by Wend Petzler
Lord, how the hell do I get into trouble so much? Kate mentally wailed, unable to escape Setti's hand.
Setti knew better than to torment Kate, finding he had not the will to stop himself. His shaft grew, lengthening in response to the soft, satiny smooth skin of her naked breast in the palm of his hand. Forcing himself to release her, he rolled onto his right side despite the voice inside his head demand he take the woman and relieve his bent up frustrations.
I am not animal! His honor would never lower himself to slake his lust on Kate who trusted him to take care of her and protect her, even if it was from himself.
Sighing in obvious relief, Kate rolled out of the bed and gathered the clothes left by the door for her to change into. The tent stifling hot, she surmised by the heat it must be mid-day. Unfolding the garments, she slipped on the simple tunic made of woven, beige linen. The material was sturdy but light with narrow straps, the hem falling past her calves. Smiling, the gown felt heavenly against her skin. Picking up the black sash, she wound it around her waist, tying it in a knot, letting the extra length fall. A pair of leather sandals accompanied the tunica. Rubbing the ointment provided by Zola over her injured feet, she put on the sandals and laced the leather thongs about her ankles. Grateful for having a change of footwear, the lightweight sandals provided protection from the burning sand and air for her blisters, allowing them to heal.
Checking to make sure Kate was fully dressed, Setti rose from the bed and strode over to the water basin to splash water on his face. Setti removed his shawl necklace and belt, placing it the bag Kate used to carry the gold scepter for safekeeping. Removing the armbands and bracelets, he tossed them in, too. When he attempted to remove the amulet, his entire body was engulfed by an electrifying pain shooting down to his very toes. Crying out, he fell to his knees, balling up his fists from the reverberating pain.
Kate scrambled to his side, placing her hands on his bulging forearm. “Setti, what's wrong?"
Taking several breaths, he tried to smile at her. “I fear I am unable to remove the amulet Sabni so graciously bestowed upon me."
Gulping, she tentatively touched the ruby scarab, fearful it might bring him more pain. When nothing happened, she let go, frowning in bemusement. “I guess the curse is linked to the amulet. Do you think if the chain is cut, it will still cause you pain?"
Giving her an odd look, he rose unsteadily to his feet. “I think I shall pass on testing out your theory. What I experienced a moment ago is sufficient to keep me from trying to remove the damn thing again."
"Fair enough. I wonder though, is Sabni really the only one who can remove it, or can we cast another spell to break the curse?"
"We shall ask the priest when we find him and the Black Book. You might want to turn around, unless you wish to see more of me.” His grin spread, appearing wolfish as he tugged at the edge of his loincloth, his hot eyes held hers captive as he loosened the material from around his waist. When she gasped, whipping around in embarrassment, he chuckled wickedly. Dropping the dark loincloth, he changed into the navy-blue tunic and robes of a Bedouin. Wrapping the white turban around his head, he tucked the end in securely. Fastening the leather sandals on his feet, he felt ready to tackle the next leg of their journey. Tapping her on the shoulder to gain her attention, Setti shook his head when she jumped from the innocent contact. Turning a concerned eye at Kate, he looked her over, checking to make sure the gown she wore appropriate for their journey back into the desert.
Setti picked up a small, pink-colored clay jar and removed the lid. Taking up a wooden applicator, camel hair attached at the end, he motioned for her to come to him. “I must apply galena, ground down and mixed with oil, around your eyes for protection against the sand and wind. There are many hazards in the desert, and I would feel most grievous if infection should set in your beautiful eyes. I've known men who lost their sight when they failed to take precautions."
Warmed he thought her eyes beautiful, she couldn't help holding her breath, sitting absolutely still as Setti applied the black eyeliner along her closed eyelids. Being mindful not to jump when the cool liquid substance touched her skin or the gentle way his hand curved along her cheek, holding her steady as he drew the galena along the edges of her eyelids.
"Open your eyes,” he gruffly ordered and finished applying the black mixture along her lower lashes. Setti felt the breath knocked out of him when he viewed how the black lines enhanced the deep violet color of her beautiful eyes. Needing to change the amorous bent of his thoughts, he noted her red hair bore streaks of gold from the hot, gleaming sun. Her sunburned skin transforming into dark peach, freckles sprinkled over her nose.
