Chapter 21

It had been several hours since Angellah had emerged from the tent and announced to the camp, “Tonight we celebrate! Tomorrow, we begin the job of preparing for war. Acaba will be ours!”

The people went wild with excitement. The mood of the camp changed almost instantly. It seemed that everyone was quickly caught up in the celebration. Torches now lighted the area, a soft glow reflecting off the sand.Exotic music played loudly and the scent of opium permeated the air. Food was plentiful and the flow of drinks seemingly endless. Sahar, dressed exquisitely in black and red silk, was in the middle of performing an erotic dance.

Elizabeth noticed Angellah’s eyes glaze over with want as he focused on the young girls fluid movements. He licked his lips as he watched her lithe body dance enticingly to the pulsating rhythm of the music. “Sahar is very young,” said Elizabeth softly.

“She is old enough,” said Angellah as he continued to watch her.

Elizabeth shrugged, “She believes she is to marry your son.”

The prince looked over at her and smiled, “You feel protective of her? Are you afraid I might get it into my head to keep her for myself?”

“How old is your son, the one she is to marry?” asked Elizabeth trying desperately to stay focused.

“Sixteen,” answered Angellah. “Do you dance?”

“Me? No. A world of no,” responded Elizabeth as she shook her head.

“Sahar could teach you,” suggested the prince.

“Teach me what?” asked Elizabeth, suddenly aware that she had lost track of the conversation.

“To dance,” responded Angellah, patiently.

“Thank you, my lord, but that’s not necessary,” said Elizabeth as she peered into her empty cup and frowned.

“It would undoubtedly please your husband. It’s an important skill, Elizabeth. I will have her teach you, ” said Angellah, clearly having made up his mind.

“What are we talking about?” asked Crawford as he walked up to join the conversation.

“The prince is suggesting lessons, so I can better please you,” answered Elizabeth with a flirtatious smile.

“You don’t need any lessons,” said Crawford as he encircled her waist with his arm and pulled her towards him.

“He’s being verrr-rry insistent,” responsed Elizabeth.

Crawford leaned down and looked searchingly into her eyes.

“What?” she asked feeling a little defensive under his scrutiny?

“You’re completely smashed,” he said, surprised.

“I am not,” she said, stunned by his accusation.

“I can barely see your irises your pupils are so big,” observed Crawford. “Have you been letting her smoke that?” Crawford asked Angellah, obviously annoyed, pointing to his cigarette?

“She’s surrounded by it, Lieutenant. It’s perfectly harmless, I assure you,” answered Angellah. “Would you like another drink?” he asked turning to Elizabeth as Harrhas approached with a tray.

“Sure!” she responded.

“No,” interjected Crawford, “I think she’s had enough.”

As Elizabeth reached out for the glass Crawford quickly grasped her wrist. “Will!” she exclaimed as she tried to pull her hand away, “Let go!”

“Don’t you go getting shirty with me, now. I said you’ve had enough,” said Crawford calmly.

“Shirty!” laughed Elizabeth. “Is that even a word? ‘Don’t you go getting shirty with me!’” she mocked.

“You forget yourself,” he said, tightening his hold on her wrist. “The party is lovely, my lord,” continued Crawford turning towards Angellah “But I’m afraid Elizabeth is in desperate need of some fresh air. We must take our leave,” said Crawford.

“But the night is still young, Lieutenant. Stay. The celebration is just getting started,” Angellah responded.

“Will you let go?” shouted Elizabeth as she tried to pry his fingers from around her wrist. “You’re hurting me!”

Crawford leaned over, scooped Elizabeth up, and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, “Oh!” she cried out, surprised. Elizabeth balled up her fists and hit Crawford’s back. “Put me down!” she shouted, kicking her feet.

“Goodnight, my lord. We’ll have to do this again sometime,” said Crawford before turning and walking away.

“Where are you taking me?” shouted Elizabeth.

“Just going for a moonlit stroll,” said Crawford casually.

Elizabeth had stopped struggling and hung limply over his shoulder. She yawned, loudly, then dreamily said, “But there isn’t any moon tonight, or stars for that matter.”

“You’re looking at the ground, pet,” replied Crawford as he stopped and set her down on the ground.

“Whoa,” said Elizabeth as she stumbled a bit.

Crawford silently pointed up towards the sky and looked up. Elizabeth followed his gaze and after locating the stars and the moon quietly said “Oh.”

Suddenly the ground seemed to shift from underneath her and Elizabeth found herself sprawled in the sand. “Can you feel it, Will?”

she asked, laying down.

“Feel what, luv?” responded Crawford.

“The earth moving. Are you cross with me, Will?” asked Elizabeth.

“No, pet, not cross,” answered Crawford as he knelt down beside her and helped her get to a sitting position. “But you shouldn’t have had anything to drink. You know you can’t hold your liquor. You might have slipped up, said something you shouldn’t have. And for Christ’s sake you shouldn’t be flirting with Angellah!”

“But I didn’t drink any liquor, I only had the tea,” answered Elizabeth as she blew at a loose strand of hair that had managed to escape her veil.

“Tea, huh?” said Crawford as he removed her veil then tucked the strand of hair behind her ear.

“And I wasn’t flirting!” said Elizabeth jerking away from his touch and wagging a finger in his face. “I’ll have you know that…that I don’t flirt!”

“Oh, you flirt!” said Crawford trying to playfully bite her finger.

“I do not!” she insisted incredulous. “And you should trust me more. A marriage should be based on a foundation of trust! That’s the most important element of a good marriage.”

“And here I though it was a great shag,” said Crawford. “I guess I’ve been wrong headed about that. Perhaps I should stop working so hard to please you?”

“What? No!” said Elizabeth as she looked at him with an expression of utter seriousness. “You should continue, Will. Really, you should. Pleasing me, I mean. Frequently. I like it. A lot.”

“Oh you do, do you?” he asked, smiling at her.

Elizabeth gasped, then smiled, “You’re teasing me!”

“Getting even for the flirting,” he said, as he helped her to her feet. “Just what kind of lessons in pleasure was Angellah going to give you anyways?”

“Huh?” asked Elizabeth as she brushed the sand off her backside.

“When I walked up to the two of you, you were discussing lessons,” Crawford patiently reminded her as he interlaced his fingers with hers and began to lead her back towards their tent.

“With Sahar,” clarified Elizabeth, “not with Angellah.

Crawford looked a bit alarmed and swallowed, “Sahar? The young girl that was dancing?”

“Yes! Angellah says that she’s the best. I declined his offer, at first, but he was very insistent. He feels that there are certain skills a good wife should know,” explained Elizabeth. “She can show me how it’s done and work with me until I get it just right. I have some experience, but the truth is I’d love to be as good as she is.”

“You actually think this is a good idea?” asked Crawford, obviously uncomfortable.

“Don’t you?” asked Elizabeth.

“Well, no, not really. She’s- she’s so young. I hate the thought of her…It’s just wrong, pet. She’s only a girl…” Crawford trailed off.

“What?” inquired Elizabeth.

“Well, course even if she were older I’d feel the same way. Not that I’ve never considered what it would be like before. I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about it, I mean, what man hasn’t?” he said with a shrug. “I know that couples sometime experiment,” he continued, as he ran his hand nervously through his hair, “with, you know, other people. But, the fact is, luv, I want to keep it just the two of us. I don’t want anyone else in our bed.” William opened the flap to their tent and stepped aside to let Elizabeth enter.

“In our what?” asked Elizabeth, confused as she walked inside their tent. “Oh my, you thought…”

“What?” asked Crawford, tilting his head to the side.

