SL Part 6d - Desert Destiny - Men and Arms

[Kamenwati]

Meeting Jack Trades

Upon his return to Skye, Kamenwati was making contacts everywhere he could... explaining all that was happening in Morocco and the Tamazgha (meaning Land of the Imazighen, or Free). He had met with King Adam I already... and gained unsanctioned assistance... and Lord Maahes had agreed to help... and in departing Lord Maahes’ office, he recommended that Kamenwati visit the Gilded Lily... to see a man named Jack Trades... one who could provide advice on such circumstances as he now endured.

Kam rented a horse from the stables and rode out to the Gilded Lily... and such beautiful women would greet the brown-skinned man as a novelty, since Maahes was taken... Leading the robed man to Jack... Kam approached the man who held a hammer in a massive hand with bulging arms.

“MiLord... my name is Kamenwati... and I am upon a mission. The King has directed me to you...” his accent was similar, yet distinct from Maahes, and Ahmir’s... and he bowed deep upon his introduction.

The construction site was more of hamlet populated by masons and laborers. Already the new Lily was taking shape and looking much more like a building than a heap of stone. Both English and German were tossed about as commands were doled out by two foremen, the Master Mason Arnold Shulz, and Jack Trades. Amidst the hustle and bustle of construction in full swing, the oilskin clad figure stood without motion. The stolid statue watched the construction's progress as Kam approached the site. Only after Kam had introduced himself did the hulking frame turn as if mounted upon hinges toward him. A hearty voice rumbled out from the shade under the wrinkled canvas of a broad-brimmed hat. "The King, eh? Please, step with me out of the way." The folds of oilskin cloth parted and a calloused hand ushered the robed man over a short distance before a cart pulled by two oxen rounded the corner of a row of tents and plodded past them. The hearty voice rumbled again, "Now then, what sort of mission would cause the King tae send ye tae me?"

Kamenwati watched the construction in amazement, for it was vastly different than what he had witnessed in his own lands. Here people were paid… sometimes well, sometimes not so well, but they were paid, and not considered slave labor like in the lands of the Berber.

As the hulk of a man turned and spoke, his voice rumbled like the overture of thunder, and that made Kam smile. “Yes milord…” as he followed the man. “Allah permitting, I shall be going to my lands to free them of oppression…” and he continued explaining briefly what Amir Abu Said Uthman had done in the past and doing in the present. “I witnessed first-hand what oppression has done to my people…” his hand rubbed his chin and looked at Jack. “Milord, I shall be truthful… and blunt… The Amir kidnapped my woman, a member of this land… enslaving her and abusing her in all immoral manners… I and a few others just returned from there. And I believe Allah has plans for the Amir, as my sword was not swift enough to end his life. But I did get my woman back…” he looked around, then back to Jack… “I spoke to the King of the Berber atrocities… and he allowed me to return… with a small army… and he said that yu may be a good person to seek assistance from… that yu are a genius of warfare, and its tools.” He embellished a bit of what King Adam had said, whether he needed to or not.

“I wish to return to Fez… where the Amir has a palace and see him out and kill him… for he shall seek revenge upon me and all I am connected with… and of course, the King would like to have ‘friends’ in the right places to keep the Strait of Gibraltar open…” he smirked and bowed his head to Jack. “I am at yer service Milord… and praise Allah if we can do good for the betterment of all concerned…”

There was no change in the burly figure's stance as eloquent speech was made. As impassive as the stone they stood near, the only sign any of it was heard was a slight canting of the weather-beaten brim. The hearty voice rumbled again from the shade. It spoke without much inflection. "That be quite the story, Kamenwati." The name was pronounced easily and precisely as if he had been saying it for years. "Though, I can see yer accustomed tae talking tae nobility, and I know yer culture values humility expressed in common phrases. Me thinks ye'll find me terse by comparison. I've nae use fer flowery talk that dilutes reality. First, I nae be a lord, so there nae be need tae address me as such. Second, ye cannae be at me service if'n ye've just requested mine – otherwise I'd hand ye a sledgehammer. Third, it be impossible tae work fer the betterment of all concerned if'n ye intend tae kill at least one of them. Now this all raises many questions fer me, but I'm nae without courtesy. I'll give ye the option of discussing further in a private setting rather than the open air. What would ye prefer?" At the end of the question, the calloused and dirty hand upturned to the vengeful man with a grace beguiling its appearance.

Kamenwati nodded and followed Jack to a more secluded place. Maybe Jack was right… maybe he had been subject to nobility more so than the commoners… but it seemed that going from Legion Commander to slave in the gesture of a hand was more than he could fathom. Kam’s days as Commander brought claim to his family and his nation… but when the Amir died (Abu Said’s father, by his son’s own hand) and Kam was beaten and left for dead… and his family thrown into prison, eventually dying of disease… it was too much for Kam to just let go. Through his days of enslavement, his escape, and return to Fez set him upon a journey to the present. But when he was assigned to Skye, to monitor the name named Maahes, he met Briseis… and his life changed.

“I see yu are a man of straightforwardness… and so shall I be. And my apologies for my speech… I shall speak as plain as possible sir…” It was then and there the short life history that Kam confessed to. “My people have been oppressed by Abu Said and his henchmen… the army, which I once commanded, follow him blindly… as he has their family’s lives hung in the balance…” Kam looked away and back to Jack. “I wish to kill Abu Said… plain and simple… and to free my people…”

He bends down and draws a simple map of the southern Middle Sea coastline (deserts of North Africa). Pointing to Egypt, then across the desert vastness to the western coast of Morocco… “This is Tamazgha…umm… Land of the Free…” he stutters a bit in translation. “From Egypt’s western borders to the Great Sea…” Kam stands… “This land is a land of many peoples… all who are now divided… It is a dream to unite them… as did the King of Skye unite his Celtic people… he is an inspiration…”

He then looks a bit despondent… “Espania is cleansing their land of all Muslim… under the guise of Reconquista… and it is rumored they shall cross the Strait… and if they do, they control it… I offered King Adam my services in keeping the Strait open, should I succeed in the deserts…”

He looks back at Jack… “I know this appears self-centered… and maybe tis true… but the options are limited… If the peoples are not united, then Spain will have full control of the Strait AFTER they conquer my peoples…one at a time… Is my killing of Abu Said personal…?” he looks directly at Jack… “Yes…completely…”

“I have asked the King for assistance… I am ones who help me are greatly outnumbered… and King Adam does not wish to commit a great number of Skye resources to the effort… that I understand… and hence he directed me to you sir… as yu are a man of means and design… How may yu be able to help in the freedom of a people far away, people much unlike yerself.??”

