her hands with aversion and hatred. Women were dying all around her and it was her fault – and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Even if she sacrificed herself, according to Ardeth, it would not end, for hers was not the soul that Seth searched for. She had simply been the key to opening a horror into the world that could not be stopped. And she did not believe herself strong enough to continue to watch its effects. Where was Rick? Why had they not found the urn yet? And how long would it be before Ardeth began hating her for what she caused to happen to his people?
She looked up as he entered the tent, tensing as he moved toward her. This was it, Katy thought. This was when he was going to place the blame at her feet, tell her what a horrible person she was. She watched him closely as he knelt before her, starting when he reached out and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“I don’t understand,” she told him when his fingers lingered to caress her cheek. “You should be hating me – I would! Why then do you sit here and console me?”
“I have told you already, Katebet, that you are not to blame,” he replied, folding his legs to sit cross-legged before her. He began to gently unwind the turban from her head. “Evil has been unleashed upon the land, we will destroy it in time. That is all there is to it. My people have faced many challenges. This is simply another.”
Katy looked away, unable to believe him. “What did Menes say to you?” She turned her gaze back to him. “I saw him looking at me when he spoke to you. He was very angry.”
“That is none of your concern,” Ardeth told her quickly. “There are matters best left to me and my people.”
Katy searched his eyes for a moment. “And if that happened to me – what happened to those women – what then?”
Ardeth set his mouth in a straight line, his expression hardening. “Do not even think it. It would not help the situation, so stop thinking foolishly.”
“But how do you know?” she demanded.
He stood, ignoring her, walking to the other side of the tent to remove his turban.
“Dammit!” Katy jumped to her feet and followed him, anger replacing grief. “Tell me why you know so much? Why you think you have all of the answers? Why it should matter if I am simply another casualty of all of this, if it might help –”
“Because it matters to me!” Ardeth shouted, rounding on her, his dark eyes pained at the thought of watching her suffer what Amenti and so many others had. He softened his tone, placing his hands on her shoulders. “It matters to me, Katebet. I could not stand to see… to watch –”
“My Chief.”
Ardeth gritted his teeth at the intrusion by Menes. “Yes, what is it?”
“The Elders wish to speak with you.”
“In a moment.”
“They said now.”
Again, he fought to rein in his anger. “Very well. I am on my way.”
Menes bowed and ducked out of his tent.
“I will be back,” Ardeth told her, stepping away.
“Wait!” Katy reached for his hand. “Let me go with you, please? I don’t want to be alone.”
“It is forbidden –” He stopped, glancing over at the woman who held his hand, who watched him with a trusting, pleading gaze. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her and make her understand that everything would be all right. But duty came first. “Katebet, you cannot –”
“I don’t want to be alone.” She moved closer, not letting go of his hand. “Please, Ardeth. I don’t understand any of this. I’m strong and fearless and have traveled the world on my own but there is all of this… this stuff going on around me that I don’t understand and I… I’m afraid.” What would it hurt? She did not understand their language and so would not know of what they spoke. Besides, she had more of a right to be a part of anything regarding the current situation than anyone. He would take her with him, and he would make known to the Elders his intentions.
“Very well. But say nothing. Remain where I place you until we leave, do you understand?”
Katy nodded, allowing him to lead her out of the tent and across camp to where the Elders circle stood. From what Katy had gathered during her time there, though Ardeth was the Chief of his tribe, the Elders remained as councilors to him, advising him on matters they felt were too important for him to make decisions on by himself. The group was comprised of the seven eldest warriors in camp; men who knew all of the prophecies, the rituals of the ages. Katy had glimpsed them during her stay, and doubted that any of them were under the age of ninety. They seemed ancient to her, weathered by the sands of time, immortal even. As they entered the tent even Ardeth, who always seemed larger than life and more confident in himself than any man she had met, suddenly became humbled and obedient.
“What is she doing here?” the senior council member, Astennu, demanded in their language as Ardeth requested Katy to sit near the door.