“You thought we were talking about-” started Elizabeth blushing crimson. Then, suddenly she started giggle.

“What’s so bloody funny?” Crawford demanded annoyed.

“We were talking about dancing!” exclaimed Elizabeth, now clutching her stomach as she doubled up with laughter. “Oh! Oh, that’s so funny!” she managed to get out as she flopped down on their sleeping pallet and wiped at the tears that were forming in her eyes. “I know that couples sometimes experiment,” she repeated in a terrible British accent.

“Are you making fun of me?” asked Crawford, annoyed.

“No!” said Elizabeth, solemnly, shaking her head. “I would never do that.”

“God I hope that you don’t remember any of this in the morning!” moaned Crawford as he lay down alongside of her.

Another round of giggles began to erupt from Elizabeth. “Go to sleep, pet,” encouraged Crawford as he leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek.

“I don’t want to go to sleep. I’m having fun. Let’s do something!” she said standing up and seductively running her fingertips over the mounds of her full breasts.

William smirked and asked, “What did you have in mind?” as he pulled off his boots.

“Anything….” Elizabeth trailed off, twirling a long lock of her honey blonde hair around one finger.

“Anything?” asked Crawford, leaning back on his forearms a now prominent bulge evident in his pants.

“Anything you want,” said Elizabeth slowly. “There’s just one…little…catch.”

Crawford’s eyes grew wide with anticipation, “And that would be?”

Elizabeth backed away from him towards the entrance to the tent. She held her finger up to her lips and made a “Shh” sound before opening up the flap and peering outside. She then looked over her shoulder back towards Crawford a playful smile forming on her lips and a glint of mischief in her eye.

“What?” he asked almost overwhelmed now with anticipation.

“You’ve got to catch me first!” she shouted as she bolted from the tent.

“Bloody Hell!” he said as he jumped to his feet and flew out of tent. She was already about 50 feet ahead of him. The beads of her costume shimmered as her body was bathed in moonlight. Her hair flew out behind her as she dashed away, her feet kicking up sand as she went. Her melodious laughter traveled back to him on the night’s breeze. Crawford paused for a second, wanting to commit the vision to memory. “If you can catch me…you can have me!” she shouted back over her shoulder as she continued to run, taunting him.

“Oh, I can catch you, luv” he said, confidently before darting after her.

Chapter 22

Crawford entered the tent carrying a bucket of fresh water. He paused for a moment to look at Elizabeth, still sleeping comfortably under the silk sheet that covered their pallet. He could see the outline of her body through the thin material and had to resist the urge to touch her. He quietly set down the bucket and stripped off his sweat-drenched clothes. As he pulled off his shirt he winced. Ahmed was a fast learner and had managed to get in a punch to his mid-section. A bruise was already forming.

“Lieutenant,” whispered Harrhas from outside the tent.

Crawford opened the flap just a bit, allowing a small stream of light in. “You have the coffee?”

“Yes, and fresh bread,” answered Harrhas. “Anyakalha can wash your clothes if you would like.”

“Yes, thank you,” responded Crawford as he traded his clothing for the coffee and bread.

As Harrhas left, Crawford set down the food and walked back over to the water bucket. He lifted a ladle from it and drank deeply. He felt drained from the mornings training and desperately needed to replenish himself. He poured some water into a washbowl and after gathering his bar of soap and a towel from his satchel he began to wash the dirt and sweat from his body. Once his body was clean he leaned over the washbowl and ladled some fresh water over his hair. He found himself momentarily lost in the memory of the day he first met Elizabeth. As he turned the bar of soap over in his hands, creating lather, he remembered how wonderful it had felt when she bathed him that first day. How soft and tender her hands were as they worked the lather through his hair. Crawford reached for the ladle again and rinsed. He grabbed the small towel and ran it over his still dripping head, and then retrieved his mirror and razor from his satchel. After quickly shaving he returned his belongings to their rightful place, walked over to the entrance of the tent, and tossed the water from the washbowl out into the sand.

He felt much better now. Not completely renewed, but definitely better. He took another drink of the fresh water and spent a quiet moment watching his love sleep. “What am I going to do with you?” he whispered to her in the semi-darkness. “Perhaps the more pointed question is what on earth am I going to do without you?” he then thought to himself. Crawford crawled over to her, slipped under the sheet, and gently ran his hand over the side of her face, over her shoulder and down the length of her arm. “Time to wake up, sleepyhead,” he said quietly, as he lightly shook her body.

Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. He lay alongside of her, his intense blue eyes staring into hers, a smile on his lips. Elizabeth stretched and yawned, “Is it morning already?”

Crawford leaned up on one elbow and said, “Afternoon, actually,” as he handed her the cup of coffee.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Afternoon? What time did we fall asleep?” she asked taking a sip.

“I think you passed out, luv,” said Crawford with a smirk. He could tell that she was searching her memory, trying to piece together events from the night before. “You were amazing,” he said, dropping his voice an octave and reaching over to fondle her breast. He pulled the sheet down a bit, and leaned over to lave at one nipple with his tongue and then he looked up at her.

“You got the job done yourself,” said Elizabeth, as she sat her cup down, desperately trying to remember what had happened after Sahar began dancing.

“I was just trying to keep up. The things you do ... ...the way you make it hurt in all the wrong places. I've never been with such an animal,” responded Crawford, huskily.

“I'm not an animal,” said Elizabeth, now a little alarmed.

“You wanna see the bite marks and bruises?” he asked lowering his sheet and showing her the purple marks on his mid-section.

Elizabeth gasped and lightly ran her hand over the area, “I-I did that? Oh, Will, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what…What did we do?” she asked hesitantly.

“What didn’t we do? Really, luv, you outdid yourself, made my every wish come true,” answered Crawford vaguely.

“Crossed some things off your list?” she asked shyly, unable to look him in the eye as she traced little circles around his pecs.

“Don’t have any more lists, baby,” he said as he lifted her finger to his mouth, and began to lick the tip.

“No more lists?” she squeaked. “You mean…we even?”

Crawford looked steadily at her and nodded slowly as he drew her finger in and out of his mouth. Elizabeth gasped. Crawford released her finger and leaned over to sweep his tongue across her lips before confirming, “Oh, yeah, and once more? You loved it! Made me promise we would do it again first thing this morning as a matter of fact.”

“I-I did?” she asked, nervously.

Crawford rolled her over so that he was spooned up behind her. He ran his hand over her bottom, caressing her possessively. She could feel his erection grow even more as he lifted one of her legs and draped it over his so that he could move in closer to her. “No,” he said, as he began to trail kisses down the back of her neck.

“No?” repeated Elizabeth as he separated her folds. “No?” she said again, the meaning finally registering. Elizabeth quickly pulled away from him, turned around, rolled him onto his back and pinned him to the pallet. “No?”

“No.” he confirmed.

“What part?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as she climbed on top of him straddling his body. “You’re in trouble, mister!”

Crawford smiled, “Really? What kind of trouble? You realize this isn’t really isn’t much of a punishment don’t you?” he asked wiggling his eyebrows.

“Big trouble!” she said, feeling annoyed.

“Big huh?” he said as he tilted his hips up so that his erection ran up and down the length of her backside.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and moaned, her resolve crumbling, “Stop that! We’re in the middle of a fight here, Will.”

“Not me,” he said turning them and slipping the head of his cock inside of her moist channel. “I’m not fighting. I’m fu-”

“Don’t call it that,” said Elizabeth, covering his mouth with her hand.