The walking shadow led the former commander to a spartan shack with windowless plank walls and a boot leather hinged door. The interior was filled with the warm glow of a single lantern. The scarred hand motioned Kamenwati to a rough-hewn table and a pair of benches that rested on the dirt floor. His bulk came to rest on one of the benches, and the voice rumbled flatly in the dimly lit area. "This be all well and good, but yer question skips over all the questions of me own. I disapprove of war fer the sake of fulfilling a personal vendetta, as it clouds military judgment and sacrifices many innocents. It seems Adam wants access to the straight, but nae badly enough tae commit much tae it. There would be ways of gaining access if Spain controlled it. I have nae loyalty or obligation tae yer peoples. Though Adam has recommended me, I nae be his personal soldier. Me questions be as follows: How do ye expect a small military force tae not only dethrone the current ruler, but unite several tribes of people in conquest in addition to halting the forces of Spain? How shall I know that if power was vested in ye, that yer brand of rule will in fact be better than the current state for these peoples? And lastly, what do ye offer me in return for making it all possible?" The wrinkled brim centered upon the robed man. The deep shadows underneath made a stark contrast to the warm glow that rested atop his hat.

Kam stood listening to the man… He was as hard to convince as the King… but the King also had an agenda… Jack did not… and as the man spoke, Kam nodded. “First sir, I pray that the military judgment is sound… as I do not wish to see my people suffer even more greatly than they have already… nor waste the King’s men he so graciously offered. This is not something that will be over in a day, that is for sure… In the past few weeks… I have friends, who have been riding the desert alerting our peoples… many will ride against the Amir, ready to die for freedom… all they need to know is if the Amir is truly dead… that is my job, vendetta or not…” he looked at jack as he spoke, the Berber accent heavy upon his tongue.

“As for the Spaniards, I leave that up to King Adam… I, myself, would prefer them to stay in Espania… and as a ruler,..” he chuckled… “I would not murder my own people and enslave their families for my own personal whim.” He canted his head to Jack… “I know yu owe no loyalty to any of my people… and I ask yu not to go into the fight… only possibly provide me tools to even the odds a bit…” he paused, then smiled at Jack. “Sir… what would be yer price? Gold? Jewels? Women?”

Sitting in the dim light, the shadows deepened as the brim tilted slightly down. There was no change in the hearty voice, nor his posture. The stolid frame sat as if some impudent gnome had suddenly cast him in granite. "Hm, that nae be a perfectly satisfactory answer, and a long shot that suddenly many will rise up that have not risen already. Ye say ye want tools, but what good are tools without a skilled hand tae implement them? I could send ye on yer merry way with plenty of deadly toys, but ye'd likely die fer freedom afore the enemy reached ye. Also, a few sentences does nae convince me that ye'd make a decent ruler. It be in yer best interest fer me tae come along. As fer me price, that also be complex. First, payment in gold fer me services in design and implementing. Second, the understanding that if'n I determine that ye'll make a poor ruler, I'll kill ye and march whatever is left of our force back tae Skye. Third, if yer satisfied with my services and we're both still alive, that I might call upon ye tae aid a venture of my own. There it be, on the table. What say ye, Kamenwati?"

Kam saw that the man neither moved, nor offered any facial expression. A stalwart man for sure… and Kam was not one to beg… Then he smirked and nodded for some reason… “Yes sir… yu question me of motives… of my morals… whether I shall be a good ruler or not… Yet yu live in the shadows of yer own brim… yu display no emotion in movement nor voice… as if yu hide something from this world…” he paused… “I came to you because the King recommended yu… yu shall either provide help, or not… Whether I die or not, is a concern of yers…? Are yu not in this for profit, whether gold or advantage?”

Kam stood upon sure footing… he was not one to cow down to a threat or intimidation… Dark brown eyes peered beneath a white turban… His hands went to his Djellaba, the short-sleeved coat over the white burnoose. “Gold, 20 pieces, now… 30 more when Fez is free…” he cokes his eyes, narrowing the lids… “I think the second item is unnecessary, but if it satisfies yu, I agree…”

Kam chuckles a bit… “We shall leave the third condition up for further discussion…” he straightens the djellaba and looks to Jack. “Time is short, Jack…” Kam finally used his given name… “decide or nay… we must hurry as the ships sail in two days…” he smirks at Jack… “What say yu, Jack? Do I spend my coin here, or elsewhere?”

Broad shoulders shook slightly as a mirthless chuckle rumbled within the shack. "Those old tactics, eh?" The challenge brought no other movement from the seated shadow, though the voice rumbled with a subtle tinge of annoyance. "I suppose yer defiance is tae be expected. All right, let me walk ye through it. It be improper tae toss an examining lens over me, as I am nae the one fixin' tae purport meself as a nation's leader. Despite the fact I have nae obligation tae yer people, 'twould be dishonorable and unwise of me tae blindly unleash a plague upon them. Therefore my second condition be critical." The voice paused to let the last words hang.

"It does nae impress me that yer people be only worth fifty gold tae ye, and that yer nae even going tae give me a fair shake on splitting the payment. These be me terms fer designing the tools powerful enough fer ye tae be victorious, and aiding ye tae wage war with them: Payment of 300 gold - 150 now, and 150 when Fez be free. Final judgment of whether ye be fit tae command, and full leeway tae act upon that judgment. Lastly, if'n ye find me service satisfactory, ye keep communication open so we may work once again fer a venture of me own, yet tae be propositioned."

The folds of oilskin cloth parted. A scarred and calloused hand extended itself to the deposed commander. "Do nae insult me with a counter offer. This is nae a peddler's booth in the town market, and that is the price of me services. Ye can either grasp me hand and accept the deal, or get off me work site."