Ignoring the question for a moment, the Chief gave her a reassuring smile, then turned to Astennu and bowed. “Elder, I felt it best that she not be left alone,” he replied before sitting cross-legged in the empty spot of the now completed circle.
Astennu snorted. “Why is it I do not believe your intentions so honorable, Ardeth?”
Before the Chief could answer, Paki, who was the newest to the Council, announced, “It has been brought to our attention, Ardeth, that perhaps your focus has been drawn away from the tribe and your purpose.”
Ardeth straightened, a scowl crossing his handsome features. “If my loyalty to Medjai is being questioned, I would know my accuser!”
Khalid, the most open-minded and gentlest of the group, raised his hand for silence. “Your loyalty has not been questioned, Ardeth. Only your choices. Every man, woman and child among the twelve tribes know and believe in your devotion to Medjai. There is only worry that perhaps your… attention is being drawn elsewhere.” The old man cast a glance at Katy, smiled at her when she caught his gaze. He looked back at the young Chief. “Though our guest’s presence is not the cause for these attacks, she still instills fear in our people. It is because of her that this evil has been unleashed upon Egypt. And yet, it appears as if it is for her welfare only that you are concerned.”
“I gave my vow to O’Connell that I would protect her,” Ardeth answered. “After his bravery during He Who Shall Not Be Named’s second attempt to rule, I would think we owe him this much.”
“If this is true, if this is your only reason, then give her to another tribe to protect.” It was Heh who spoke, who watched their Chief with a knowing gaze.
Ardeth looked away, collecting his thoughts. He was shaking his head before he knew what he was going to say. “No. That I cannot do.”
Astennu leaned forward, black eyes glittering amidst the firelight. “For years we have been pressing upon you to take a wife, to begin a family, to instill a new generation into this tribe. It was the dying wish of your grandfather, Allah rest his soul. But you scorned us, time and again, turning aside the women of our tribe who offered themselves to you. And now you turn to an outsider? A Westerner?”
Ardeth realized he was fast losing any chance he had with Katy. He spoke forcefully to the men before him. “It is not forbidden to marry outside the tribe,” he reminded them. “It has been done before – “
“Decades ago,” Odion commented to the group at large. “And though the woman was not Medjai she was Egyptian.”
The others nodded.
“What does that matter?” their Chief asked, catching each wise gaze with his own. “If two hearts match – “
“She does not understand us,” Hosni grunted. He was a tiny man who always seemed to be asleep, only to wake up at the most inopportune time to add his opinion. “She will never understand us, always remaining an outsider. The people would not accept her; the women would not accept her as their leader. And you would not be able to remain as Chief in such a situation.”
“So you are saying that even though my heart dictates that this is the woman for me, if I were to take her as mine, I would be cast out from the tribe?” Ardeth was incredulous.
Silence all around, the Elders refusing to meet his gaze.
Madu, who had been silent until then, leaned forward into the firelight. He had been a best friend with Ardeth’s grandfather, helped to train his father, their last Chief, and loved Ardeth as if he were one of his own. For the past few days he had secretly watched the red haired woman, her mannerisms, behavior and responses to situations around her. And he had watched her as she stood beside their Chief. He realized, long before the others, that there was something between Ardeth and the outsider. And while he personally saw no reason to reject their joining, he also understood the Medjai way.
“My Chief,” he spoke respectfully to Ardeth, unwilling to offer any less simply because the man before him was younger. “You admire the red haired woman because she is strong and brave. Because she challenges you, because she matches you wit for wit. Because she fires your blood.”
Ardeth blinked, staring at the man before him. He nodded. “Yes, Madu. That and – “
“She is beautiful, in an exotic way,” Madu continued. “A true gem for any Medjai Chief to possess.”
Again, Ardeth nodded.
Madu pursed his lips. “But she distracts you, my Chief. And at this time your concentration is most critical. Your devotion to the tribe is all that matters. While I do not agree with the other Councilors that you should be forbidden from taking her as your wife, I do agree that this matter should be discussed at another time, when the danger has passed.
