Enchantress Page 17

“I’m tired, father.”

  “Of course, daughter,” Faruk opened the wooden door of his yurt, a circular tent the nomadic tribes favored, and helped her inside.

  Ayla removed her ferace and sighed. She'd had a hard journey and it was to be expected that she be tired, but she was feeling more and more tired lately. She frowned and laid down on her father’s pallet, instantly calm in the familiar surroundings. The yurt may not be as spacious as the palace but it was still quite large and comfortable.

  It was made of a wooden latticework frame that could easily be folded up for transport, and was covered with Turkish felt. The inside was lined with beautiful rugs and there was a central fire right below a circular opening for the smoke to escape.

  Ayla sighed, her pregnancy was starting to get to her. The trip home had taken over a month and her belly had begun to bulge. It was easily hidden in the loose entari, so at least she hadn’t had to explain her pregnancy to her tribe yet but she’d have to tell them soon.

  She'd begun to get truly excited about her pregnancy, now that she was out of danger. Rannulf’s betrayal still hurt but deep down she knew she loved him despite it all. She could never return to him but at least she didn’t have to think about him bitterly. She was actually happy that even though she couldn't have Rannulf, she'd at least have his child to love. She smiled sadly, she'd have the child but Rannulf would never even know that he had become a father. A tear slid down her cheek.

  “My child,” her father took her hand in his. “What ails you? Did those Normans hurt you?”

  “Not in the way you think, Father,” Ayla squeezed his hand. “I have something to tell you.”

  “There are no secrets between us, child,” Faruk looked at her expectantly.

  “I’m going to be a mother soon,” she smiled at him.

  “This makes you happy?” Faruk stroked her hair back from her face.

  “I'm very excited,” Ayla affirmed.

  “And the father?” Faruk pressed.

  “The Infidel knight I saved,” Ayla said quietly.

  “Ah,” he nodded sagely. “You saved his life and then took his heart in payment. You always had your mother’s ways about you. There are none who can resist.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Ayla’s eyes began to close, now that she had his understanding.

  “But, Ayla,” Faruk’s voice brought her back. “Why did you leave this man? I'm happy that you're home but I know the power of the heart. Did you not love him as well?”

  “I loved him,” Ayla whispered. “I love him still. But his leader attacked me and when I told Rannulf, he accused me of trying to seduce the man. He wouldn’t believe me.”

  “Men can be unreasonable when they are consumed by jealousy,” Faruk patted her hand.

  “You defend him?” Ayla was shocked.

  “No,” Faruk shook his head slowly. “I only try to understand, as I'm sure he's an honorable man or you would not love him so dearly.”

  “Is my love so clear?” Ayla looked up at her father sadly.

  “As a calm pool of fresh water,” Faruk nodded and smiled at his lovely daughter.

  “There's more,” she frowned. “He betrayed me with another woman.”

  “You saw this yourself,” her father frowned as well.

  “I saw him kiss her,” she confirmed. “Then I couldn’t watch anymore.”

  “Did you ask him about this kiss?”

  “I didn’t have the chance,” she said despondently. “We never got past the fight over Bohemund.”

  “Then he may have an explanation,” Faruk said slowly.

  “I don’t see how he could possibly explain away a kiss.”

  “Things are not always as you initially perceive them to be, Ayla.” Faruk patted her in comfort.

  “It's better this way,” Ayla vowed. “Here, I'm a free woman, my life is my own.”

  “Yes,” Faruk nodded. “But what is life without love?”

  Ayla frowned deeper but her father kissed her on the forehead and left her to sleep. She found no peace there but was plagued by nightmares in which Rannulf searched for her through a maze of swords, calling her name.

  “You cannot go!” Bohemund shouted. “I forbid it.”

  “You can forbid all you want Prince Bohemund,” Rannulf said serenely. “Still, I will go. Now you can grant me some men to accompany me or I will go alone. Those are your choices.”

