The Desert Falcon

Chapter 22, The Unexpected Tide

"Where are we-"

Haman shushed me. "You will know in time."

"And if I do not abide?"

Haman narrowed his gaze. "We will force you."

"Turn around," I answered, my voice steady.

"No," Haman explained resolutely. "You will change in front of us, young one. I cannot take the risk that you will flee. I promise you, we will not do anything untoward. Our Sheikh would have our heads."

Their Sheikh?

"I gather you are not an advisor, then," I drawled in a conversational manner to subdue any rise in antagonism and mistrust engendered by this situation. I was already at a disadvantage and it would do me no good to annoy them further. I would extract much more information if I were friendlier. Perhaps, I could persuade them to reveal their true motives.

I struggled for a few more minutes as I immediately pulled on the dark trousers beneath the furs, so as to preserve my modesty. There was a sense of urgency in their movements and despite prolonging my dressing, I was forced to move quickly. Instead of removing the loose, linen tunic top I wore, I decided to adorn the darker tunic over it. If we were to flee into the night, I would need protection against the decidedly chilly temperatures of the desert.

"No," Haman explained in a hush of a whisper. His head turned, motioning something with his hands to the second man. "I am one of Sheikh Kadir's personal guards. Gather whatever supplies you need. If you make a sound, I will have my men slit the throat of every man in this camp. I trust you will make the most prudent choice."

"Not much of a choice now is it?" I commented dryly, unwilling to point out that he had already threatened me once and a second time would not further my compliance on the matter anymore than the first time had.

The two men looked to each other. The second one was quite tall, his large, musculature impressive in stature, taking me by surprise at how adept he could easily move so quietly.

He paused, his gaze taking me in. "She is mouthy for a female," he spoke. "Are most women not prone to silence?"

I snorted. "It is only because we are too exhausted to point out how stupid men can be. It is better to conserve our energy for matters that prove fruitful.  We only have so much energy to spare to people who are undeserving of our attention," I pointed out as I shot a knowing glance towards him.

"Like perhaps, impersonating a man?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to rise to the bait. Instead, I coolly remarked. "It is easier to meander through the flock of men, if I pretend to emulate one, including their decidedly lack of mind."

Silence reigned in the tent as if I had slapped them hard and all that rang out was the shock of the aftermath.

"This is what the Sultan sees in you?" He spoke in an almost dumbfounded manner.

Haman shot the second man a reproachful look. "Ibrahim! That is no concern of ours!"

Ibrahim gave Haman a mischievous grin. "My apologies. A man cannot help but be curious."

"I am doubtful, but if it is any consolation, I assure you I am not here to impress your simple-minded existence, let alone the Sultan's."

Ibrahim whistled, a chuckle of laughter escaping, as another boyish grin broke out. "Simple-minded? I assure you that I do not find such an existence taxing. What better life is there for a man other than killing, fucking, and riding? Sometimes, I feel pity for the fairer sex to be unable to enjoy such pleasures."