“Your first and foremost duty is to Medjai, Ardeth. If it is your wish that the woman be second, that is fine. But you are young, and she is a new challenge to you, and your attention would be drawn to her and away from the matters at hand if we were to allow you to take her as wife now.” He held up a hand as Ardeth began to speak, silencing him. “Make her yours in silence if you must, my Chief. But make no promises that we cannot allow you to keep. Enjoy the connection between your hearts but do not speak of Forever.”
“Boldly take what only she has to give but offer nothing in return,” Ardeth said bitterly.
Madu nodded. “If that is the way you must look at it. But focus, my Chief. The tribe needs you now as never before.”
The others nodded in turn.
Astennu was the last to speak. “Do not make us regret allowing you such quarter, my Chief.”
Ardeth stood quickly, knowing the meeting had come to an end; angry that there was truly no resolution other than he was not allowed to make Katy his. He moved out of the tent swiftly, saying nothing to Katy who jumped up as he passed, falling into line behind him, wondering why he was frowning so deeply. He remained silent as he moved quickly through camp, forcing Katy to break into a jog to keep up with him. Unable to stand the angry silence any longer, she burst out:
“What happened in there?”
No reply. He moved into the tent, almost slamming the flap onto her as she hurried in behind him. She watched in befuddlement as he paced, cursing in Egyptian.
“Ardeth? What happened?”
He stopped, turned to look at her for a brief moment then violently turned away once more, ignoring her question. He began removing the straps that secured his weapons to his chest, his back to her.
Katy hated being ignored. She walked up to him, hands on her hips. “You were talking about me. All of you. That much I could tell. What? Do they agree with Menes that perhaps it would be better if I were dead?”
“No.” Ardeth slammed his swords down, pushing past her to the center of the tent where he crouched down to build a fire. Silence hung like a drape between them.
Katy finally threw her hands into the air, exasperated. “You are the most frustrating human being I have yet to encounter!”
She went back over to her corner where she sat among the pillows, rearranging them, punching them loudly in the process. She finally settled back against them, pulling out her paper and ink pen. She could not even think straight enough to doodle, which upset her all the more. Here her entire fate lay in the hands of the tribe of the man before her and he could not even see fit to talk her about it. Her eyes narrowed. She crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it at his head.
Ardeth jumped when the missile hit him, spinning around to find Katy glaring at him. “What in Allah’s name was that for?”
She made a face. “Well, it got your attention, didn’t it?”
The warrior frowned. “Katebet – “
“Don’t call me that!” She sprang to her feet, staring down at him. “My name is Katy O’Connell! I was raised in an orphanage in Hong Kong and am damn certain I have seen a hell of a lot more of the world than you have! My brother is Rick O’Connell, who lives in a really fancy house in England with his wife and son. And ever since you came into my life everything has gone to Hell! I don’t know who I am or what I’m doing here and my whole life hangs on the whim of some tribe that can’t get beyond 2000 B.C.!
“And then there’s you who refuses to tell me anything, coddles me like some delicate flower, even though I have the right to know! You, who one moment is teasing me and matching my wits and… and tempting me and making me feel all sorts of things that maybe I shouldn’t be feeling only to then shut me out. And I am sick of it! I am sick of the confusion and the fear and the feelings and… and sand! I am sick of sand, too!”
Ardeth was standing in front of her and suddenly he reached out and grabbed her face between his hands, gently, pulling her to him, covering her mouth with his, silencing her. His hands moved down her neck and over her shoulders, pulling her closer, his kiss deepening, becoming more demanding. The warmth of his touch flooded through her and Katy felt her strength weaken, her legs collapsing beneath her as she clutched his robes for support. He held her, kissing her, his tongue slipping past her lips, tasting her, teasing her, breaking through the fear, past her defenses until it was just the two of them. Ardeth’s hands moved around her waist, holding her against him, his mouth moving away from her lips to trail across her cheek, over her eyes and nose, covering every inch of her face and neck in his kisses. She sighed against him, burying her face against his chest as he held her to him, kissing her forehead, whispering in Egyptian words that somehow made sense to her. Words of comfort and love. She trembled in his embrace, her legs threatening to give out on her. So this is how it feels? Katy thought to herself. To lose myself completely to a man. She was not certain she enjoyed it; she felt out of control. His touch had sent flames searing through her. Already her lips longed for his to touch them again; her body ached where his hands rested. An unfamiliar fluttering in her lower stomach told her she longed for more, mocked the confusion that was slowly engulfing her.