Crawford’s eyes softened and he stilled his movements. He reached up and removed her hand from his mouth. “Last night you were completely smashed, pet. There was so much opium around and then Angellah gave you this tea. It lowered your inhibitions. You were a huge tease. You made me chase you around the bloody desert for what seemed like hours then you passed out and I carried you back here, tucked you in snug as a bug, and had myself a very unsatisfying wank.”

“Honest and truly?” asked Elizabeth.

“Yes,” he said, leaning his forehead against hers. “Can we make love?”

“Thought you just wanted to fuck,” challenged Elizabeth, struggling to keep her voice neutral.

Crawford pulled back slightly so that he could look her in the eyes, “I’m a bad, rude man, pet.”

“Not always,” she replied simply.

“I love you, Elizabeth. I’m sure of it. These feelings that I have for you, they’re growing, every day. I need you,” he said, almost hoarse with desire.

“I need you too,” she said raising her hips slightly, inviting him in further.

Crawford hissed and closed his eyes, “God, you’re so wet.”

“That’s what you do to me,” whispered Elizabeth as she reached out and took his earlobe between her teeth. She groaned. “You make me so wet. I want you so bad, baby. Can you feel how wet you make me?”

“God, yes,” moaned Crawford as he started to move.

“Oh, Will, you feel so good. That’s it. Let me feel that big cock of yours,” groaned Elizabeth.

“Are you talking, dirty for me, pet?” asked Crawford, pausing for a moment and smiling down at her.

“I’m trying,” admitted Elizabeth, a little embarrassed.

“I love you,” said Crawford, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. “And, I love you for trying.”

“I want to be the one to fulfill your fantasies, Will. I want to be the one you want to be with,” replied Elizabeth as she wrapped her legs around his waist pulling him back in.

“You are the one, Elizabeth. God help me, it’s all about you. There isn’t anyone else, there never will be anyone else,” he told her, as he thrust slowly into her over and over again.

Thoughts of Drusilla permeated Elizabeth’s mind, she just couldn’t help herself, there was someone else, a very real someone else.

“Look at me,” Crawford demanded.

Elizabeth looked at him, desperately trying to conceal the disappointment and sadness that had flooded her.

“I love you!” he said as he paused, almost pleading. “Please believe that.”

“I believe you,” she whispered. “I believe that in some way you love me. But, you also love her. You said it, Will. You will always love her. And…she’s the one that’s really your wife, isn’t she? She’s the one you really love.”

He looked into her green eyes and the pain reflected in them was enough to fall the strongest of men. He shrank inside of her. All of the passion instantly drained from his body. His heart filled with regret and shame. He pulled out of her and ran his hand over his face.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

“No you’re not, but it’s nice of you to say so,” replied Elizabeth.

Crawford looked at her for a long minute then admitted, “I love her, yes. But, not like I love you. The simple truth is that I never had the kind of love for Drusilla that I have for you. I-I never knew it could be like this. She’s not my wife, Elizabeth, not really. You are. You are in every way that matters to me. And, someday, I will make you my wife in every way that matters to you, I promise. I promise.”

“I don’t want to force you to make promises that you might not be able to keep,” she said, angrily, tears forming in her eyes. “This is a confusing time, Will, and- and-” she continued, choking back tears.

Crawford grabbed her by the forearms and pulled her flush to him, and growled, “You think you can force me to do anything, little girl? Trust me, you can’t. Now I want you to listen to me. I. Love. You.”

Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide as the intensity behind his emotion hit her full force. “I. Love. You,” he said more softly as a lone tear escaped his eye and ran down his cheek. “I need for you to believe me. If something were to happen to me, or you…I need for you to-”

Elizabeth cut off the remainder of his sentence as she crushed her lips to his in a fervent kiss. “I do,” she said as she pulled back slightly. “I do.”

Crawford released a sigh and kissed her lips tenderly before resting his head on the soft pillow of her breasts. “I’m completely knackered,” he said, feeling spent, “only slept a couple hours before getting up to train. And, we’re not done for the day. There’s so much to do if the men are going to be ready. I’ve got to go back-”

“Shh. You don’t have to go back now,” responded Elizabeth as she wrapped one arm around his torso and then rhythmically ran a hand through his white-blonde locks. “For now, you rest. You’re gong to exhaust yourself and you’ll be good to no one.”

“Rest,” repeated Crawford. “Can-Can we rest now? Elizabeth, can we rest?”

“Yes, darling,” answered Elizabeth as she placed a kiss on the top of his head. “Rest now. I’ll wake you in a bit. Everything will be alright, you’ll see,” added Elizabeth as tears began to quietly stream down her face.

Chapter 23

The past few days had been spent much like this one. Everyone in the camp had become accustomed to the routine of rising before sunrise, and then a light breakfast, followed by hours of grueling drilling and training. They would break for a few hours in the afternoon, when the sun was at its high point in the sky and the desert the hottest. During those hours most of the men ate, then napped to replenish themselves for the afternoon session. By sunset the women of the camp had a meal prepared that most were to tired too fully enjoy.

Crawford pushed them all to their limits and then some. On the afternoon of the first day of training he successfully recruited Ahmed to assist him with the simple acknowledgment, in front of the other men, that Ahmed’s sword skills were superior to his own. Since then, Ahmed had been working extremely hard to do whatever he could to improve the troops skills with both the sword and scimitar. No one, however, worked harder than Crawford. There were not many that owned guns, but he worked on marksmanship with those that did. He also taught hand-to-hand combat techniques, incorporating use of a knife.

When the other men returned to camp at sunset to retire for the day, Crawford stopped for a quick drink of water and proceeded to the prince’s tent. Angellah refused to train with the other men, afraid to allow them to see any sign of weakness. So Crawford trained him and Elizabeth together, in the privacy of Angellah’s tent under the cover of darkness. Tomorrow was to be their last day of training, the last day before they would begin the journey to Acaba. They would train in the morning, and then the men would be released to rest up for the arduous journey.

It had been decided that they would travel by night, under the cover of darkness, and sleep during the day when the sun would make progress difficult. Most of the men were accustomed to traveling long distances in the hot sun, but Crawford wanted to use caution. He needed to ensure that they would be in fighting form when they reached their destination.

“Are you two ready?” asked Crawford as he entered Angellah’s tent, wiping the sweat off his brow with his sleeve.

“Aye, Aye, Captain,” answered Elizabeth, saluting smartly.

“I believe his rank is Lieutenant,” Angellah leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“I know that!” replied Elizabeth, playfully giving him a shove.

Angellah smiled at her and then turned to Crawford, “Well?”

“Start with your warm-up drills,” said Crawford as he sat down and watched.

After twenty minutes he announced, “I want to see the two of you spar.”

“With each other?” asked Angellah.

“Not afraid she’ll hurt you, are you?” teased Crawford.

“Certainly not!” responded Angellah.

“Look,” said Crawford, walking up to them. “In battle, no one is going to refrain from trying to best you simply because you are the prince.” He turned to Elizabeth and added, “And I can’t be everywhere at once. I want to know that you can hold your own. We can continue to train at night as we travel, if we need to, but we’re running out of time.”

Elizabeth and Angellah exchanged a look then Angellah responded, “Very well.”

“No holds barred,” said Crawford. “Fight to win. Ready? Go!”

The two of them simply stood there, staring at one another. “What the hell are you two doing?” asked Crawford. “Elizabeth, he’s wide open!”

At Crawford’s prompting she let loose a series of blows. Angellah managed to keep up with her, blocking her with ease. She changed tacks quickly, executing an almost perfect roundhouse kick and setting him sprawling on the ground.

“Ha!” she shouted as she jumped in the air, pumping her arm up and down, victoriously.