Kamenwati nodded to Jack… “yer second condition is accepted… As I pray to Allah to make me a grand ruler, one to enhance my people’s well-being…” he smirked… “Not to be afraid of yu MiLord…”

Kam nodded to the man, and slowly slid his hand inside the wool material of his burnoose. “I know this is no peddler’s booth…” Withdrawing a pouch, he set it upon the table… “Here is 200 gold pieces… another 100 shall be upon the ship before we sail… That way yu are paid before we leave… lest I be killed in battle… Allah have Mercy…” A bow is offered to Jack… “if Allah seeks to have me survive the battle over my lands, and seeks to have me rule… then yu shall be the final judge…” It was then and only then that Kam pulled back his sleeve and held out a hand, the skin dark from the sun. “Agreed… May Allah show his Mercy upon us all…”

The rough and meaty hand enclosed the tan counterpart firmly with one shake. After releasing, no move was made toward the bag. The baritone rumble continued. "Indeed. If'n ye insist on early payment I'll nae stop ye. Tomorrow morning a messenger will deliver tae ye a list of materials that will be needed. If'n ye wish the merry journey tae have a chance of success, ye will nae fail tae collect them afore we set sail - even if it means delaying departure. Though ye'll note that yer fear shall nae be on that list, as I nae have need of it."

The hulking frame rose slowly to its feet and the weather-beaten brim dipped in a deeper nod. "Please allow me some time tae make arrangements fer me absence. I bid ye good day, Kamenwati, and Godspeed."

Kamenwati had shook the man’s hand and the pact was made. Dark brown eyes looked upon the man. Had he made a deal with the devil, or would he be successful? “I shall expect the messenger MiLord… if I am to be successful, may Allah grant me the availability of all items…” Kam listened…. “I understand MiLord… May Allah protect you and place his countenance upon you…” and the Berber gave a deep bow…. Then he turned away and headed back into the city.

But along the way, Kam wondered what the list would contain.

Meanwhile, Kam had contacted several friends, and they in turn contacted others… soon a force of twenty would meet at the docks to see the ship that would carry them to Fez…

As promised, the next day a runner arrived at the ship, finding Kamenwati. He was but a boy, dirty and wearing tattered clothing. His polite smile was marred by a few missing teeth. Though the scroll he delivered was immaculate, and sealed in wax bearing the crest of a blacksmith's hammer crossed with a lightning bolt, all encircled with laurels. The boy ran off once his task was done without much but a word of hello and goodbye.

The scroll read as follows:

Kamenwati,
I am disappointed to learn that the force available to us will be miniscule in number. You mission grows more ambitious by the day. Materials needed will be as follows:

-Clothing for each soldier that is suitable for the desert climate. Keep colors close to sand. - absolutely nothing ostentatious. No flags.
- 3 small cannon fixed on their own carriage . Nothing heavier than an eight-pounder, with enough powder and shot to fire a dozen volleys.
- 4 carts and one covered wagon.
- 10 horses
- Water and food to last at least two weeks.
- Melee arms and armor the soldiers are already skilled in - keep it light.
- 10 sturdy bows. The longer the range, the better.
- A crateful of arrows - bodkin needle heads - NO BROADHEADS!!!
- Another crateful of arrow shafts as tall as a man - include fletching and bodkin needle heads.
- 3 barrels of gunpowder (separate of cannon supply)
- 20 lbs. of parchment
- A full compliment of carpenter's and tinsmith's tools.
- 12 planks of wood 10' long and 1" by 6"
- 12 planks of wood 10' long and 2" by 4"
- 25 leather straps long enough to fit over a man's shoulder.
- 12 logs 6" in diameter

I will be by for inspection when the aforementioned has been gathered.

Seriously,
Jackk Trades

Kamenwati was easily found by the boy, when many others could not. How, he was not concerned. Browned hands opened the letter and read... Facial features quirked and formed at odd angles. Folding the paper, he stuck the letter into a pocket in the burnose and pulled out a pouch... hefting it two or three times judging weight... and he canted his head.

Now comes the task in obtaining these items quickly...

[Kamenwati]

Chuckling… “Clothing is easy… that’ll be first…” he said to himself as he started collecting as many items of clothing, enough for 10 or more... There was no concern about fitting, as desert clothing was loose fitting anyways. Next he stopped by the local livery and rented a wagon and 4 carts, and bought 10 horses; some which had to be purchased from other liveries in the area... It was there he also had the leather straps made; cut from old saddle parts... then he set forth to the local carpentry shop and sought wood already shaped and cut to specifications and some tools as mentioned in the letter. He handed the man the silver coins, then tossing the planks, logs, and tools in the wagon…

Standing along side the wagon, Kam scratches his head. “Parchment?” then he shrugs and begins to inquire how to obtain so much parchment. Stopping by the ship, he had men unload the wagon into the cargo hold. It was such a sight to see the covered wagon, pulling 4 carts behind and driven by a Muslim… Was Jack trying his damnedest to make Kam look like a fool? maybe not, but that is how he felt… His only consolation was the fact that soon he would have the opportunity to kill Abu Said and free his people…

Obtaining the ship captain’s permission, Kam assigned some of the crew to get extra water and food. Reasons were asked, but Kam would only say that they needed to. Everything was loaded upon the ship’s hold… save the parchment and weapons… those would be difficult to obtain, as the King kept those types of supplies tightly regulated.

By this time, it was late… and he had accomplished much… but his departure would have to be delayed… The bad side was the extended cost of the ship, wagons, and carts… the good side was he could spend some time with Briseis… especially now that she was healing and rested.

Entering the newly constructed building that would soon be restocked and opened for business, he locked the door and headed for the loft, where Bri should be laying down.

Since returning to Skye, things had been a whirlwind of activity. The shop was being rebuilt, Kam was hard at work in gathering the supplies and people he needed in order to kill Abu Said and free his people while Briseis pinned letters to Carnia, several to any who would listen for though she was in good standing in Skye, she was still an ex-slave of Carnia despite having liberated herself from some speculation as a midwife there. The shop seemed to go up in the blink of an eye and waited to be filled.