  Bohemund’s face turned red. The little witch was taking everything from him, all his waking thoughts, his sanity and now his best friend.

  “Very well,” he ground out. “Take your regiment with you. I will not have you harmed.”

  “So be it,” Rannulf growled and left.

  Bohemund stared after him, wondering why Rannulf’s anger seemed to be directed at him.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  “Ayla, you’ve grown up.”

  Ayla turned towards the unfamiliar voice. Before her stood a strikingly handsome man with long, dark hair covered partially by a turban. He was quite tall and even the voluminous folds of his kaftan couldn't hide the thick muscles beneath. He smiled widely and revealed white teeth that shone next to his dark skin. Then she saw his eyes, dark burnished gold.

  “Durukan?” She asked. “Is that you?’

  “I’ve been back for two years now,” he said as he took her hand and placed a lingering kiss on her fingertips. “If I'd known you'd turn out to be so beautiful, I would have begun wooing you when you were a girl.”

  Ayla blushed hotly, something she didn’t do very often. She smiled back at her old friend from childhood. He'd left the tribe when she was fourteen to train with an Uncle in a neighboring tribe. Ayla hadn’t seen him since.

  “I’m glad you're home,” she said shyly and removed her hand from his.

  “So am I,” his eyes sparkled. “And I’m glad that you've escaped the Infidels and returned to us untouched.”

  Ayla frowned a little and looked away. She wasn’t untouched. She'd been touched more intimately than she'd ever imagined being touched and she wanted to be touched that way again. Visions of Rannulf swam into her mind and the familiar pain tightened around her heart.

  “I've said something wrong,” Durukan touched her shoulder lightly. “Did they hurt you, Ayla? I’m sorry I brought back bad memories.”

  “No,” she assured him. “They didn’t hurt me. I’m just still recovering from my long journey.”

  “Of course,” Durukan’s smile returned. “You should rest for a few more days, we all know the rigors of our land. Let me carry that for you.”

  He took the basket of dates she had balanced on her hip.

  “Thank you,” she looked up at him, unsure of how to act.

  She'd never been pursued by a tribesman before. She began to walk back to her father’s yurt and Durukan followed closely.

  “There will be a celebration tonight,” Durukan said, “in honor of your return.”

  “Yes,” Ayla smiled back at him.

  “May I sit with you and your father?”

  “Of course, you're always welcome,” she opened the door to the yurt and took the basket from him. “It will be good to spend time with you again.”

  “Then I'll look forward to tonight,” he grinned again, gave a slight nod of his head and left.

  Ayla entered the tent and shut the door behind her. She put the basket of dates on the floor and dropped to the rug beside them. Her hands flew to her temples to try and rub away the confusion in her head. What was she doing? She couldn’t encourage Durukan’s attentions, she was with child. If she let him pursue her, he'd feel betrayed when her pregnancy became known. She'd have to tell him tonight, which meant she would have to tell the entire tribe.

  Ayla rubbed her temples harder, she was beginning to get a headache.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  The fires burned brightly and the night was filled with music. Young and old alike, danced around the flames and sang. Ayla smiled and trilled loudly in appreciation of on
e young dancer who was especially good. The drums thumped away her pain and Ayla was finally able to feel at one with her tribe.

  She was flanked by Faruk and Durukan, who both seemed to enjoy the evening so much more because Ayla was happy. Faruk had even more amusement from watching Durukan’s pursuit of Ayla. He'd often wondered when Ayla’s beauty would overcome the respectful distance the men of the tribe kept from her. It looked like that day had finally come and pregnant or not, Ayla had become a prize to be sought.

  She had told Durukan about her impending motherhood and he'd brushed her concerns aside. He was after the woman and if her child came with her, he cared little as long as its father was not around. He sounded very gallant when he vowed that he would care for any child of hers and be proud to be a father to it should she accept him.

  Ayla should've been eased by his statements. She should've been overjoyed that such a handsome, skilled fighter of the tribes would want her, even carrying another’s babe. But she wasn’t happy and she wasn’t relieved. She felt almost as if a greater weight had been laid upon her shoulders.