Angellah scrambled to his feet, charged her and knocked her over. She landed hard and for a brief moment was unable to breathe. He grabbed her wrists and wrenched them up over her head, holding them firmly in his grasp. “Not laughing now, are you?” he asked as he used his knee to separate her legs.

Crawford stood up and slowly approached them. Elizabeth was flush and breathing deeply. Her chest was heaving and the pupils of her eyes were dilated. She was afraid, plain and simple. “Get off me!” she shouted as she squirmed underneath him.

“Oh yeah, just like that. Got to admit, I like it when they give a little resistance. I’d love to give you a go,” he whispered. “Do you know what’s stopping me?”

Elizabeth looked up at him. Unable to speak she merely shook her head. “Nothing,” he said before grinding his hips into hers. “Lieutenant, we may need to rethink this arrangement. She’s really quite exquisite. And, what is that smell?” he said, sniffing at her neck and collarbone. “Could it be…desire I’m smelling on my girl? I simply must have a taste. Feel free to watch,” he finished glancing over at Crawford and shrugged, “or not, whichever you prefer.”

“Not sure I’m one to just stand by and watch, mate,” responded Crawford.

“Well, how about I have a go first, then you can join in. I don’t normally like to share my toys, but-” started Angellah.

“I’d be honored,” interjected Crawford. “I’ll, ah, just wait until you’re finished.”

Elizabeth couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was as if the entire world suddenly went into a spin around her. She could hear the rushing of blood roaring in her ears. Then, everything slowed down. She leaned her head up and captured Angellah’s lips in an enticing kiss, sweeping her tongue out along his lower lip, begging entrance. As soon as his lips parted she sucked the lower one into her mouth and bit, drawing blood.

“Ow!” yelped Angellah as he let go of her wrists, spontaneously reaching for his lip.

Elizabeth wasted no time. Her wrists were now free. She brought one hand up, slightly curled the tips of her fingers under and jabbed forcefully with her knuckles at his Adam’s apple. Angellah’s eyes filled with tears and he spontaneously choked and gagged as his windpipe was painfully constricted, momentarily cutting off his air. Elizabeth bucked her hips and twisted, throwing him off her. Before Angellah could recover she was on him, straddling his chest and raining down a series of blows to his face, tears streaming down hers as she shouted, “You bastard! How dare you! I could never be your girl!”

Crawford approached them and pulled Elizabeth off of Angellah. For a few moments she continued to struggle against him, trying to break free and continue her assault.

“Christ, luv! You kicked his ass! Good show!” shouted Crawford.

Elizabeth forced herself to calm down and cease her movements. Crawford set her on the ground and she turned to face him, “Good show?”

Angellah sat up and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “It was Will’s idea. He thought you wouldn’t let go and really defend yourself against me unless you felt truly threatened. We had to know if you’d be safe. I think she passed,” finished Angellah with a wink to Crawford.

Elizabeth was furious. She spun around and ran from the tent, out into the night to the safety of her tent.

“Is it just me, or did that not go so well?” asked Angellah.

“Shit! Shit, shit, shit! I better…” said Crawford.

“Yeah, you better,” confirmed Angellah as he dabbed at his bloody lip.

Crawford ran from the tent and looked around, frantically searching for Elizabeth. He spotted her heading towards their tent and caught up with her just as she was reaching to open the tents flap. He reached out and grabbed her arm.

“Didn’t you hear me calling to you?” he asked, a bit winded from the sprint.

“Didn’t you notice me ignoring you?” she countered.

“Elizabeth-” he began.

She held up her hand to stop him, “No. I can’t talk to you right now. I can’t even look at you right now.” She looked down at his hand, the one that was holding her arm and continued, “Let go of me.”

He instantly released her and tried again, “Please! I need to explain!”

“You know what? You may find this very hard to believe but I don’t care about what you need right now. I’m tired and I’m upset. I’m going to bed. Goodnight!” said Elizabeth before disappearing inside the tent.

Crawford pushed open the flap and started to walk through. “What do you think you’re doing?” she yelled, as she spun around and advanced on him.

Crawford stumbled back outside, totally surprised by her anger. “I was just going to get ready for bed?” he responded.

“You’re not sleeping here tonight. You, mister, are in the proverbial dog-house,” said Elizabeth poking his chest with her finger.

“Where am I supposed to sleep?” he asked, incredulous.

Elizabeth looked like she couldn’t decide if she wanted to burst into tears or punch him. “You are so stupid!” she yelled shoving him backwards.

“Yeah? Well, seems to me you’re over-reacting a bit. If you’ll just give me a minute to explain I-” she started.

“Over-reacting! Over-reacting?” Elizabeth spun around, went back into the tent, pulled the flap closed behind her and shouted, “Dumbass!”

“Bitch!” he hollered back.

“What did you call me?” she demanded as she opened the flap up and stormed out.

They were standing toe to toe. Crawford could see the rage in her eyes. He could tell that she was furious, but he was angry too. Crawford struggled to rein in his temper. His own breaths were coming fast. He took a step back and allowed his eyes to rake over her. She was positively glowing from the thin sheen of perspiration that covered her body. He took in the movement of her chest as it rose and fell in time with her angry breaths. Next he noticed her tousled hair and how it reflected the moonlight. Finally he looked in her eyes, beautiful green eyes that reflected the hurt that he had stupidly inflicted.

“I shouldn’t have called you a bitch. You’re not a bitch,” he said reaching out to her. “Come on, baby, let’s kiss and make up.”

Elizabeth pulled her arm back and slapped him, hard, across the face. The resounding crack could be heard across the camp. Crawford, stunned, reached up, immediately covering his cheek with his hand. Before he could speak she turned and walked back towards the entrance to the tent. When she reached it she stopped, turned slightly and over her shoulder quietly said, “You treated me like a whore tonight, Will. I am no one’s whore, especially not yours. I gave myself freely to you, I trusted you.” Elizabeth hung her head in sorrow and proceeded to walk into the confines of their tent.

“Trouble in paradise?” came a voice from behind him.

“Don’t you bloody start with me!” said Crawford as he spun around to find Ahmed standing behind him.

Ahmed held up his hands and replied, “Whoa, tiger! I’m not starting anything. Thought perhaps you could use some company, or a place to stay.”

Crawford raised an eyebrow and said, “Thanks ever so, but you’re really not my type,” before sinking to a crouching position in the sand.

Ahmed sat down alongside of him, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and offered a drag to Crawford.

“No thanks,” said Crawford. “I like to keep a straight head.”

“Yes. That’s probably wise. Who knows what kinds of foolish thoughts you would have…or….what kinds of impulsive things you would say…I shudder to think. This way, you stay clear of trouble, yes?” said Ahmed dryly as he inhaled on his cigarette.

“You have no idea, mate,” responded Crawford.

“I might have some idea,” replied Ahmed. As he tilted his head to the side and listened for a moment. “She is crying,” he said, quietly.

Crawford nodded and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

“You should go to her,” added Ahmed.

“What do you recommend? Oh, I know, perhaps I should tie her up and torture her until she loves me again?” asked Crawford sarcastically.

“You believe she has actually felt love for you?” asked Ahmed, leaning forward so as to ensure no one passing by would hear his question.

“Should that be a secret?” whispered Crawford.

“It- it is just very rare Lieutenant. And, if it is something that a woman feels for her husband, it is something rarely admitted to. I had a wife you know,” began Ahmed.

“No, I didn’t know,” responded Crawford.

“We were married at age fifteen. I never told her I loved her,” said Ahmed.

“Where is she now?” asked Crawford.

“Dead. Killed by Turks, along with my two sons,” answered Ahmed, as he turned his head and looked out into the distant night.

“That’s why you agreed to help train the men. This is personal for you,” said Crawford.

