A Change of Tides

[Men of Skye]

Several weeks would pass and the weather still remained a balmy spring type, just the right amount of heat in the morning and a nice cool breeze at night amongst the homes that either had no windows or kept the windows and doors open into the evening. The only thing that seemed changed, was the household of the Lord and Lady of Lycia.

Every day, people were arriving at the Villa, those who lived close enough that were seeking aid from the decree of Ab Aeterno. Many had lost husbands, some their sons of whose lives had been dependent upon to bring either crop or sheer-ready sheep. Days were filled with waiting people, all waiting to see the Lady of Lycia to voice their concerns for the families and each it seemed praying for absolution which would come, as Briseis could not bear to see them suffer.

A tent had been erected in front of the Villa on the hillside. Even though Briseis would have welcomed them inside the Villa, it was not considered proper. Every day, she met them outside the Villa in the pure white tent. For hours she would sit listening to their problems, breaking only to take lunch with her husband and even using food from her own stores to feed those waiting on her to resume her audience with them.

By evening, she retired back to the Villa and for several weeks it was always the same, she would allow the servants to put her into her bed, wait for the house to go quiet before joining Kam within his own bed, making love sometimes three or four times in the night before falling into an exhausted sleep only to wake in the morning to do the day’s work all over again.

Spring was in the air, the only difference of the change of season was the change in the landscape. The grass was getting greener, baby animals were being born and new flowers were opening every day adding a certain fragrance into the air.

This day started out no differently than any other. She arose from Kam's bed, kissing first his forehead, then his nose, his lips and then the scruff of his chin before letting her fingers pass through his hair and retiring to her own room. The servants were quietly getting the Villa ready for another day; breakfast was light affair where she gave affection kisses to her husband again to retire to the Tent outside. Already the road was lining with people seeking new or more audiences with the Lady of Lycia.

By the time Lunchtime would present itself, Briseis was already falling asleep upon the soft cushions set up on the floor for her when the tent flap was pulled back and she jerked awake suddenly.

"Forgive me, my lady" Viddius spoke softly giving a bow while keeping his eyes averted from the Lady herself. "You have a visitor."

"Can it not wait Viddius… I can't seem to keep my eyes open." Briseis hummed while raising a hand to wipe at her eyes.

"You so easily dismiss a friend!" Came another voice and Octavius strolled past the bowing Viddius and into the tent with open arms and a wide smile.

"My Lord" Briseis hummed in a small laugh of surprise as she rose from her cushions to embrace him.

"Briseis! Why my dear, how can you be tired, your positively glowing." Octavius cooed in a compliment as he embraced then kissed the woman's forehead.

"I am tired often these days my lord. Come... sit." Briseis ushered him to the cushions and gently lowered herself to them again.

Octavius smile quickly fell "Briseis..." He commented cautiously.

"It's nothing Octavius, I listen to peoples troubles all day long and think how best to use the resources given to be and collected through taxes so that each family gets a portion and funding does not dry out. It would tire you I am sure." Briseis returned. She knew what he was implying, but she was in denial even as she knew, there was a very good chance he was right. "Now what brings you to my doorstep?" She asked with a smile.

"Just a visit. I told your husband months ago when you wed that you two should visit Genoa and you have yet to take me up on the offer. So if the Gods do not move the mountains to my doorstep, then I must visit the mountains. Where is other half of the mountain anyway?" Octavius sobered and looked around with a wide grin.

"Inside I presume. He writes often in the library. I assume he is sending reports to the Tamazgha, perhaps planning a trip for us to visit there." Briseis responded before yawning. "We are to have lunch soon, you must…" She paused to yawn again "...join us"

"You are looking rather pale Briseis, perhaps you should rest." Octavius spoke again in concern only to find, that Briseis had leaned back on the cushions and had, quite quickly, fallen asleep. Lifting himself off the cushions, he made as little noise as possible as he left the tint behind.

"Viddius" He called the slave over with a stern hard look on his face. "Take me to the Lord of Lycia" He commanded and followed after the Slave.

A day like any other since arriving on Carnia… Kam dressed in his usual long, white robes, befitting the Ambassador… only to find that his beloved Briseis had departed for her usual rounds and audiences; the only savior were their evenings together. Her vigorance waned with each passing evening. With that, his concern for her health grew; for she seemed to be less interested in the physical, settling for the emotional strength he could muster for her instead. Walking around his quarters, he pondered more and more about whisking her away to the Tamazgha… Carnia, and Secundus, be damned to its own making.

When they had found Kamenwati, Viddius bowed announcing the Lord of Genoa and then bowing as he stepped back out and left the two men alone.

