Page 13 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

"Let me remind you both of the honor which is at stake in this," Solomon said quietly.

Rashid saw Solomon's gaze drift across the faces of the gathered men. As if sensing the old man's power, the men as one, took a few steps back. Rashid glanced at Hakim. The decision was imminent.

"The tradition of choosing a bride goes back into the mists of time," Solomon said. "It has always been the case that when a senior member of a ruling family in these territories wishes to take a bride, he is entitled to seize the woman of his choice from any territory outside of his own."

Rashid saw Solomon peering at him. "These rules are there for a reason. I understand Sheikh Rashid's reasons for objecting. There is some merit in those objections."

Solomon paused. There was a strange expression in the old man's eyes. It was almost as if he was trying to warn Rashid of what was about to happen. Had the old man already made his mind up? Had Hakim already succeeded in persuading him while Rashid had been in the tent talking with Nicole?

Solomon continued: "Some people have said that the tradition of seizing a bride is old-fashioned and out of date. That it should be abandoned. And there is some wisdom in that argument. The times may have changed, and people may have changed with those times. Some call it progress." Solomon peered at Hakim. "Some call it the breaking of the chains to the past."

Rashid narrowed his eyes and looked at Solomon carefully. What was the man going to say? Did it not matter that the woman in question was not a native of this country? Didn't it matter that, if she was forced to marry, there would be an uproar in diplomatic circles which may cause Hakim and the neighboring territories even greater problems? Had Hakim even considered these things?

Solomon lowered his head and seemed lost in deliberation for a long moment.

Rashid looked across in Hakim. Was Hakim in love with Nicole? Rashid examined Hakim's proud, even arrogant expression.

No.

This wasn't about love. This was about Hakim claiming the prize of a beautiful outsider as a wife.

As far as Hakim was concerned, Nicole was nothing more than a possession, something to be prized, a mere object of value. Perhaps the fact that she was an American woman added an extra layer of spice as far as Hakim was concerned.

Rashid looked back at Solomon. The old man lifted his gaze. "The issue of where the woman has come from is not relevant, as far as I am concerned," Solomon said. "The only thing that matters is that she is an outsider."

Solomon looked directly at Rashid. It was clear what the old man was about to say. Rashid could feel it in his bones.

Solomon continued: "Since she is an outsider, and we have yet to fully abandon these sacred traditions, then I can only pronounce in favour of one of you," Solomon said looking from Hakim to Rashid.

Rashid felt anxiety twist in his middle. He knew what Solomon was about to say. Knew that, in many respects, there was nothing else Solomon could say. He'd been forced to come to the camp. He had a duty to perform, even if he didn't completely agree with it. Solomon was still bound by tradition.

Solomon sighed. "I can see that both of you are wondering which one of you has won the argument," Solomon said.

He smiled at them both. "Tradition is sacred in these parts," Solomon said looking at Rashid. "I know that you would like to bring change to these parts, Sheikh Rashid.. And that is a very noble thing to do. However, change can come too suddenly for some people, especially for the people who live here."

Rashid fell indignation rise within him. He wanted to speak, say anything which could change Solomon's mind. But he knew that was out of the question.

The decision had been made and all that remained was for Solomon to declare in favour of Hakim.

Solomon looked straight at Hakim. "You have acted in accordance with the accepted traditions in bringing this woman to this place and claiming her as your bride. I see no reason to deny your claim, even if the arguments from Sheikh Rashid have a certain persuasive quality. Therefore, I allow your claim and grant you permission to take this American woman to be your bride."

Rashid felt his entire body tighten. He glanced over at Hakim and saw the wide smile on man's face. It was the smile of victory. There were murmurs from the men behind them. Rashid drew in a deep breath, and gritted his teeth. There was no use reacting. He had to respect the decision. He'd tried to reason with them. He'd hoped for enlightened common sense. Instead, he would have to accept a decision he totally rejected.

As he bowed his head slowly in deference to Solomon's ancient authority, Rashid knew there was only one thing he needed to do.

****

Inside the tent, Nicole stood by the entrance and strained to listen to the noises from outside. All she could hear was the murmur of male voices. She couldn't make out what was being said. Every so often, she heard the word "American" being spoken.

She knew there was a man standing outside the entrance to the tent, and if she tried to leave he would probably stop her.

Why were they taking so long? She laughed quietly at that thought. Of course she knew why. Those men out there were deciding her fate. It was like something out of the Middle Ages.

She gave up trying to hear what was being said. Nicole moved to the centre of the tent. Clasping her hands she paced back and forward across soft carpet, forcing herself to think. She was no nearer escaping the situation even with the intervention of Sheikh Rashid.

When Rashid had come into the tent earlier, obviously intent on speaking with Nicole, she'd been surprised that he had seemed so sympathetic to her plight. He'd seemed genuinely interested in how she'd gotten herself into this mess. She had the impression he thought her actions had been impulsive. Even stupid.

He was right, of course. This was right up there on the Nicole's Stupid Acts list. That was a long list, and had been growing steadily for many years, in spite of all the efforts of her parents to keep Nicole grounded, to keep her acting sensibly.

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