“Yes,” admitted Ahmed. “And that’s why you did what you did tonight. I understand. You plan to bring her into battle. You fear for her life. It is personal for you too, yes? You want to instill in her the understanding that years of fighting wars have brought to you. You want to teach her the skills that you’ve come to possess after almost a lifetime of being trained to defend yourself, to kill if necessary.”

Ahmed paused and turned back to look Crawford in the eye, “How am I doing?” he asked as he offered the cigarette to him again.

Crawford accepted the cigarette, took a drag, and handed it back to him. “Seemed like a good plan at the time,” he said, sadly.

“Tomorrow evening we go into battle, Lieutenant,” stated Ahmed.

“Thank you Captain Obvious,” responded Crawford handing the cigarette back to Ahmed and exhaling the smoke up into the air, making little smoke rings.

“Neat trick,” remarked Ahmed, pointing at the circles of smoke as the climbed higher into the sky and slowly dissipated.

Crawford shrugged. “It’s a gift, I can also wiggle my ears and make a perfect martini. Most birds would consider me quite the catch,” he said a little more loudly.

Ahmed smiled, “Lieutenant, if I had won the fight-”

“You didn’t,” interrupted Crawford.

“No,” agreed Ahmed. “I didn’t. But, if I had, do you know what I would be doing tonight?”

“No, Ahmed. Enlighten me,” responded Crawford accepting the cigarette again.

“I would be doing everything I could to convince my wife that I loved her more than anything in this world, even more than life itself. I like to think I can learn from my mistakes. I was young and foolish. I thought I would have more time. I thought such words were unnecessary. I was wrong. You, Lieutenant, were wrong. You demanded her trust in front of the entire camp, pledged your fidelity, then appeared to betray her for no apparent reason.”

Ahmed retrieved his cigarette and then stood up and brushed the sand from his robes. “You, my friend, have some explaining to do.”

“Have you been eavesdropping?” challenged Crawford. “And, are you sure you’re Arabian?” asked Crawford.

“We live in tents, Lieutenant, there are few secrets here. And, yes, I am sure I am Arabian. Although, I am giving the idea of leaving Arabia after the war serious thought. Perhaps I can get a job giving relationship advice, what do you think?” asked Ahmed

Crawford raised an eyebrow, rose to his feet, and reached out for Ahmed’s cigarette. “I think you’ve smoked enough for tonight,” he said.

Ahmed pulled the cigarette back out of reach and then defiantly lifted it to his lips, “Or, maybe I’ll go and study with that Freud fellow.”

Crawford shook his head and chuckled. “You’re really something, you know that?”

“Yes, but alas, you’re already spoken for. See you in the morning, Lieutenant,” said Ahmed before turning to walk away.

“Ahmed, just so as you know, I would have killed you for her,” said Crawford.

“Of that, I have no doubt,” responded Ahmed before walking off, into the darkness.

Chapter 24

Crawford stood for a moment alone in the darkness. He could hear Elizabeth, quietly crying from within. He looked up into the night’s sky and reflected on Ahmed’s words. Regardless of his intentions, he realized, now, that he had made a grave mistake. He remembered the words he had spoken to her in the tent just a few nights ago:

"I share with no one. My word is my bond. I have made a promise to you, Elizabeth. Don’t insult me again by doubting my integrity. You’re mine and I am yours. That is the way it will be. Do you understand?"

His stomach churned. "Coward!" he mumbled aloud. He waited a moment, hoping that the scolding would somehow inspire him. That he would suddenly know just what to do, or say. After coming up empty he turned towards the tent, took a deep breath, and cautiously stepped through the entrance.

Elizabeth’s back was to him. She had disrobed and was curled up under the blankets of their sleeping pallet. He could tell the she was still crying by the slight shaking of her shoulders.

Crawford undressed quietly, lifted the edge of the blanket, and crawled between the covers. He moved closer to her, but was careful not to touch her. He leaned up supporting his head with his hand, cleared his throat, and said, "I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry. What I did was wrong. It’s not the first bad call I’ve made in my life and it bloody well won’t be the last. But, Elizabeth, if you won’t forgive me, if you won’t let me explain, it will definitely have been the worst."

He paused then, waiting for some response. When she neither turned over to face him or push him away he continued.

"I was trying to create something close to a real battle situation, a situation where you would feel the need to defend yourself to the fullest. We’re going to war, luv. I don’t want you to die. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you. I went with what I thought would evoke the greatest emotional response. It’s one of the things I’m good at, reading people, homing in on their fears and weaknesses and using it. I needed to know what you were capable of."

He paused again, unsure as to how to continue.

"I trusted you," she said quietly, still not turning to face him.

"I know, I’m sorry," he said.

She turned to face him then, her eyes red and swollen, "If you could do it all over again you’d make the same choice wouldn’t you, to deceive me I mean?"

"Yes," he said, honestly. "More than anything in this world, I want to get you home alive, pet," he said as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Elizabeth nodded then said, "And you’d even betray me, sacrifice my trust in you to accomplish that."

"Yes," he whispered. "I love you."

"I love you too," said Elizabeth. "And that’s why what you did hurts so much. You, William Crawford, have the capacity to break my heart," said Elizabeth as she brought her hand up to the side of his face and gently cupped it in the palm of her hand.

"I’ll try not to," he said as he reached up and pressed her hand more firmly to his face. "But if it comes down to a choice, me or you, I’m going to choose you."

"What if I’d rather die with you than live without you?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"I’ll choose you," he responded. "I’ll always choose you."

"Make love to me, Will?" asked Elizabeth softly.

Crawford leaned over and kissed her tenderly, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she replied, "unless you don’t want me."

"How could I not want you?" he asked as he looked down on her with wonder in his eyes and love in his heart. "It’s just, what you said, earlier bothered me. I don’t want you to ever feel like a whore. You are precious to me, Elizabeth. I feel horrible. I don’t deserve you."

"Shh," said Elizabeth as she sat up, allowing the thin sheet to pool at her waist. She then slid the sheet down the length of his body, leaving him fully exposed to the night air. She maneuvered between his legs and then leaned up to kiss his chest. Her silky hair brushed his chest as she moved lower, finally taking one dusky nipple in her mouth and flicking it with her tongue.

Crawford felt as if he were about to suffocate. His conflicting feelings of pleasure and guilt were coming close to overwhelming him. He didn’t know how to respond. A part of him wanted nothing more than to get lost in her touch, the feel of her breath on his skin, the smell of her hair, the taste of her mouth. But there was another part of him that felt ashamed, ashamed to take from her so freely. To take so eagerly what he clearly hadn’t earned. "How can you forgive me?" he asked, his voice constricted from emotion.

She paused, looked up at him, smiled sweetly and said, "As you were talking earlier, I remembered something that my father told me once. He said, ’to forgive is an act of compassion. It’s, it’s not done because people deserve it. It’s done because they need it.’ I don’t want to go off tomorrow being angry at one another. I need your strength and your love to get through this. I need you, Will. I thought-"

Elizabeth paused, as she struggled for words. Crawford leaned up, his elbows supporting him. His intense blue eyes searched hers while he patiently waited for an answer. "I thought you might feel the same way. That you might need me tonight as much as I need you."

"I do," said Crawford.

"I don’t want to deny either of us that. As angry and hurt as I am, I still love you. I still want you," she said as she resumed her trail of kisses down his stomach. "Let me show you how much."

She moved so that she was poised, sitting between his knees, his cock in front of her. He was still relatively soft, but his cock twitched as she reached out and wrapped her hand around the base. She leaned over him and rubbed her cheek, lovingly along his shaft and across the glans. She closed her eyes, wanting to concentrate completely on the feel of him. A drop of pre-cum leaked from the head, she felt it first on her cheek, then quickly moved to lap it up with her tongue.