Though it had taken them both no time to move into the loft above the store to get away from the Inn that was by all accounts comfortable but noisy. It was taking time for her to come to terms with being back in Skye. Crates of supplies sat within the back room rebuilt to be her clinic she still couldn't do it. She still couldn't open the crates and rebuild her life. Kam despite being busy was there to hold her at night. She fought less in her sleep, cried out in her sleep less. Bruises and marks had all but healed except for the memory which sometimes seemed so surreal. Sometimes it seemed as if it had happened to someone else but the new building was a reminder. It had not happened to someone else, it had happened to her.

Going into the market was still out of the question. Every day she would try to leave the shop to go shopping for herself and each time she was left shaking, palms sweating and the stinging threat of tears in her eyes. She never let Kam see that it bothered her to be around people. She all ready felt she made him suffer enough with her night terrors and constant tears before. Allah would provide, that was what Kam had said. In the time to pass, Briseis had abandoned her Gods. What Gods would inflict such torture on her? What Gods would turn their backs on her fevered prayers for justice from her sexual and physical abuse? Only when she had prayed to Allah had her prayers come true. Kam had shown up and she was home. She felt so foolish, so very weak.

She had received correspondence by way of her old Master, Octavius Romulus. Perhaps the only man in Carnia who would listen to her though she spoke nearly nothing more than she had been kidnapped by Abu Said and then rescued again. In his return, he expressed his contempt for what had been done to her giving Briseis reason to believe the old roman allies of Morocco by way of Carnia had heard Abu Said bragging. He also expressed his apologies. Morocco had men in Carnia and one move the wrong way would see the downfall of Carnia and he could not risk it. Not even for her sake. Part of her understood. Carnia's people were raised with the belief they would one day rise again and bring about the glory of Rome on the world again. Briseis had long ago abandoned the dream of seeing the Roman Empire restored but her heart still weighed heavy with the knowledge that Carnia was not only bound by marriage now but by fear of decimation of its people.

The reality of it came with a choice. She could stay in Skye, safe and wait for Kam to come home or she could go to Carnia and plead her case with the Emperor and pray to Allah he would see reason and revolt and join Kam in his battle to save the people of Morocco and Carnia together. She was by no way a military woman nor a political one but her heart told her she could not sit around and do nothing no matter how useless she saw herself.

The next day, Kam rose early, leaving Bri to rest, he would once again try to fill his list.… As he stood in the square, one of the street lads came to him and led him to a man who supplied parchment to the Church, Parliament, and other smaller businesses. There Kam would purchase the parchment. Twenty-five pounds was not normally heavy, but this trek made it seem heavier.

Not knowing the King, Kamenwati refused to ask the King for yet another favor in supplies… and by the time he got the courage to ask, the King had departed for Struan… By now, he was becoming depressed, thinking he would never get the weapons. But someone as insignificant as a street lad, was there to save him.

The lad told Kam that Captain Ealora of the Shadow Storm… pointing to the ship that lay in the bay… was preparing to set sail… and that the pirate captain had connections. So he set out to find her and get help…

Now two days later, with Ealora’s crew helping, Kam would…did… in the truest simplistic manner, stole the melee arms and armour, 10 kegs of gunpowder… some for him, some for her… 10 English bows, and a crate full of arrows.

Now the last two items would be the most difficult… and again Ealora’s crew, enjoying the stealth of it all, stole the 3 cannon right off the city walls or other ships… and had them mounted in crude carriages. Then the King’s armory once again provided the long arrows that Kam required.

When the logistics Captain made his rounds, and found the items, he would find a receipt for items appropriated in the name of the King, with a promise of recompense… signed by Kamenwati…

Now his ship was loaded… and ready to sail… all he had to do was inform Jack Trades….

[Kamenwati]

Perseverance is more prevailing than violence; and many things which cannot be overcome when they are together, yield themselves up when taken little by little.

Plutarch (46 AD - 120 AD), Lives

Kam had expected her to be asleep or at least resting. Her body still pained her when she worked too hard, but again, the feeling of being useless would not allow her to rest for long. Despite not being able to go to the market for food and supplies, she had help. The people in town were still checking on her well being and did her shopping at the shy and ashamed request of the midwife. By midday, she had a stew of vegetables and baked fish going. By the time the sun was hanging low in the sky and she heard the door opening and closing downstairs, she was taking a loaf of bread from the brick oven while the fish and vegetables was cooling on the table. Using her apron to remove the bread, she set it on the table and turned offering Kam a smile as he pushed the door to the loft open.

"You're late…" She chimed in a tease as she set the loaf of bread on its platter on the open window seal to cool. Brushing her hands over her apron to brush off the access flour from cooking, she moved to embrace him, pressing her face against his chest as she held him tightly in her arms. She was still afraid to let him go in the morning but she hesitated less and less these days.

“Yes MiLady… there is no excuse… Only I seek your, and Allah’s blessing upon my toil and labor…” As they fell into an embrace, he breathed in her scent… those of lilac and bread… and he smiled.

Raising her head, she beheld his face with one of her warmest smiles. If nothing else she could do for him then smile then she would smile any time he looked at her despite the circumstances. What did he see in her? How could he love her when she felt so utterly useless and weak? All these she thought but did not say aloud, did not let show as she pressed on her toes pushing her up to press her lips against his own. "Hello my love" she coo'd in a whisper before her lips met his own.

Brown hands caressed her face as they melded into a kiss. And after the kiss, he smiled and returned her greeting… “Hello love…” Sitting down at the table, he looks at her… “Something smells good… I am glad to see you up and around…” Turning in the seat… “I also see that the building is coming along just fine… but…” he turns and looks at her… “I thought by now, you would have set up your shop… and readied patients to look upon. Tis a fine building… it just requires your hand upon it.”

"I cooked" She chimed in when he said something smelled good and began to move around to gather plates and utensils from the cabinet and move back to him setting a plate and fork in front of him and then another diagonal from him at her own place. As she stirred the vegetables, she paused and heaved a sigh when he mentioned the shop was ready and just required her hand. "I'm trying.." she offered and gave him a smile as she spooned vegetables onto his plate before sliding a piece of fish onto it and then went to slicing the fresh bread.