As he stood at the balcony of his quarters, looking out over the vast sea of Corinthian buildings… a simple reminder of Rome… he contemplated his beloved Briseis… and behind him, at the entrance, Viddius entered, bowed and announced his visitor. Kam shuffled the ends of the robes behind him, turning to face the visitor, his fisted hands upon his waist. “Come…enter…”

"Lord of Lycia, a pleasure to see you again" Octavius gave a bow of respect but his face was anything but the smiling face he had given Briseis. It was stern but also concerned. "We need to talk..."

Seeing his visitor, and the subsequent recognition, the tanned skin of his face retreated to a smile, the whites of his well-formed teeth shining brightly. Once more did he put his concerns to the background of his mind. His hands dropped from his waist, one extending out to the visitor… “Assalam o alaikum wa rehmat Allah wa Barakatahu Lord Octavius… What brings you to my quarters upon a fine day as we now have?” ((Assalam o alaikum wa rehmat Allah wa Barakatahu…” means " Peace be upon you with Allahs Mercy and Blessings"))

Kamenwati’s expression soon changed with the stern handshake and the stern look upon Octavius’ face. One hand swooped to the plush chairs afforded in his quarters… “Come sit… we may speak here in private… How can I alleviate your concerns?” then he motioned Viddius to leave.

"Kamenwati..." Octavius gave a nod of his head as he took the man’s arm, the tradition roman greeting of clasping wrist instead of hand another his other hand came up to give a sound slap against Kamenwati arm as he clasped it and then released it as he moved across the floor shifting his robes to take a seat.

Kam returned the handshake in a style to which he was quickly becoming accustomed to… not that he preferred it over the Berber style… to wit, greetings are based upon both class and the religion of the person. It is best to follow the lead of the Berber you are meeting. In the Tamazgha, handshakes, somewhat limp and prolonged, although always given with a hearty smile and direct eye contact are the customary greeting among individuals of the same sex. Once a relationship has developed, as with how Octavius and Kam had, it is common to kiss on one cheek and then the other while shaking hands, men with men and women with women. But alas, in Carnia, do as the Carnians do…

"I am sorry for the unexpected visit. I just left Briseis resting in her tent." He shifted his robes again once he was seated. "If you recall, I asked you to come visit me after your official marriage with Briseis from the Emperor, but I understand new marriage to be something of an excitement, Not wanting to leave one another's side and naturally the duties placed on your wife, not something your easy to be torn away from."

Kam snapped his fingers, and immediately two slaves brought fruit and wine… “Sit M’Lord… take eat…drink…” Kam followed Octavius’ movements to the pillows. “I can say that marriage is good… and still, Briseis as my wife is new…but she is steadfast in my heart… as she always has…” of course Kam referred to his past that did involve Briseis long ago… though he doubted anyone knew of her enslavement and meeting this beaten man left for dead. For Briseis was the mermaid of his dreams and his savior.

He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and rubbing his hands together, contemplating that he was very near to breaking a promise to Briseis, something he swore he would never do. "By now, you know Briseis is a woman of a different kind. There is a tenderness in her that can be easily exploited because when she loves, she loves with her whole heart but there is also a strength in her that I am fairly certain, she isn't even aware of. I was fortunate enough to know Briseis’ mother long before Briseis was born. I was unfortunate to be there when she passed and Briseis at too young of an age to retain lasting memories of her mother, I both bless and curse this. I was present at Briseis birth and have been privy to much of her life. She's the daughter of my best friend and even though I was sworn to her life, to protect it and forced to raise her as a slave, I love her much like my own daughter."

Kam patiently waited for Octavius to finish speaking… but even Octavius knew not Briseis like he knew her… and he was sure that the Carnian knew much more about Briseis’ past… But what was past was past… it did not involve the present… or did it?

He paused to heave a sigh unclasping his hands when he noticed his knuckles were turning white with the pressure of which he was clasping them together. "I loved Briseis from the moment she was born, and I love her now and every minute in between. And what I dream of is a man who will discover her, and that she will discover a man who will love her, who is worthy of her, and had the grace, compassion and fortitude to walk beside her as she makes her way through this beautiful thing called life. I say this Kamenwati, because I believe this dream of mine has come true. Yet such a prediction has me worried, for her... and for you. What I am about to tell you, may the Gods bless or damn me as they see fit."

Kam smiled… the white teeth formed a barrier between pink tanned lips… the brown eyes sparkled. “M’Lord… rest assured, I love Briseis more than any man should love a woman… but more is between us than just love… it is security of the future… sanctity of the past…” Then Kam smile waned… “Prediction? What prediction M’Lord?” and the Berber leaned forward.