"Was a veil provided?” Frowning, he moved to a safer distance, unsure if he could stay his course and not become intimate with Kate.
Kate produced the black linen veil and placed it on her head, fastening it to her hair by the metal pins provided. “How's this?” she asked nervously, his handsome features intensified, making her shiver at how incredible his striking features looked in the light of day.
"Good. The veil will keep men from becoming to curious about your red hair. It's a most unusual color and will attract unwanted attention to you. I must keep you safe until I can arrange to have you returned to your own time. Now, tell me where you found the Black Book"
Not sure why she felt sad about leaving him, she nodded absently. “In your brother's pyramid."
"Does anyone else know where you found the Black Book?” Setti picked up a polished metal square and outlined his own eyes with the galena.
"Only Mike. And to be honest, I don't trust him. I believe he works for the Shedty."
"Come, let us get provisions and ride out. The day is wasting away, and we do not have the luxury of time being on our side. I found out on our journey to our new friends’ hideout, we are a two day's ride from Memphis. The real dilemma is the journey will take us ten days to get there by camel or three, if we find a boat and take the Nile as our course. If we are successful in finding the Black Book, we'll need to go onto Thebes and mobilize my army.” Tucking the jar into the pocket of his tunic, he held the curtains back, waiting for Kate to grab her knapsack and ducked through the doorway.
"I think we should take the quickest route to Mazghuna. Can we find a boat in Memphis?"
"Yes, I believe we can purchase one.” Setti hailed Raj who sat next to a small fire, eating from a wooden bowl held in his hand.
"Ahh, our guests are awake at last and looking much better than when we found them! Come, come, join me for the noon meal. Zola, fetch more food for our guests.” The Arab smiled as they folded their legs and sat upon the woven mats, bowing their heads to him in gratitude. Zola handed them bowls of shredded beef and flat bread while another woman set cups of goat's milk before Setti and Kate.
Setti kept Kate's canvas bag close by him, protecting the items within. “I am thankful for your kind hospitality. I must ask you of news concerning Egypt. I have been gone a very long time and would like to learn all there is."
Startled, a grim expression crossed the usually good-natured features of the thief. “You have returned to sad and treacherous times, my friend. Queen SobeKnefru has gone mad with power. With the Shedty as her bodyguards, she does whatever she pleases. We, in the desert, have heard of the human sacrifices she offers to Sobek in exchange for retaining her infamous beauty and his protection to remain Queen Pharaoh."
His brow furrowed, Setti digested the alarming news of blood sacrifices. SobeKnefru had indeed gone mad. “Where does the Queen live?"
"Itj-towy."
"Have you heard of a man called Sabni?"
"Yes, we have heard of that one and his sad plight. The Queen hunts him ruthlessly, placing a great reward out on his head, alive is the requirement. I believe she has terrible plans for him.” Raj visibly shuddered at the thought of what could happen to a man at the hands of a vengeful woman.
"Have you seen him or might know of his whereabouts?"
; A thoughtful frown wrinkled Raj's dark features. “Why do you seek this hunted man?"
"I need him more than SobeKnefru,” Setti replied with a dark, deadly tone.
"I see. After the Temple of Amun Ra was destroyed and the priest of Ra cremated, people took pity on Sabni and helped conceal him from the Shedty. As to his exact location, I've heard he's taken refuge with the dead."
Knowing he must ask, Setti looked at the Arab. “Have you word of Amenemhet's lesser queen, Nefari, and her son? Were they slain by the Queen, too?"
Surprised by the odd question, Raj glanced around him before answering. “No. She and the child escaped. A deserter, Jacob the Israelite, helped her. Nefari waits for the right time to return to Egypt and claim the Golden Throne for her son."
It was Setti's turn to be surprised. “She is with Jacob?"
"Yes, he went with her after his only daughter was murder by SobeKnefru, the bitch!” Raj spat on the ground with contempt. “I am afraid I must share what the Queen spread about you the night of your death. The Queen declared you guilty of murdering the woman in a jealous rage and you took your own life in remorse."
