"Shiek" - читать интересную книгу автора (Connie Mason)

"Are you well, daughter?" Youssef asked with concern. He hated the thought of Zara being used by Jamal. He knew she had offered herself to the sheik but he could not like it. If Jamal wanted her, he should marry her. She had been an innocent until Jamal violated her.

"I am well, Father. We must speak quietly; Hammet waits outside the door. I think I've finally gained Jamal's trust. He's give me permission to visit the souk. I have a plan, Father. Remember the man who came to me in the stables and told me you were coming to rescue me?"

Youssef nodded. "His name is Rachid. He's a camel trader who spies for me in the village."

"My plan depends on Rachid's willingness to help us."

"The danger to you is too great. Should Jamal learn of your betrayal, he will punish you. I hear his temper is fearsome when roused to anger. 'Tis said he's fair and just until he's crossed. I fear for you, daughter."

"I can handle Jamal," Zara said with more bravado than she felt. "Where can I find Rachid?"

"You'll find him in the village, Zara. He is the only camel trader in the souk who sells and trades racing camels. Quickly, tell me your plan."

When Zara left her father a short time later, she was more determined than ever to free him. He was barely existing in Jamal's foul prison. With firm resolve she prepared for her walk to the village. Hammet provided her with a black djellaba, which she donned over her caftan, fastening the veil over the lower part of her face so nothing but her eyes showed. Jamal had already left for Meknes with Haroun, but two men-at-arms were waiting for her when Hammet escorted her to the gate. They were given a bag of coins to pay for Zara's purchases.

The walk to the village was hot and dusty, but Zara relished each step, for it took her closer to freedom.

The souk was crowded with people, some haggling over prices, some trading and others hawking their wares. Her passage warranted only a passing glance, for the villagers were accustomed to seeing Sheik Jamal's concubines strolling though the souk with their guards in attendance. Zara made a great show of examining merchandise for sale and purchasing geegaws she had no use for. When she finally approached the open grassy area where the camel traders did their business, her gaze settled on the man buying and selling racing camels. It had to be Rachid.

"I would like to speak with the camel trader," Zara told her vigilant guards. "Racing camels are of great interest to me. My people find them perfect for their needs and ride them exclusively."

The guards exchanged glances. They saw no harm in Zara's speaking with vendors since no orders had been issued disallowing it. Still, they hesitated.

"Please," Zara said prettily. "I wish only to discuss his animals. They are sleek and look swift of foot, do they not?"

"I prefer horses," the first guard grumbled.

"They are mean-spirited animals," the second guard added. "Go then, speak to him if you must, but do not linger."

Buoyed by her success, Zara approached the small, bearded camel trader. She introduced herself quickly. "I am Zara, daughter of Youssef. Are you Rachid?" The man nodded. "Listen carefully, for I have little time," Zara continued. "Pretend we are discussing your camels."

Rashid nodded his understanding. "How is your father? I am sorry things worked out as they did. What can I do to help?"

"I need a sleeping draught. Something strong but not so strong as to kill. Can you get it for me? And if so, how soon?"

Rachid pretended interest in the camel nearest to him. "It is possible for me to obtain what you need." He pulled at his beard. "Give me an hour. Continue your stroll through the souk. I will find you."

Zara thanked him and left, aware that the guards were watching her intently. She didn't want to arouse suspicion when she was so close to her goal. She spent a long time browsing through vendor stalls, purchasing small items, inspecting and rejecting others and lingering over an array of vibrant silks. After a while she began to despair that Rachid had failed to obtain what she needed. Then she felt a jolt and something was thrust into her hand. Her palm curled around a small packet and she quickly thrust it into her pocket. When she looked around she saw no one but the usual crowd of people going about their business.

Zara left the souk soon afterward. Her guards seemed relieved as they escorted her back to the harem. She thanked them for their escort and hurried inside.

"Did you enjoy your outing?" Nafisa asked as Zara passed through the main room.

"It was good to be outside the palace walls," Zara replied, eager to return to her room.

"You must rest now, Zara. You want to be fresh and rested when you go to Jamal tonight, don't you?

Zara merely nodded as she continued on her way. Once in her chamber she removed the packet from her pocket, shed her djellaba and sank down on the bed. Then she opened her palm, unfolded the packet and studied the powder inside, wondering how much it would take to make Jamal sleep deeply without doing him harm.