A Day Off

Metehan was apprised of the Empress's plan as much as it applied to him. A guide to help the soldiers and the rest of Aurora's group through the desert was requested.

"Are you certain you want to go through the desert?" The Chieftain chewed his lip. "You have seen the horrors that are there right now."

Devrim thought about the question. "We can skirt around the edge for a time, but to avoid it entirely would mean going very far out of our way. We will have to cross at least some of it."

The Chieftain nodded slowly. "Due to the perilous nature of this expedition, I cannot force one of my men to go with you on this journey. If Her Majesty were to order me to do so, I would be honor-bound to comply…"

"I will issue no such order," Aurora said quickly to avoid any unpleasantness.

The chieftain gave a pale smile. "Good. I will ask my scouts if any wishes to take on this task though. There are a few foolhardy souls who would take on the task especially if they think it might give them royal favor."

"I do like people who want to make me happy." Reyan rubbed his hands together. "Makes ordering them around much easier."

"It may be better not to let them know who the request is for when you ask for volunteers," Aurora contradicted her friend. "I don't want that information to sway them."

"I shall have someone to accompany you in the morning," the Chieftain agreed. He patted Metehan on the shoulder. "I won't tell your daughter that you only came for her wedding just to go on some royal mission."

"I came for the wedding, the mission was a coincidence…" Metehan had been hoping the trials would finish in time to make it for the nuptials.

Then the new problem arose and nearly crushed his hope, only to end up delivering him a royal escort instead. It was funny how things worked out.

"I will have to break the news to Lydia that I do not have her dowry. It was swallowed by the dunes along with most of the royal supplies."

"Most, but not all," Aurora patted the bag at her side. "Hadya has a few things of mine as well. I have enough to replace the fortune that was taken."

"Your Majesty, I couldn't." Metehan immediately refused, lifting his hands in a protective gesture.

Devrim kissed the top of his wife's head as she leaned against him. "Weren't you just saying you needed to give the Council a raise?"

The Empress nodded seriously. "Indeed I have. It is long overdue. So consider it backpay that the crown owes you. I always repay my debts."

Speechless, the Councilman merely bowed at the waist from his seat. He was most grateful not to be shamed in front of his sweet Lydia and her betrothed. While they would certainly understand, it would bring a somber note to a happy occasion.

"I suppose it is settled then. Thank you, Your Majesty." 

After all of the discussion had concluded, the group found places to sleep. The Dunesmen were most gracious in taking in both the delegation and all of the soldiers. When it was all said and done, every man and woman had a tent to sleep in instead of being left chilly under the stars.

Although the stars were a fantastic sight out in the dunes, everyone was glad to have a canvas over their head and a cushion under it.

The next morning, Aurora and Devrim awoke refreshed. There was something about being in the loving home of the Cheif that helped them sleep that much better. As they exited outside, the world was already wide awake.

"Did we sleep that late?" The Empress asked her husband as she hooked her hand into the crook of his elbow.

Devrim looked at the sun. It had barely risen over the sand, still putting of a red glow across the horizon. "I don't think so."

Just like he always did, Nurlan approached from an undisclosed location to join the royal couple. 'At least he looks well rested,' Aurora noted.

"Your Majesties." The general bowed.

"General," Aurora greeted him. "I did not realize the Dunesmen were such early risers."

"There is much work to be done." Nurlan looked out. "Even though Councilman Metehan will not be going with us further south, the people wanted to have the wedding as soon as possible. Metehan's daughter said she had delayed long enough. Additionally, Chief Orhan is working with his kinsmen to replace the supplies that were lost to the sand wolves yesterday."

"Orhan does not have to do that!" Aurora gasped. She had certainly not asked that of the Chief.

The General nodded. "I made him aware of that, but the Chieftain insists. He hopes to have things gathered by this evening and hopes you will enjoy the wedding this afternoon before you continue onward."

Devrim grinned at his wife. "My dear, I do think Orhan is holding us captive with the offer of supplies so that we will not shame Metehan by leaving early."

"I do think you are right. Do you object to being my escort to such an auspicious occasion?" The Empress batted her eyes at the man beside her. It made his heart flutter.

"How could I refuse such an opportunity to be with the most beautiful woman in the world? I would be honored." Devrim reached for his wife's hand and kissed it.

Sensing that the business was concluded, Nurlan cleared his throat. "May I continue with rounding up all we will need and organizing the men?"

Aurora realized she was being rude. She tore her eyes away from the Emperor and gave the general her full attention. "Yes, Nurlan, that would be most helpful. Have you checked on the men that went to the healers yesterday?"

Of course the General had. "It was the first thing I did this morning. Three of our men will have to return with Metehan to Valiant for further treatment. The rest have gotten clearance to continue on our way."

Losing a few this early in the journey was unfortunate, but Aurora could borrow men from a coastal city if she needed to when they arrived. Except for the sand wolves, there were few known dangers on land between here and the ocean.

Aurora acceptedNurlan's assessment without question. "Please send word home with them that they are to get three extra months' pay to compensate them when they get home. They served the Empire well."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Nurlan left the couple and went to work. In addition to being an ideal personal guard for the Empress, which was less necessary while few knew who she was--the general was an excellent administrator of men and supplies. Between him and Zan, Aurora had no doubt that everything would be in order by the evening.

Which left her, strangely enough, with a day off. 'I cannot remember the last time I have had one of those,' Aurora mused.

Then she realized there was one thing she forgot to ask Nurlan. "Do you think the Chieftain has found us a guide yet?" The Empress asked her husband.

Devrim pursed his lips as he considered the question. "I could be completely wrong here, but I do think it might be that man over there."

"Why do you say that?" Aurora hadn't noticed the person that the grey-eyed man had indicated until after he had been pointed out.

"Oh I don't know. He just seems like he knows a lot about the world. Seems quite wise...oh and I saw Zan point us out to him a moment ago and mouth 'guide' at me. It was probably that last one that tipped me off..." Devrim avoided the gentle elbow into his side as he chuckled.

Having been spotted, the young man quickly hurried over and bowed before the Monarchs. "I am Elxan, at your service."

"It is nice to meet you," Aurora dipped her head. The person before her was clad in the usual garb of the Dunesmen, but the scarf around his head was scarlet instead of tan. The Empress wondered if it had special meaning.

The man continued, "My Chieftain says I am to be your guide through the desert. I would be most honored. But first, if I may, I have the honor of leading you somewhere else just now. If you'll follow me."

Devrim furrowed his brow. "Where are we going?"

The guide looked at him as if the man was joking. "To meet the bride, of course!"

"Of course, my love, where else do you go on a wedding day?" Aurora chided him gently.

"I try to make a habit of knowing the couple before being invited to their wedding," the Emperor turned up his nose in mock disdain.

Aurora pecked him on the cheek and pulled at his hand. "Then it's a good thing you accept invitations with very little information or we would still be strangers. Now come on, let's go!"