"You don’t have to do this," said Crawford with awe.

"I want to do this," Elizabeth responded, as she looked him in the eyes. She tilted his cock slightly away from her so that she had a clear view of the underside of the glans, and then after collecting some extra saliva in her mouth, she stuck out her tongue and eagerly licked up the length of his shaft. She heard his sharp intake of breath and watched as he leaned his head back. "I- I may need some direction here," she said. "Does that feel good?"

"God, yes!" gasped Crawford. "Are you kidding?"

Elizabeth smiled, feeling encouraged. Emboldened she parted her lips and slid his rapidly hardening cock inside her mouth. "That’s it, luv. Use your hand to help control the depth. Think of it as an extension of your mouth. Spit is good, the more the better."

Elizabeth began to move her hand and mouth up and down as if they were one. On the upstroke she twisted her hand in a corkscrew motion occasionally brushing it across the head.

Instinctively she exhaled on the down stroke, relaxing her throat muscles, allowing her to take him in even deeper. "Mmmm," she moaned, creating a slight vibration deep in her throat. Crawford reached down and tangled his fingers in her hair. Elizabeth looked up at him and swallowed, her cheeks hollowing as she created a vacuum within her mouth.

"Christ…feels so…tight…so wet…don’t…oh…Elizabeth," Crawford cried as he leaned his head back and clawed at the bedding with both of his hands, desperately struggling to maintain control.

Elizabeth could tell from his breathing that he was nearing climax so she backed off a bit allowing his fully engorged erection to pop from her mouth.

"You’re stopping?" he asked with a slight tinge of panic as he looked back down at her.

As his eyes connected with hers she swept her tongue, in a circular motion, around the head. She teased him, licking and flicking her tongue back and forth. His breathing became less ragged and he reached down, entwining his hand in the long tresses of her hair and pulling it out of the way. He sighed in extreme pleasure as he watched the head of his cock disappear, once again into her luscious mouth. She sucked and licked the tip like she would the most delectable of sweets. "Mmmm," she moaned again, making her throat rumble slightly before she exhaled and took him in, all the way into her mouth.

She was using her spit to her advantage now, letting it run down his shaft and into her own hand. When she reached the top of the shaft, Elizabeth sometimes would allow her tongue and mouth to separate from him completely. Then she would blow a cool stream of air or use her hot breath to provide additional stimulation.

The sight of her devouring his cock with such abandon was exhilarating. "Oh, yeah," he moaned, "Just like that," as Elizabeth moved her attention to his balls, first taking them gently into her mouth, then lapping, licking, and finally cupping them in her hand. She enthusiastically took his cock in again and began an intense, rhythmic cycle, massaging him with her throat, licking, pulling away. Over and over she continued.

"Oh, Elizabeth, luv. Stop, I’m- I’m gonna-" he gasped.

Elizabeth smiled with pride around his still turgid shaft and doubled her efforts. She moaned in pleasure and self-satisfaction as she listened to his now out of control breathing. He was desperately trying to hold on.

"Stop!" he begged as he grabbed ahold of her hair, preventing her from taking him in again. "I want to come inside of you," he explained when she looked up at him startled.

Crawford sat up, quickly lowered her onto the pallet and slid inside of her now sopping channel. "So wet," he moaned. "Jesus, Elizabeth," he gasped as he quickly found his rhythm. Both of their bodies were now slick with sweat. As he pumped in and out of her, his hips slid across hers, his pelvis bone grinding against her engorged clit.

"Deeper," she moaned.

Crawford lifted one of her legs over his hip, opening her up wider so that he could push still further into her depths. "That better, pet?" he asked as he rotated his hips, stretching her further with each thrust.

"Oh, yes!" she cried as she lifted her other leg and wrapped it around his back. "Oh, God, Will! I-I can’t-"

"Don’t you quit on me now!" he cried as he snaked one arm underneath her, tilting her bottom up slightly allowing for even deeper penetration.

"Oh…never…you’re…so deep…dizzy," gasped Elizabeth.

"I can barely feel my lips," admitted Crawford as he struggled to hold on, awaiting her climax.

Elizabeth smiled and said, "That’s alright baby, I know exactly where they are." She leaned up, captured his lower lip between her teeth, and bit down lightly.

The slight pain from her nibble, coupled with the already numb feeling was too much. He broke away from the kiss and as his eyes connected with hers he came with a roar, shooting his spendings into her over and over again. As she heard him call out her name, Elizabeth was simultaneously swept away with the most powerful orgasm of her life. Her entire body shook, the intensity of both the physical and emotional sensations were almost unbearable.

Gradually their breathing began to slow. At last, her inner walls had milked him of every drop. He could still feel her body trembling beneath him as he began to soften inside of her.

"Don’t move," he said, his voice still raspy and filled with passion.

She could feel it as some of their mingled fluids began to leak from around him, drip down her thigh and onto their pallet. "You should let me clean up," whispered Elizabeth, her own voice still rough from her excessive breathing.

"Stay right where you are," he said as he leaned down and kissed her face, tenderly.

"But we’re making a wet spot," she protested.

"I’ll sleep in the wet spot, luv," he responded as he kissed the tip of her nose.

"You’ll sleep in the wet spot?" she asked.

"Uh-huh," he agreed.

"Wow, I guess you really do love me," teased Elizabeth.

Crawford chuckled, "I do really love you," he affirmed. He ducked his head down, buried it in her shoulder for a moment, and then whispered into her ear, "I also don’t want to leave you just yet."

Elizabeth sighed contentedly and stroked his back, "I love you too, Will."

"Elizabeth?" he asked.

"Hmmm?" she responded.

"I bet this is just what heaven feels like," he confessed before he rolled onto his side careful to take her with him, and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 25

"Are you about ready, pet?" asked Crawford as he finished strapping their tent to one of the camels.

"I guess," responded Elizabeth as she looked back at the Harem tent.

"Do you think that they will really be alright?"

"Honestly? I don't know. Angellah is leaving two men behind with orders to get Ilham and Sahar back to his palace. The others can do as they wish. He's given them their freedom," answered Crawford.

"What about the rest of the women and children?" asked Elizabeth as she shielded her eyes against the setting sun and surveyed the dozens of women saying their goodbyes to their husbands as their children ran about.

"I imagine most will stay here and wait. I don't really know. All I know is that I’m taking my woman with me,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her softly. “If the going gets rough, luv, I want you to remember those three important words. Promise me?”

“You love me?” asked Elizabeth looking up at him.

Crawford smiled, “Yeah, that too, but I was thinking ‘don’t get killed’.”

“Check! Don’t get killed. Got it!” confirmed Elizabeth as she accepted his boost and climbed into the saddle of the horse that she had been given to ride for their journey.

Crawford left her side to retrieve the black stallion that Angellah had bestowed to him. As he climbed into the saddle of the horse he shouted to her, “I’ll be right back, I’m going to ask Ahmed to check and make sure his platoon’s ready at the rear. We’ll be on our way in just a few minutes. Sit tight for me?”

“Aye, Aye, Captain!” answered Elizabeth giving a mocking salute.

“I hate it when you do that,” responded Crawford dryly.

Elizabeth answered with a flutter of her eyelashes and laughed as Crawford turned his horse and headed back down the line. Angellah rode up to join her. “You sure you want to go through with this?” he asked. “It’s not too late to reconsider. You could go back to the palace with Sahar and Ilham.”

“Why are you speaking to me? I’m still mad at you!” answered Elizabeth curtly.