He knew that she was going thru a period of depression and realizing that, he knew it would take time for her to recuperate… and keeping her hands busy would provide some relief… especially since he would be leaving soon… yet another fact that she knew but he refused to comment upon unless he felt it necessary. He thought that should be able to make it to market, she might be able to overcome the fear she vested in herself.

“Bri my love…” he sat sideways of the table… his hand capturing hers and sat her down in his lap. “You must remember, I love you with all that I am… You are a strong woman, and can conquer obstacles…” he smiled. He had seen the writing material splayed upon the office desk… and knew she was either writing her memoirs, or something he knew not of… “I need you to be strong for me… for concerning myself with your mental state shall diminish my ability to lead and fight…” Rubbing her back a bit, he smiled. “I have seen my Koran left opened… May be you are interested? Allah be praised…” he smiled again. “Upon my return, I shall teach you what you need to know…”

When his hand came out to capture her own, she set the knife down and raised her eyes to his. Dutiful to a fault but she was giving him her undivided attention. There was nothing he said that escaped her notice. It was her love for him, she wanted to be attuned to him and so doing as she was told really was not part of it. As he pulled her into his lap, she brushed her hands against her apron before sliding her arms up his chest and around his neck and leaned her forehead against his as she learned to the purr and roll of his accented voice as he said he loved her and commented on her strength.

Unwinding her arms from his neck, she captured his face in her hands and leaned her lips down to his own for a sweet and simple kiss though it could hardly be called plain. She always kissed him with all the love she possessed in the hopes that within its depths it would speak of the love she could not express in words of what he meant to her. If she could never express it with words then she would do it with a kiss. "I will do anything you ask of me, because I love you. I will be strong for you but I do not need to worry for you, I have faith in you, this is your destiny. Do not worry for me, please. I do not want you to worry for me and deter you from the fight. It will take time but I will be fine, better than fine. As long as you love me, I can make it through anything." When he mentioned seeing his Koran left open she blushed as if she had been caught with her hand in the preverbal cookie jar. "Yes, I have been trying to read it. I would like very much to learn."

“Soon, we shall leave for Fez… but in the meantime, I want to re-establish our faith in one another… to be sure we know that our love has transpired over many obstacles… and yet still, we face more. I think your immediate path lies to Carnia… for if they know not what is coming, they must… In speaking with Captain Ealora, she tells me she sails for the Middle Sea as well… possibly you could ride with her to Carnia… I feel that you shall be safe with her… and once we are finished in Fez… we shall be together again…” he patted her back. “Maybe a visit in Carnia together would be grand. What do you think on the matter?”

She could not help but smile when he said her path lay for Carnia. Though she had said she needed to alert her countrymen to what was truly going on with their so-called allies, she had not mentioned going there. At least not past the ship on their return to Skye and then it could have been just shock and depression that had her talking. He seemed to know her destiny as well as she knew his own but always she had know that while they had separate destinies now in regards to the people of their birth, they had a destiny together as well. "We don't need to re-establish our faith in one another. I will always have faith in you. It is not in me to question what is right and wrong with you, I know what you do, you do because you feel it is right and I trust in that as I trust in you." She kissed him once more before sliding from his lap to finish serving him dinner.

"If you trust Captain Ealora then I will seek her out to see if she can add a passenger for the voyage." She spoke as she added a few slices of bread and laid out a small tub of butter before she was going to collect a pitcher of sweetened with honey and cooled.

"I know not the pirate captain, but tis possible she has what we require. And with the grace of Allah, she will abide with our needs. I am sure she would help us, considering tis also what she seeks."

She was in the process of getting ready to pour it when she stopped dead. "A visit to Carnia? You and I?" She was not surprised really, a little shocked.

After a moment when she realized she was stalling, she poured his tea and then her own she finally took a seat taking a few minutes to think about it. "It would be wonderful, provided we can liberate Carnia from their alliance with Morocco. I'd like you to meet my former Master, he is a good man, like a father to me. He doesn't know I know, but his best friend, is my father and he promised him he would look after me. He was the one who freed me, at least did so in selling me to the midwife of Carnia."

Kamenwati listened to his woman, a smile highlighted by white teeth against a brown skin… nodding to her shocked expression about the visit. “I would like to meet the man cared for you and changed yer life. Allah be praised and His will be done, we shall visit the land of yer birth.”

Not once since their return had they made love to one another… this he missed greatly… but he understood totally… as she had undergone such trauma… Though they lacked the physical intimacy, the mentally intimacy was slowly gaining solid ground.

Once they had finished eating, she cleaned the dishing handing them over to Kam to dry and then she took him up to the roof to sit below the stars. They had not made love since their return and she was grateful that he did not pressure her not that she thought he ever would. Things were comfortable and she knew she did not have to worry if it was on his mind. He never pressured her, things were slow and he loved her in holding her, in kissing her, and yet never pushing for more. As they lounged on the blanket, she lay back against him and then gasped pointing upward. "Look a shooting star" With a wide grin she leaned her head back on his shoulder her whisper in his ear. "Make a wish..."

Taking the material, he dried the dishes and returned them to their places. And as she took his hand, he tossed the material on the table and followed her willingly. Their place upon the roof no longer scarred by the fire, the smell of smoldering wood had long since faded. She lay the blanket out and sat down… and he followed her to the blanket, laying back first, his course hand pulling her back to him.

No sooner than her head lay upon his arm, she pointed out to the sky. Far above, a shooting star streaked across the sky; the meteor burning out on the earth’s atmosphere, but to them, the shooting start escaped their view by passing in the night. “A wish?” he looked at her oddly. He had never heard of such a thing before; but he would smile… Several wishes fluttered thru his mind… everything from her health to a passionate night for them both to a free land for their people. Looking at her sideways, he begins to speak… “I wish for….” Then he is interrupted with a soft finger placed gently against his lips, to which he would place a soft kiss against the tips.