Feeling her knees weaken, Ardeth knelt to the rug beneath them, pulling her with him so that they faced one another. He touched her cheek, his fingers trailing across her lips where they lingered for a moment, desire burning within him to kiss her again, to make her his once and for all. The sweet taste of her lingered on his lips and he had to force himself to calm, to think of things other than devouring her then and there. Reaching into his tunic, Ardeth pulled out a charm carved out of bone, attached to a thin rope of leather. “Here I forgot to give this to you.”
Katy took the necklace from him gingerly, staring at the emblem on the amulet that seemed to be words written in hieroglyphs. “What is it?”
“A talisman against evil.” He took it from her hands, slipping it over her head and onto her neck. “The women in Sanhet’s tribe made it for you. It is a sacred prayer to Osiris, asking for his protection.”
“They…wanted you to give this to me?” She looked up into his gaze, as if searching for the truth.
He smiled, nodded, leaned forward to brush his mouth against hers once more. “You are not to blame, Katebet. The tribes know this.”
Katy smiled and Ardeth continued kissing her until she was once more weak in his arms. By Allah but he could not get enough of her! He devoured her mouth, his tongue delving deeply between her lips, battling with hers in an ancient dance of desire while his hands moved over her, pulling her against him, molding to the soft curves of her body. Katy was the first to break away, her breath coming in short gasps, her eyes cloudy with desire. She buried her face at his neck, inhaling the scent of him – musk and sand and horses. They held one another for a long while, saying nothing; the only sounds disturbing the silence were the crackling of the fire and the beating of their hearts. There was much that Ardeth wished he could say to her, but he knew he must remain silent, or he would quickly find himself making promises that he could not keep. His blood was on fire for her – he had never desired another so deeply, not even as a teenage boy when thoughts of intimacy consumed him. But the woman he held was too vulnerable at the moment. She would have to come to him. He could do nothing otherwise.
“You haven’t eaten yet,” Katy said softly, tracing her finger along the thin strip of hair that followed his jaw line.
“Your presence makes me forget all else.” As he spoke the words, the truth hit him like a scimitar across his stomach. He sat up, almost too quickly, pulling back from her. He flashed her a smile to lessen the sudden separation. “I am hungry,” he explained, and then turned to begin preparing their meal.
Realizing she had missed something important, Katy frowned as he moved away from her, wondering what it was that was causing him to run now. Maybe he did not want her. No, she would not believe that. Not after the way he had just kissed her, held her and touched her.
The Medjai warrior forced himself to remain focused on the preparation and serving of their meal, putting the memory of holding Katy, of feeling her pressed against him, sighing against his mouth, from his mind. The Council had been right. His mind was no longer focused – at least not where it should have been. He would lose himself, and his purpose, if he were not careful. The tribe depended on him – he could not let them down. And Katy? He would protect her better if he remembered who he was and why he was.
Turning to offer her food, Ardeth was surprised to find Katy curled up among the pillows, asleep. He considered waking her but put the thought from his mind. It would be better for both of them if she remained asleep. He ate his meal in silence, and then made a quick trip to the spring to wash the dishes before returning to his tent. Once certain that Katy was still all right, he stripped down to his trousers and stretched out on the opposite side of the tent and attempted to coerce his body to sleep. Unfortunately, he remained tense, like a tightly coiled spring, his nerves stretched taut, his blood racing as the scent of the woman who shared his tent continued to assail him. He feared a long night ahead of him.