“Me? You can’t be mad at me,” said Angellah matter-of-factly.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and said, “Wanna bet?”

“You don’t seem to be mad at him anymore,” responded Angellah as he pointed a finger in Crawford’s direction.

Elizabeth smiled and said, “Actually, I’m still mad at him too. I love him, but I’m still mad at him.”

“You haven’t answered my question,” observed Angellah.

Elizabeth looked him in the eye and said, “I’m sure.”

Angellah nodded, solemnly and then turned away.

“My lord?” asked Elizabeth.

“Oh, now you are speaking to me?” he asked.

Elizabeth smiled in response and said, “Well, a girl can’t resist your charms forever.”

“Can’t a bloke leave for two bloody minutes?” accused Crawford as he rode up to join them.

“What do you mean?” asked Elizabeth, innocently.

“This!” said Crawford pointing between Angellah and Elizabeth. “You, flirting with the royalty again!”

“I do not flirt!” said Elizabeth indignantly.

“Oh, you flirt!” responded Angellah and Crawford simultaneously.

Elizabeth looked back and forth between them and frowned. As she was trying to think of a suitable response Ahmed rode up to the front of the line. “The rear guard’s ready,” he said.

“Tell them Ahmed!” responded Elizabeth.

Ahmed looked at Crawford and raised his eyebrow.

“Elizabeth maintains that she does not flirt,” explained Crawford.

“Really?” asked Ahmed as he turned to look at Elizabeth.

“Yup! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!” she quipped.

Ahmed continued to look at her for a few brief seconds then said, “Fine. Are we ready to go?”

“Fine?” asked Elizabeth, obviously surprised.

Ahmed exchanged a quick glance with Crawford and then repeated, “Fine.”

Elizabeth looked at Crawford a little suspiciously. He quickly added, “Sure!” before leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.

Both Ahmed and Crawford looked at Angellah who said, “Whatever. Look, I’m the prince, I don’t ever have to admit to being wrong. Especially when I’m right.”

“The front guard is ready, Lieutenant,” announced Harrhas as he road up to Crawford on a horse.

“Who’s on point?” asked Crawford.

“Ali,” responded Harrhas. “I’ll ride behind him, like we discussed, with one flank guard on either side and the rest of my platoon behind.”

“You put him in command?” asked Angellah, incredulous.

“Yes,” replied Crawford.

“And you gave him a horse?” asked Angellah.

“Well, technically, you gave him the horse. It’s your horse,” answered Crawford.

“He’s a servant!” rebuked Angellah.

“He’s a soldier,” said Crawford, patiently, “and a damn good one. He’s leading the first platoon.”

“No one is going to listen to him,” protested Angellah.

“Oh, they’ll listen,” responded Crawford with assurance. “Harrhas? Get the front guard in position. We’re almost read to go. On my signal.”

“Yes, sir,” said Harrhas before riding off.

“Where am I supposed to be?” asked Angellah as he looked around at what seemed like chaos.

“You and Elizabeth will ride in front of the column,” responded Crawford.

“The column?” questioned Angellah starting to feel a bit inpatient. “Lieutenant?”

“One moment my lord,” responded Crawford as he whistled loudly.

Angellah was stunned as he saw all activity come to a screeching halt. He watched in amazement as the men of his camp began to move as one synchronized unit. Falling into formation in response to Crawford’s hand and arm signals.

“The column,” said Crawford as he gestured behind them. “Harrhas is leading the first platoon, they are acting as the front guard. He has Ali on point with two flanks the rest of his platoon will ride behind him, but in front of you and Elizabeth. You will have a good view, but more importantly you will be protected. The column will march behind you. I’ve positioned a few flanks on either side just in case.”

“In case of what?” asked Angellah.

“In case we’re attacked enroute. It’s unlikely, but I don’t like surprises. Ahmed is leading the second platoon. They will act as the rear guard and protect us from behind,” clarified Crawford.

“What do I do?” asked Angellah.

“I want you to hold this central position at the front of the column. I’m going to need to move around a bit, to check on the various units. As you saw, I command using hand and arm signals. Depending on where I am, you may need to transmit them up or down the line,” explained Crawford.

“But, we don’t know what the signals mean,” said Elizabeth.

“He’ll learn. But, the truth is, he doesn’t need to know, he just needs to mimic them for now,” responded Crawford.

“What about me?” asked Elizabeth.

“You stay safely nestled smack dab in the middle of all these men, luv,” said Crawford as he reached out and tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ear before turning his horse to ride away.

“What? No! Will, wait! I-” Elizabeth started.

Crawford rode back up to her took the reins from her hands and looking her steadily in the eye calmly said, “No? Let’s get one thing straight, right now. I am in command. What I say goes. You need to respect my authority here. Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes, Lieutenant,” responded Elizabeth sincerely.

Crawford handed the reins back to her and said, “See you shortly, luv.”

“See you in a bit, Will,” responded Elizabeth as she watched him turn his horse around and ride up ahead. He paused briefly and waved his arm to signal they should move out. Harrhas picked up the signal immediately and the front guard mobilized, leading them out of the valley and into the desert.

The caravan proceeded, making steady progress on what was just the beginning of a long journey. Six hours and a quick watering and resting break later found Crawford riding up the line. He had gone back to check on the men at the rear and spent an hour or so riding alongside Ahmed. The desert seemed a dusky blue. As the camels and horses walked through the sand, a fine dusting rose into the air. The full moon, now high in the sky, reflected on the iridescent particles making it look as if an almost ethereal cloud was surrounding them.

As Crawford approached her, he noticed Elizabeth yawn.

“Tired, pet?” asked Crawford.

“Sorry,” she responded, “I’ll be fine.”

“If you need to doze, let me know. I don’t want you falling off your horse,” said Crawford.

“You can’t stop the entire caravan so that I can take a nap,” she replied.

“Wasn’t planning on it, luv. Was going to let you ride double with me for a bit, tie you up to me snug as a bug so you don’t fall off,” he said lifting a coil of rope that he had tied to his saddle.

“I’m good, really. But, thanks!” said Elizabeth.

They road in silence for a few minutes before Crawford began to softly sing:

Up to mighty London came

An Irish lad one day,

All the streets were paved with gold,

So everyone was gay!

Singing songs of Piccadilly,

Strand, and Leicester Square,

'Til Paddy got excited and

He shouted to them there:

It's a long way to Tipperary,

It's a long way to go.

It's a long way to Tipperary

To the sweetest girl I know!

Goodbye Piccadilly,

Farewell Leicester Square!

It's a long long way to Tipperary,

But my heart's right there.

“Where’s Tipperary?” asked Elizabeth.

“It’s in South-central Ireland, southwest of Dublin. Lord, it’s beautiful, Elizabeth. It’s so…green,” he said wistfully. “Ever been to Ireland, luv?”

“No, can’t say that I have. I’ve been to London though. I’ve seen both Piccadilly and Leicester Square. It was raining. Big surprise, I know,” finished Elizabeth.

“I miss the smell of rain,” said Crawford.

“Yuck! I hate rain,” interjected Elizabeth.

“What’s wrong with rain?” asked Crawford.

“Well, it’s…wet…for one thing. And, rain doesn’t smell,” responded Elizabeth.

“Sure it does,” insisted Crawford. “As a matter of fact, I can even smell it coming, before it starts.”

“Really,” replied Elizabeth, her tone full of skepticism.

“Absolutely,” confirmed Crawford.

“You know? Maybe after the war you can get a job working for P.T. Barnum. He can display you right along with the other oddities,” Elizabeth joked.