[Kamenwati]

Affirmation

There was a gentle and loving smile on her lips as he kissed her fingertips and then her fingers left his lips and ran across his cheek as she cupped it within her palm. "You have never wished upon a star have you? When you make a wish, you do so secretly or it is said your wish will not come true. Of all the wishes I have made on stars and with my Gods, only Allah has ever answered, he brought me you."

Deep brown eyes looked at her and his head shook a bit. “Never… but I shall wish my first wish…” and he closed his eyes, taking her hand and placing to his chest. There she would feel his heart beating rhythmically and strong. Then he smiled and opened his eyes.

Giving a flick of her head, she cast her hair over one shoulder so that she could look at him without a shield of golden wheat hair in front of her face and she smiled again as she lay her chin against her arm curled over his chest. "I don't wish for your victory against Abu Said, I know you will prevail. It is your destiny, as it is mine to stand beside you and see your people...our people freed. You have given me more then I can ever express words."

She stopped and smiled not knowing where to go from there, what she was getting at. Perhaps it was simply needing him to know where she stood. If he fought the rest of his days for what he believed, she would be there to stand beside him. She could not fight but she could stand beside him, believe what he believed to be right because she loved him and not because of her imprisoned upbringing.

He nodded at her words, but their eyes said it all… He knew… She knew… for Destiny had brought them together long ago…

For a while she was quiet leaning back against him to stare at the stars before a smile curled her lips. "Do you remember when we made love here? It was my first time, well, my first willing time. I didn't have my..." she stopped and even in the darkness of night her cheeks blushed. It still embarrassed her, talking of physical pleasure. "You were my first Kam and despite Abu Said, you have and will always be my one and only. Does this make me your wife do you think?"

His finger touched her lips hushing her… he gave her a large smile. “I shall never forget our first time… we gladly take what Allah has predestined for us… No one, nor anything can take away what we have… neither life, nor even death could… we have been destined long before we realized what our lives would bestow… My wife? A marriage of souls and lives have deemed you so… all but man’s legality states you as such… but we shall marry by man’s standards…” he winks at her.

There was that curious look on her face not of knowing where she stood in his life but of the want of knowledge. "How does Allah see marriage? I know the Roman way and it’s as simple as bringing the bride to the bridegroom’s house and we all ready share a home."

He chuckles... “It begins with a selection of a bride... usually arranged. The courtship period can last from six months to two years.” He cants his head at her expression. “The Berber traditional wedding tis quite an elaborate and meaningful process, taking up to seven days, with many ceremonies before the actual wedding.” He winks. “But then the man shall pay a dowry that is spent on household items and furniture for the bride. If the groom’s parents are very wealthy, they will pay for these items themselves. The bride also receives golden jewelry and is sent presents of cloth, clothing, and perfume from her groom every feast day.”

“Once the couple had selected a date, the real preparations begin. Five days before the event, necessities such as a mattress and blanket are taken to the bridal chamber. There the bride is given a bath in hammam, which is a sort of milk bath that is meant to purify the bride. Her negaffa… ummm… female attendants, will usually supervise the event. The negaffa, who are usually older married woman, female friends and relatives… then set about trying to beautify her. After dressing her in an elaborately decorated white wedding kaftan, they proceed to decorate her with heavy jewelry and darken her eyes with coal” .

His fingers now stroke against her arm lightly as he translates the ceremony into English for her to understand. “The group then proceeds to have a beberiska ceremony… this is where the hands and feet of the bride and her party are painted with henna. [to dye skin, hair, fingernails]. The bride's designs are always the most intricate and the various floral and geometric designs are meant to ward off evil spirits, bring good luck, and increase fertility.” He smirks… then continues… "The groom’s name is often hidden in the henna designs. The negaffa will usually take this opportunity to discuss the 'secrets' of marriage with the young virgin. In some ceremonies the bride will then be placed behind a curtain to symbolize her change of lifestyle. In more remote areas, this ceremony would only take place the day before the wedding. Often, a bride is not expected to do any house work until her henna has faded.”

He shifted a bit as to see her… “Once all preparation is complete, food is prepared in excess, to cater for unexpected guests, and the festivities begin. Men and women would celebrate these festivities at separate locations. At some point in the evening, the groom would leave to make his way towards the bridal party, accompanied by a group of friends who sing, beat drums and dance. The bride would be lifted up on a circular cushion or table and the groom on the shoulders of his friends. The two would then be carried to the bridal chamber where they would be expected to consummate their marriage.” He waggled his eyebrows. "Now, of course, the next tasks we would dispense with as we are not younglings anymore… but the bridal party would then examine their sheets for signs of blood to confirm the bride's virginity.” He canted his head and continued… “The two would journey to their new home and the bride would circle her home three times before becoming the keeper of her new hearth.”

Then he chuckles a bit and looks at her… “But, the festivities do not end there. Throughout the week, the newlyweds will visit friends and relatives as well as show off their new home and gifts. Marriage is generally thought of as being the most important decision that both the man and woman can make. Because of this, the whole affair is expensive and elaborate.”

“By all that is Allah and with Allah’s blessing... we shall marry once the Tamazgha…umm… Land of the Free... is free from the Uthman...” he smiled and leaned to kiss her forehead.

Sitting up, she pulled him to sit up and then she rolled atop him, shifting her weight so that her legs were on either side of his waist. "Close your eyes" She commanded softly and then laughed when he gave her an odd look. "Close your eyes, trust me."

Without hesitation, he closed his eyes and flicked the strands of brown from his face. With closed eyes, he smiled. “I always trust you my dearest Briseis…”

Cupping her hair in her hand she twirled it and then pulled it over her shoulder so that it would not loosen and fall into his face as she leaned down and kissed his left cheek. "I promise you only, my heart..." She whispered into his ear and then lifted only to dip again and kiss his right cheek. "I promise you only, my soul…" she whispered into his right ear. Sliding his top up and pulling it up over his head and tossing it down to the blanket next to them, she kissed at his chest. "I promise to you only, my body…" she spoke loud enough to hear and then lifted up to kiss his lips with her own. "Where you go, let me go too. I promise my life wholly to you for it is not complete without you in it." She kissed his lips lingering caressing his lips with her own, massaging them, begging them silently for more before pulling back. "These are not wishes to Allah but my promises made to you and prayed that they are heard by him." She purred with her lips lingering still close to his own before leaning back to grip the ends of her robe and pull it up over her head off her body and it too joined his shirt upon the blanket. "Make love to me?" She asked as she cupped his face into her hands and leaned her lips down to his own again to tease and beg again for more than a kiss.