Forcing the pain of being blamed for Yoshabel's death aside, Setti concentrated on what needed to be done. “Do you know of Jacob's whereabouts?"
"I might be able to send word of your need to see him. Who shall I say is looking for him?” Raj asked with as much subtly as a snake.
"The Scarab King, of course.” Setti took a sip of his milk, grinning at the obvious disappointment the leader of the thieves expressed.
"Fine, we will play it your way.” Raj laughed and helped himself to more cheese, offering the bowl out to Setti who accepted with an amused smile.
"If you can, get word to Jacob and tell him to meet me at Thebes."
"I shall send a messenger at once."
Kate, who knew better, but unable to remain silent, could not help asking, “Why did SobeKnefru accuse him of murdering the woman you speak of?” Setti glared at her although his face paled considerably at her mentioning of the dead woman.
"Yoshabel refused him when he asked her to become his queen.” Raj watched the Scarab King's features closely, disturbed when the man's features paled, turning quickly to rage.
Setti heard enough. Anger surged anew, knowing he was truly cursed. “Raj, may we have a camel and provisions? I must journey onward to Fayum. As payment, I offer these to you.” Digging into the bag beside him, he withdrew the gold bracelets, handing the items to Raj who hurriedly took them. Examining the expensive jewelry, the Arab looked at Setti for long time before nodding his consent.
Handing the valuable items over to Zola, Raj offered, “I will give you one of my best, plus a week's worth of rations.” He clapped his hands and a manservant appeared, listening intently as Raj gave him instructions.
Wiping his hands clean, Setti rose, extending his hand to Kate, aiding her to her feet. “Many thanks for your kind hospitality. Our journey is long and we must be on our way.” Setti was surprised when Raj embraced him and cautiously, he returned the gesture.
"May Allah watch your back! If you have need of us, just send a rider. I would gladly fight by your side.” Raj stepped back and bowed to Setti.
Humbled by the loyalty offered by the rare man, Setti smiled down at Raj. “Thank-you for all you have done for us. I shall never forget your kind hospitality."
Laughing softly, Raj glanced up to see the tall man's face better. “I would rather be on the generous side of an immortal than as his enemy. But you, I will consider a friend. Good journey!"
"May Ra watch over you and all which is yours. Is-Salaam 9aleekum, peace be upon you.” Setti solemnly inclined his head.
"9aleekum is-salaam, and upon you be peace.” Raj placed the tips of his fingers upon his heart, lips, and forehead before bowing low to the tall Egyptian.
Returning the gesture, Setti took Kate's hand and led her away to the awaiting camel, easily lifting her on the awaiting, creamy-colored animal. Saluting Raj, he climbed up behind Kate and urged the camel up on its feet, directing it toward the blazing desert.
His second in command approached. “Why did you let them go? We could have gotten a good price for the woman."
Watching the pair ride away, a rare frown upon his swarthy features, Raj turned away and placed his hand on the man's shoulder. “One does not stand in the way of a man bent on revenge.” Being a wise man, he knew when not to tempt fate.
"Who is he after?"
Sighing, Raj answered, “A queen who thinks she is invincible."
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Chapter Fourteen
Kate waited until they were well away from the camp before she asked their true destination. “We are heading for Mazghuna, right?"
"Yes."
Turning a skeptic eye at him, she faced forward, getting comfortable for the long ride. Her body instantly perspired from the inferno-like heat rising from the sands. Drawing her veil more securely over her face, Kate shielded her eyes from the blazing sun above and the gritty sand when the wind picked up.
Relaxing in his arms, the camel's hypnotic gait swayed with each step, keeping a steady pace as they headed west. “Setti, what Raj said back there about the woman murdered by Queen SobeKnefru, is it true that she refused to be your queen?” Kate had to ask, growing alarmed when he stiffened in response to her question.
"Yes, she refused to be a part of my tragedy, but still SobeKnefru murdered her.” The words were hard to speak, the pain still fresh as if it were only yesterday it had happened.
Sensing the awful pain reverberating through his great body behind her, Kate laid a comforting hand on his much more powerful and larger one. “Who was she?"
Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Setti forced the words past the lump in his constricting throat. “Her name was Yoshabel, and her father was my best friend."
"Did you love her?"