“Don’t think he’s hiring, he’s been dead for quite a while now, pet,” responded Crawford.

“No! I just saw the show last year. ‘The Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth’,” announced Elizabeth mimicking the ringmaster.

“Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Bailey’s dead too,” announced Crawford. “The Ringlings own the entire thing now.”

“The Ringlings? You’re making this up!” said Elizabeth shaking her head.

“Nope. The five Ringling brothers bought it for the bargain price of 400,000 dollars, U.S., not long ago,” explained Crawford.

“Okay,” said Elizabeth. “Now, explain why a British soldier knows so much about a silly American circus.”

“Well, first off, Barnum and Bailey also had a circus in England. You Yanks aren’t the only suckers you know. P.T. Barnum even had an audience with Queen Victoria once, bet you didn’t know that!” said Crawford.

“And?” asked Elizabeth sensing that was more to the story.

“When I was a lad I used to torture my poor mum by telling her I was going to run off and join the circus someday,” he said, looking off into the distance. “My parents always thought I should be a career soldier.”

“Will?” asked Elizabeth. “If you weren’t a soldier, what would you be?”

“Hmmm?” he said turning back to look at her.

“Well, after the war, you can do whatever you want. Right? I mean, sure, you have to earn some type of a living, unless you’re rich, of course. Are you rich?” she asked.

“No, luv, no such luck. You picked the wrong fellow if that’s what you wanted,” he responded.

“Oh,” she said before tossing her hair over her shoulder, turning to Angellah and saying, “So, tell me about your palace.”

Crawford moved his horse closer to hers, reached up, grabbed her arm and growled, “Not funny!”

“I’m only teasing, silly,” she said, offering him a bright smile.

Crawford leaned forward, dropped his voice a bit and whispered, “Well, could you stop please? I don’t like it. And…you shouldn’t tease men, especially men who have been sexually deprived. It could get you in trouble.”

“I don’t think Angellah is sexually deprived,” Elizabeth whispered back.

“Depraved, maybe. Definitely not deprived,” interjected Angellah. “And, he has a point.”

The couple looked over at him, seemingly surprised.

“What? You forgot I was here? Thought I was sleeping perhaps?” asked Angellah. “Just because I’m not yammering away doesn’t mean I’ve lost consciousness.”

“So, answer the question,” Elizabeth said as she turned back to Crawford, trying to get their conversation back on track, “after the war, what do you want to do?”

“Write,” he said without hesitation.

“Write?” she repeated.

“Always wanted to be a writer, a journalist, actually,” admitted Crawford.

“Ever been to Boston?” she asked.

“Oh, I recognize this one. Same tact that dear old mum used to take whenever I brought up my desire to write, the changing of the subject ploy,” said Crawford.

“No! I’m not, not really. Have you? Have you ever been to Boston?” she persisted.

“No, luv. Never been to the States,” he responded with resignation.

“Well the first newspaper in America was started up in Boston,” began Elizabeth enthusiastically. “There are so many newspapers over on Washington Street now, they call it Newspaper Row. There must be more than five major papers there, Will.”

“You have a favorite?” asked Crawford.

“Yeah, I take The Boston Evening Globe. I’m not so much a morning person. I like to catch up on the news before bedtime. It gets delivered right to my doorstep like clockwork. Shoot! I forgot to leave a note for the paperboy when I left town!” lamented Elizabeth.

“He’s probably figured out that your not home by now, pet,” soothed Crawford. “You can have it re-started once you get back home.”

“Yeah,” responded Elizabeth with a sigh. “Will?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation, “you’re going to make it back there.”

“Do you think that, well, maybe someday-” Elizabeth’s question was cut off by yet another yawn.

“How may hours you thinking of traveling tonight?” asked Angellah.

“We’ll ride for a couple more hours, then we’ll take another short break before the third leg. I figured we’d stop for a rest around 10 in the morning, give or take,” answered Crawford as he saw Elizabeth yawn again out of the corner of his eye. “That’s it, pet,” he said as he reached out, lifted her off her horse, and placed her in front of him, “you’re coming over here for a nap.”

“You just want an excuse to tie me up,” she teased.

“Yeah! This is exactly the way I envisioned it too, you, me, and a couple of hundred Arabs,” responded Crawford as he helped her move her leg over so that she faced him and straddled the horse. “See, aren’t you glad now that I didn’t let you talk me out of the trousers? They are much more practical. If you ask me, you should wear trousers instead of those big long skirts from now on. I’m sure in a few years it’ll be all the rage anyways. Totally proper.”

“Oh Yeah? You think you’re Emily Post now?” asked Elizabeth.

“What? No! My motivations are completely nefarious. I just like to see the outline of your legs and bum,” answered Crawford as he slid his hands under her bottom and pulled her closer to him. “Close your eyes and rest for a bit,” he encouraged as he guided her head down and wrapped one arm around her. “I’ll wake you in about an hour.”

Elizabeth snuggled against the warmth of this chest, closed her eyes and quickly drifted off.

“You don’t really think she’s going to sleep-” started Angellah.

Crawford brought his finger quickly to his lips and quietly said, “Shh. She’s already asleep.”

“Didn’t you let her sleep today before we left?” asked Angellah.

“Of course I did. She slept…some,” answered Crawford as he tenderly ran his hand up and down her back and smiled at the memory of the last time he made love to her.

“Perhaps you should consider getting yourself another wife, before you wear this one out,” suggested Angellah.

Crawford kissed the top of Elizabeth’s head and whispered, “I think this one will do me just fine, mate. Besides, no one could possibly compare.”

“You sound completely besotted, Lieutenant. I find it disturbing. I had you pegged as a man of…experience,” responded Angellah.

Crawford nodded, “Yeah? Well, if it makes you feel any better, I find this more than a bit disturbing myself.” After a long pause he added, “I have a wife, back home, you know. Drusilla. She’s been very ill for a long time.”

“So she is unable to service you to your satisfaction?” asked Angellah.

Crawford looked away and said, “It’s complicated.”

“Explain,” responded Angellah. “Pretend we’re friends and that I’m interested.”

Crawford sighed and began, “Her mind is…shattered. They call it schizophrenia. The doctors say she is incurable. She’s been a patient at Bethlehem Hospital for years, many, many years.”

“So, she is unable to service you at all. Yet, you have not taken another wife until now?” Angellah asked.

“No,” answered Crawford. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not all that noble. There have been other women, lots of other women, over the years. It was meaningless though.”

“But this one is different,” said Angellah.

“Yes,” admitted Crawford. “My lord, if something should happen to me, I want your word that you will see to it that she gets home. I mean back to America. I want your word-” Crawford paused to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat.

“No one else will have her. I will keep her under my protection until I can get her safe passage back. You have my word,” assured Angellah.

“Not even you,” added Crawford.

Angellah looked at him, a bit surprised, then nodded in agreement, “Not even me.”

“It’s ridiculous, I know. She’s young and beautiful, smart, sexy, full of life. Undoubtedly she will have many suitors, other lovers in her lifetime. I just want her to be able to choose,” explained Crawford.

“You reveal a weakness,” said Angellah, nodding towards Elizabeth.

“No man is without weakness. Besides, I can still kick your arse six ways from Sunday,” responded Crawford.

“What’s my weakness?” asked Angellah.

“Your weakness? Really, mate, we only have a few days before we reach Acaba, that’s hardly enough time,” teased Crawford.

“You do realize that you are supposed to treat me with reverence, don’t you?” asked Angellah.

“Seems I didn’t get that memo,” replied Crawford. “Besides, admit it, you find me endearing.”

“I think you mean annoying,” responded Angellah with a smirk.

CONTINUED...