The soft caress, the tender lips… it would be as a shock to his body, the flames of passion sparked beneath browned skin. “And I you…” he spoke after each sentence… Was this their way of solidifying their feelings for one another… a simple ceremony, private and intimate…? But his answer to her question was not spoken, but acted upon… and he took her into a most tender embrace, his fingers working magic upon her skin… and when their bare forms finally touched, his senses sent goose bumps to his flesh. Slow, manipulative, gestures… tender soft caresses was first order… but as the seconds past, and sensitivity grew; passion took hold of their minds… and their bodies reacted. Moans of pleasures soon perversed into throes of amorous sex, followed by groans and grunts of sex divine.

The way they made love was all together different and yet the same as it had been before the building was new and this roof had never known the flesh of either of them. Her body still melded and folded against his own in the same ways it had before and yet it bent and twisted in new ways to tease and tantalize him to new heights. Her cries of passion and pleasure were the same, and yet, had a note all new as his body pulled and begged of her own the same release they both sought until finally they were left well spent and panting, thoroughly enraptured and sated by each other and wrapped in one another arms upon the blanket.

Time stopped as they made love to one another; bodies pushed and pulled, as odd sounds erupted from them… for making love between them would vary from slow and intimate to fast and wild, and alternated to suit their desires; and when the final moment finally came for him, he stiffened and groaned loudly, only to slow his pace… he would not fall away until she was fully pacified and sated.

When she had caught her breath enough she rolled to lay her head against his chest rather than his arm. "I do not want a big event for our wedding, unless we include the people. Once they are free of Abu Said they will need you, and me. I would rather distribute food to them then have a big feast with people we will hardly know. I would marry you here and now with nothing but what we have, but I would also marry you even if you were King of a great nation, but I would do so only if we can share what we gain with those who have had so little in their lives. We are truly blessed Kam, and I wish to share that."

A hand found her back and a light touch soon began to rub her skin… “Yes, we are truly blessed… Praise Allah… and we must share what we have to our fellow citizens… and in your gesture, tis what we shall do… once the people are free…”

When they had been thoroughly rested. They dressed and went back inside to lay against the soft cushions of their new bed sitting up on its frame rather than a mattress on the floor as it had been before. The building had been built with the same design as before but the stairs no longer groaned, the doors no longer sat awkward on their hinges and the loft was built bigger than before, and furnished by the good people of Skye. Yes, Briseis did find they were truly blessed as their made their way back inside and all the old imperfections did not lay out like an eyesore for all to see. She found she was able to sleep with an ease more now than when they had first arrived back in Skye. She no longer tossed and turned, no longer cried out and tonight. Now that her soul had found his again in a pure unadulterated ecstasy of love, she slept with a smile.

Donning his robe loosely, he followed her back down the stairs to their bedchambers… and he watched her relax upon the new bed… and as he lay behind her, he whispered… “Allah has truly blessed us…” his last words before he fell asleep.

When she awoke in the morning and he was gone. She knew he had left with a kiss to her lips. Half asleep and half awake, She remembered that and arose to straight unpacking the new supplies for the store and her clinic. It was midday when she stopped and more than halfway done she felt a new sense of pride and confidence in herself. One that led her out of the shop and into the break of people to find the Captain Ealora as Kam said she should do. Little did he know the Captain would not take her on as a passenger and nor did Briseis ask why, instead the good Captain had sought to find passage for her and with some embarrassment the Captain had threatened harm if she, Briseis, was not delivered safely to her destination.

With the break of first light, his eyes shot open… he knew he would meet Jack at the docks… and soon they would leave for Fez… As he eased from the bed, he bent over and kissed her lips without waking her… Holding his hand over her head, he looked to the ceiling… “Oh mighty God, watch over this one as she performs selfless acts for her people… With Allah’s blessing we shall be together once more with no more departures from one another, until you deem tis necessary for us to depart this earth… In Allah’s gracious name…” he spoke softly in his native Berber language… and then he kissed her once more. She never even moved, for she now slept like she was suppose to, with no nightmares, no ill thoughts. He smiled and left.

Briseis did not care what people were saying about the Captain, she had a good heart. Briseis had seen it. With passage secured for the following day, Briseis found herself in the market, though nervous she navigated the stalls and shops with the same abandon she had in the past. Things had changed in her seemingly overnight when she returned with fabric for a new dress and dinner for the night. With only one more day with her beloved, she was going to make the most of it and then she was off to Carnia to help extinguish the ties between Carnia and Morocco and form a new alliance between Carnia and Skye. It would not be easy, of that she had no doubts but she would see it through and then join her beloved to celebrate the freedom of their people and a new era for them all.

And so, Kamenwati would meet Jack Trades at the docks…

[Kamenwati]

That night in Turas Lan, the rhythmic thump of hob-nailed boots carried the hulking shadow down the streets to the docks. It made no ceremony or hailing other than asking permission to come aboard. Short work was made of locating Kamenwati, to which a nod of the weather-beaten brim was given in greeting. The hearty voice rumbled casually to him. "I hear that the city guard be quite cross with ye and a certain famed pirate that ye've been cavortin' with. They do nae appreciate bein' made fools of, especially when ye might have succeeded by requesting aforehand. So, please show me the fruits of yer labor. Did ye acquire all that be necessary?"

“Yes, all that you asked for… This way M’Lord…” as he motioned for Jack to follow… Down the stairs to the cargo hold of the ship, Kam led Jack; while listening to what the man said. “Your list was difficult to say the least, as the King has kept a tight control on the sale of weapons…” then thru the maze of crates and trunks, stopping only pointing to a plethora of items waiting inspection. “I shall be concerned with what the King may deem suitable punishment once I have freed my people…”

He watched Jack look at the items, just as the boatswain announced the ready to weigh anchor and set sails… Kam looked to Jack with a bit of anticipation.