He frowned. At the time Yoshabel had denied him, he had felt betrayed and furious. But now, since he met this vibrant creature named Kate Martin, he could honesty say he had fallen in love with Yoshabel's rare, pale beauty and her fragile ways, not the quiet, delicate woman herself.
When he did not answer, Kate asked no more. She had her answer by his silence. A sense of sadness entered her heart at the great warrior's loss. Soon the consistency of the camel's swaying gait rocked Kate into a yawn and before she prepared herself, she fell asleep in his protective embrace.
Resting his cheek against her covered head, Setti held Kate close, inhaling her sweet scent deep into his lungs, knowing he would never forget her. The camel carefully made its way over the sandy dunes, Setti's mind focused on the present, alert for any signs of danger. Two people on a camel, alone in the middle of the desert, were susceptible to being attacked by marauders who possessed no honor like Raj and his clan.
Looking over her shoulder, Setti stared, transfixed by the view of her upper breasts pushed upward by his arm holding her steady in front of him. Body tingling from the heavenly sight and the remembrance of her breast in the palm of his hand earlier, his rod sparked to life. Deciding to avoid the obvious direction of his lusty thoughts, he nudged her shoulder until she woke. Setti motioned to the water bag. “Please hand it to me.” Groggy, she grabbed it from around the saddle guard and handed the water bag to him. Taking a several sips from it, he handed it back to her. “Take care drinking the water. With the heat, you might get sick,” he warned as she took a long pull, drinking of the cool water.
Giving him a withering look, she retorted, “I know how to take care of myself in the desert. Remember, I make a living at finding what the sands of time hid from the world.” Kate replaced the stopper and slung it over the saddle guard.
The look he gave her was one of great amusement. “Oh really? I was under the impression you worked amongst the ruins seeking what the desert claimed."
She glared at him, feeling Setti was laughing at her. Facing forward, she kept silent. They continued to rid
e throughout the day and well into the night, stopping when a small oasis appeared.
Drawing back on the braided rope, he halted the camel. Urging it down, Setti nudged Kate. “Kate, are you awake? The camel needs to rest as do we."
"I'm alive, if that's what you're really asking,” she grumbled, her bottom numb, her lower back throbbing in pain. Kate took her leg and drew it over the camel's neck and nearly crumbled to her knees if not for Setti's steady hand. “Thanks.” She smiled faintly, her legs stiff from riding so long.
Setti urged the tired animal up, leading it to the pool of dark water. Once it drank enough, the camel went about eating the tall grass growing by the edge of the pool. Grabbing the empty water bag, Setti refilled it and took the other containing their supplies over to where Kate sat. Reaching into the leather bag, he removed a brown loaf of bread and tore it in half, handing one to her, plus cheese for their dinner.
Taking it, Kate looked around their surroundings, the night strangely silent. “Where do you think we are?"
Swallowing the bite of bread, he, too, looked around. “Mayhap another day or so, we shall reach Memphis."
"Strange isn't it, how we were tossed so far from Memphis when we went back in time. Why did we end up where we did?” Climbing to her feet, Kate walked around him, stretching her legs as she ate. Her gaze turned to longing when she looked at the cool, refreshing water, wondering if it was deep enough to swim in.
"Since I have never traveled through time before, I cannot give you an accurate answer.” Grinning when she rolled her eyes at his answer, Setti decided it time to lay out the blankets. “We should get some rest."
"Yes, the poor camel needs a break from carrying us all day.” She sighed and sat down beside him as he lay, stretching out.
"Get some sleep. We still have a long way to go.” Yawning, he rolled onto his side. In short time, he was snoring.
When assured Setti was sound asleep, Kate climbed to her feet, cautious not to wake him. Walking to the far end of the pool, she checked to make sure he still slept. When his soft snoring could still be heard, she decided the time better than none to take a quick swim. Stripping off her clothes, she cautiously placed her toe into the water. The coolness beckoned her further in. Quietly as she could, she slipped into the water. Relishing the sensuous feel of swimming naked in an oasis and an unbelievably handsome man sleeping not far away, Kate silently laughed at how romantic the situation was, if Setti had been anyone else other than Pharaoh and was awake joining her.