  Ayla looked over at her father and he patted her hand in understanding. She should have known he'd guess her feelings.

  “The gods seem to be blessing you with a bounty,” Faruk observed in a low tone.

  “More than I know what to do with,” Ayla agreed and Faruk laughed.

  “You can never be loved too much, Ayla,” Faruk said with a twinkle in his eyes. “If your interest has not been piqued, then keep pining for your lost love but if Durukan can make your blood flow faster, even if he can't claim the heart that pumps it, maybe you should try to release your pain for a new hope.”

  Ayla looked back over at the impressive figure sitting beside her. Durukan may be enough to make her forget Rannulf or at least release her anger and heartache. She nodded her head slightly. She would try to be open to a new path, a new love. Durukan looked over at her, sensing her regard and gave her another of his smiles but this time it promised so much more.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  “We've found nothing of the woman, m’lord,” Derek said to Rannulf as they sat side by side on their horses. “Do you not think it’s time to give up?”

  “I cannot,” Rannulf said grimly.

  “But it has been two months…” Derek’s voice trailed off as he saw the expression Rannulf wore.

  Derek feared his leader was losing his sanity. To spend so much time and effort searching for one woman was preposterous. They should all be back at Antioch, enjoying the women that were left.

  “You and the others may return if you like,” Rannulf said. “I must go on.”

  Derek looked back at the other men. They'd all fought long beside Rannulf and there wasn’t a man among them that Rannulf hadn’t saved in some way at some time. They nodded their heads in acceptance to Derek. They'd follow Rannulf into Hell if he asked. They would not leave him alone in a hostile country, even if he had gone mad. Especially if he'd gone mad.

  “We will continue on with you, m’lord,” Derek said.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Ayla closed her eyes tighter and tried to block out the conflicting images in her head. It was just too soon for her to be moving on to another man. Her heart and mind couldn’t take it.

  Durukan had decided to win her at all costs and he now pursued Ayla with a warrior’s dedication and a lover’s patience. Ayla held him off as best she could but his persistence was wearing on her. She wanted so much to give in to her desire for the tribesman but the one time she'd allowed him to kiss her, Rannulf’s face had come sharply into her mind and ruined the whole experience.

  She'd broken the intimate contact and ran from the poor, confused Durukan. She thought she'd wrecked things for good that time but the very next day he was back with a thick silver bracelet that he gave her for an apology. He'd insisted it was his fault for pressing her too quickly and had soothed Ayla’s guilt.

  He was such a wonderful man, so patient and understanding with her. He would make a good father for her child. He would make a good husband for her. Why couldn’t she just forget Rannulf and move on to Durukan? She was still so mad at Rannulf anyway. She wouldn’t let him back into her life even if he showed up tomorrow, begging for forgiveness. She had too much pride for that. So why not give Durukan more of a chance?

  “Ayla?” It was as if her thoughts had made him materialize. Durukan knocked softly on the little wooden door to her father’s yurt.

  “Yes,” she called, “come in.”

  She sat up as he came in. He knelt by the sleeping pallet and took her hand in his.

  “Is the babe taxing you?” He asked in concern.

  Ayla looked down at her bulging belly. It had really started to show. She rubbed a hand over it protectively.

  “No,” she withdrew her hand from his automatically. “The babe and I are both well, just a little tired.”

  His face betrayed a little of his disappointment in her continued rejection of him and Ayla instantly felt guilty. Hadn’t she just decided she should give in to her feelings for him, even if they weren't as strong as the ones she still had for Rannulf. She forced herself to touch his face tenderly.

  “Thank you for your patience, Durukan,” she said.

  His eyes filled with hope and he lightly pressed his palm over hers.

  “I will wait as long as it takes,” he vowed.

  Ayla smiled sadly. She didn’t deserve such devotion from him. All she did was push him away. It just didn’t seem right to become involved with a man while another man’s child grew in her belly. She tried hard to silence her doubts. She wanted to forget Rannulf, she didn’t want to cry anymore.