There in the hold, the burly frame listened silently to Kamenwati's excuse. When Kam finished, a slow step carried him forward as hob-nailed boots thumped on the floor. His bulk bounced intermittently as he paced the length. Despite the shrouded, weathered, and gruff manner of Jack, a sensitive ear and a touch searched out inquisitively. A language of creaks, rumbles, and reverberation whispered with a wooden tongue. He knew the forest and its soft breezes. He knew the trees, and knew them still now even when most men would mistake them for a ship. In the dimly lit space, the walking shadow met the ship, and nodded satisfactorily to itself. Turning, calloused hands began methodically inspecting the wares. Sorting through each one thoroughly took some time, but defective surprises later would cost much more than Kam's patience. Upon finishing, the rhythmic thump carried him back to Kam, and the hearty voice rumbled. "I wonder what ye'll use difficulty tae justify. The goods are acceptable, and the vessel seems sturdy enough. We be ready to depart. I have one mandate whilst we sail: If any man be nae eating, sleeping, or sailing, he will be down here in the hold. There be much construction and training to do."

Kamenwati followed closely behind Jack, hoping all was satisfactory with his acquisitions. And when the large man spoke, Kam smiled widely, his white teeth accentuated by his dark skin. “Done M’Lord… any man not eating sleeping, or sailing, shall be below deck working…” he said in the Berber-accented baritone voice.

He immediately turned and went up the stairs and spoke to the Captain… the men responded to the Captain’s orders that were barked. Sails were unrolled, ropes creaked against the heavy iron of the anchor as men began to retract the iron beast. Others were placing final items in the cargo hold, while others loaded cannon, and others still began to put away the gangplank…

Kam returned to the cargo hold and Jack. “The Captain shall set up shifts for construction crews for us… Thru all bells he said… what ever that means…” and Kam just shrugged. “What do yu want me to do MiLord?”

Within the hour, the ship was out to sea… and headed south by west out of Turas Lan and around the isles of Skye… by nightfall they would reach open water of the Great Sea (Atlantic)… Within minutes after sailing, Jack got his first construction crew.

By now, Captain Ealora, had set sail too… She had her own set of orders from the King… but unbeknownst to Kam, this would aid greatly in his own efforts in Tamazgha. Not far behind Captain Ealora and the Shadow Storm, three first-rate ships-of the-line of the Griffin Navy would set sail for southern France… They too had their own orders in the Desert campaign soon they would sail past Portugal and make itself known to Spain that the Griffin King did not enjoy having uninvited Spanish guests in England.

Elsewhere, two other first-rate ships-of the-line of the Griffin Navy and twelve frigates now secured England’s southern coast, from east to west… and five more frigates sailed along Scotland’s northern coast from west to east.

On a break from Jack’s rigorous schedule, Kam looked out over the water, as if to see his mermaid… How was Briseis fairing on her way to Carnia to gain support of her people?

Below decks, the shrouded frame seemed mostly at rest. His slow, even manner struck a contrast with the crisp and rushed matters of running a ship. The hearty voice rumbled calmly, and reverberated well in the hold. The wrinkled brim did not move much, even when Kam was present. "I want ye tae stop callin' me "M'lord". I cannae make craftsmen of them, or ye, afore we arrive, but ye'll do just about as good work without the skill."

Kamenwati got an odd look on his face. “Aye Jack Trades.” Stating his full name with a smile. Twas unusual for Kam to have someone to negate a title, hence the smile.

Men were assigned to stations with a few select of tools. Each one was given a simple task to perform before handing his work to another man who would perform another simple task. For the first few days there was much measuring and cutting. The supplies seemed more to disassemble into rubble than to assemble into something useful. There was no indication of shape or plan other than the thoughts that lurked under the wrinkled canvas. All the tasks were done slowly and methodically. Haste was discouraged with energetic prejudice from Trades.

Once satisfied all the men involved could be trusted to work carefully, the gunpowder was brought out from its resting place, and was added to the simple tasks.

For the first few days, Kam spent time following Trades around, watching every task ordered and monitored… still, the whole picture of what was being constructed was in hundreds of pieces… Kam had no inkling of an idea as to its whole.

Long hours were spent instructing the men in sifting precise amounts of gunpowder and properly rolling and gluing parchment tubes reinforced with wood strips. An auger, that had been modified by Trades, was used to carve one side of wooden discs that created small nozzles that were placed into one end of the closed tubes. Meanwhile others disassembled one of the requested carts and began to reassemble it with specific instructions from the shrouded task master.

Kam’s time was spent between following Trades, ensuring each man stayed to task, and coordinating with the Captain as to their whereabouts. Miles were being put behind them… that meant, miles closer to destiny… It was killing him not to know what was going on in Fez… or the surrounding lands of the Tamazgha.

It was on a stopover in a port on the southeastern coast of Spain, where Kam made his way into the last remaining Muslim section of the city. There he could find information as to events in the Moroccan city of Fez and the Tamazgha. The scheduled resupply point was a good excuse for Kam to contact his people as to the happenings in Fez.

Inside the city, he found that the Reconquista had taken its toll… as the Muslim community was slowly being ostracized; many of his former peoples now moving south across the Strait. Though his men were the last to leave, they would not wait forever to tell their commander what Abu Said was doing.

Hours later, he returned to the ship, a white broad smile lit up the tanned brown face; a beard began to grow for the lack of shaving. Speaking at first to the Captain, then to the men he brought with him; thanks to the King. “My brothers in arms, lend me yer ears, for I have good, and bad, news… The Amir’s forces have been engaged at the borders of Egypt, and turned back into the desert… and his ships lay sinking in the sea, ravaged by pirates… and in the city of Fez, the revolt that we planned was averted, by loyalist to the Amir… and now he tortures those involved… all about him is chaos and it is all he can do just to hold the city. Yet, some of his forces have been victorious over ours deep in the lands of the Tamazgha … let this no deter us from our destiny… for our brethren on the ground and upon the sea have not…”

Now as the ship sailed back into deep waters… and Kam had given details to smaller groups, soon it would be time to avert their attention back to Jack Trades… and the device he was having constructed.