  Ayla leaned forward and brushed her lips against Durukan’s. A pleasant tingling of desire shot through her and she firmly pushed away the images of Rannulf that threatened to emerge. Durukan slid his palm down from hers, along her arm and around her back very slowly, as if he thought she might stop him at any second. Then he gently pulled her closer and deepened their kiss.

  It was so good to feel loved and protected again. Ayla moaned softly and surrendered to the desire that suddenly enveloped her. She felt Durukan’s arms surround her completely as his hands stroked her back.

  Durukan couldn’t believe the amount of passion Ayla could stir in him. Her belly was large with child and pressed between them but he didn’t care. He wanted her so badly, had desired her from the moment he'd seen her return to the tribe. What he'd said to her was complete truth, he would have waited as long as she needed him to but now she was finally giving into the longing he knew she felt and he was overjoyed.

  He leaned her back on the pallet and ended the kiss so that he could look down at her beautiful face. Surely the Goddess Umai herself could not be so stunning. Ayla was an amazing woman, with talents that held him in awe, an intellect that could rival a man’s and a form more perfect than any he'd ever seen. He stroked her face in wonder that he could ever hold such treasure, much less make it his. He realized then that he loved her.

  “I love you, Ayla,” he said reverently.

  She looked up at him in dismay. She'd just decided to take a small step with him and now he made a declaration of love. Her fears started to creep back in. Durukan noticed her unease and immediately comforted her.

  “I know you don't love me,” he kissed her forehead gently. “My confession was done selfishly, to unburden myself. Don't concern yourself over my feelings, just allow yourself to feel your own. I told you I will wait and I will. I'm happy just to lie here with you and taste your lips. Don't fear me.”

  Ayla shivered, remembering when Rannulf had said those words to her. He'd sworn to be the one to protect her, not hurt her. But he did hurt her, more than anyone else could have and she was still repairing the damage he'd done. How could she trust another man after seeing how easily they break their vows?

  Durukan leaned down and kissed her again and her doubts disappeared. This was not Rannulf and she wouldn’t judge D
urukan by an Infidel’s actions. This was a man of her tribe. He could be trusted with her life and her heart. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  “Ayla,” young Barak called out. “Do you want to go riding with us?”

  “What do you think?” Ayla laughed as she rubbed her huge belly.

  “Maybe another time,” Barak called and Ayla waved to him as he rode away.

  She was happy to be home. She'd missed her people so much, especially her father, but her heart still yearned uncontrollably for another. It had been five months since she'd left Rannulf and the empty ache still consumed her. Had he forgotten about his little enchantress already? She sighed and thought for certain that he had. No man would waste so much time, pining away for a woman, especially a woman he thought had betrayed him. Yet he had loved her, she was just as certain of that. She would try to think about their time together with fondness, instead of bitter heartache.

  Then there was Durukan. He'd been as patient as he promised and his love was beginning to ease the hurt of Rannulf’s cruelty but Ayla finally accepted that she would never stop loving her Christian knight. She would marry Durukan after the babe was born and try to find solace in his love. She would even try to love him back but he could never replace Rannulf.

  Ayla rubbed her bulging stomach and walked out to the copse of trees that hid the freshwater pool she drew water from every morning. The trees closed around her, offering her their welcome shade as she walked to the water’s edge. She leaned down awkwardly to dip her jug into the clear water.

  Just as she dipped the jug in, a powerful pain gripped her stomach and she bowled over, losing the jug to the pool. She fell to her knees, then rolled to her back to grip her stomach as she gasped for breath. The baby was coming! She looked around frantically but could see no one. Would she have to deliver her child alone? She took a deep breath to call for help but another contraction hit and she could only gasp. In her pain and fear all she could do was think of Rannulf and how their child would never see his face. His beautiful eyes swam into her mind and she concentrated on them, needing his comfort so badly.