Leaning back, he pulled some rolled up parchment from his robes, flattened from the place they rested against his body. "When Adonis and I were young men, our fathers in the positions that I and Briseis hold now, we were much like young men are today. We dreamt of war, of the women we would take to our beds, of the power that eventually end up in our hands. It was an optimistic time, the Caesar Augustus was expanding the horizon, he did not make it a secret that he wished to conquer the world as Secundus does. To please him, would see a man elevated up to the highest honors but to displease him, well... many families lost loved ones to accidents." Again Octavius paused for Kamenwati to catch up, though Octavius knew it would probably be lost on this man why he was telling such a long winded story. The flattened roll of parchment stayed in his hand, bounced against his open palm as he continued.

Eager to learn what the Carnian spoke of, his brown eyes noticed the parchment, but said nothing…. only canting his head listening to what the man would speak of…

"One summer, it came to light that the Emperor’s daughter, was smuggling slaves off the island, many of them ones that had been captured and brought here from other lands, they were being returned to their homelands. How she was doing this, no one knows but to elevate himself, Cyrus Villius, the man who would have been Lord of Lycia had Briseis not shown up, betrayed the Princess. As punishment, the Caesar, the princess’ own father, condemned her to slavery before the public and to add injury to insult, ordered her put on a ship to wherever the captain pleased, not even caring where his daughter ended up or with who. He also ordered from that day forward, that her name be stricken from the archives and her name never spoken of again. Adonis and I were in the city when the proclamation was made. Caesar ordered the house of Lycia to take care of the matter, Adonis’ father had been a well-loved member of the senate, had passed away only a week before and the Emperor sought Adonis’ faith and commitment to him as his father before him with this test."

No words were spoken, no emotion offered… Kam would reveal no emotion regarding past Carnian affairs.

Again Octavius paused and heaved a larger and longer sigh than before. "This... act, would change the both of us for the rest of our lives. The Princess, was thought to be put on the ship, only two men, now one, ever knew she was not. The documents of the Princess’ life thus far, were removed from the achieves in secret and the princess, as the Emperor had proclaimed, disappeared from Carnia and its history." Octavius waved the parchment and then handed the papers over to Kamenwati to see.

Still no revelation of emotions, Kam took the parchment, and unfolded it… his eyes lingering over the top of the document eyeing Octavius… then slowly fell to the script….

"I am trusting you with a secret I have kept more than half my life Kamenwati, because now more than ever it is important for you to know. The Princess never left the island. Adonis and the princess had long been in love from childhood, when Adonis found out what the Emperor planned to do, saw to the death of his own father so the duties would fall to him. I can't say I would have done any different, Adonis father was a follower of the Emperor to the core of his being, even if it was wrong." Octavius slid forward on his pillows and shifted the parchment in Kamenwati to the last page which had a picture of the Princess. Octavius knew Kamenwati would not recognize the woman, but he would recognize the jewels around the woman's neck as the jewels Briseis coveted above any other position she owned, the necklace of her mother.

Briefly Kam read the document, while listening to the man continue on… only briefly glancing over the parchment to continue close contact with the man’s eyes. Kam was bored with the reading, but it was as if fate acted upon him, that Octavius would lean forward and fast forward Kam’s attention to a drawing… and immediately his attention forcused on the jewels that Bri had sold to help with the shop… the same jewels Kam purchased for Bri’s birthday… a respectful way to return her prized possessions. He started to speak, but held his tongue.

"Adonis and Ceres agreed to conceal her away as a slave of his household, considering no one looks overly long at a slave. Since the slaves of the Lycia Villa never left the villa, it was easy to bring Ceres in as a new slave. Even when Adonis had to marry to continue the Lycia lineage, he loved Ceres. When Ceres bore him a daughter, he was more overjoyed than when the joke that was his wife bore him a son. Briseis had to be hidden away in this very Villa for fear of discovery, it was forbidden for slaves to bear children without the permission of their masters and since Ceres never showed anyone in the slave community attention, it was feared it would be known who fathered her, a fear that grew as Briseis came to more and more resemble her father."

Octavius ran the palm of his hand over his mouth "Your wife, Kamenwati, is the daughter of the Princess Ceres of Carnia and the niece of the Emperor Secundus of Carnia. As it stands, the only living blood relative with claim to the throne should Secundus die." Once again Octavius elbows came down to his knees. "That's not all...."

No longer did the tale disinterest him… for now it involved Bri on a different level… He sat back upon the pillows… no emotion… no blank stares… a true Berber leader… cold… indifferent… at least upon the exterior… but the interior… a stomach churned… unsure to be elated or turmoiled…

He paused for several seconds which seemed like minutes ticking on to give this blow time to sink in before Octavius would hit him with more. "I know not if Briseis told you of her youth, when she was but sixteen, she was tricked into performing in a ceremony when visiting royals from your Tamazgha visited, the son of the Amir of the time, saw Briseis, the ceremony gave the prince the right to chase after Briseis; he caught her, raped her and left with his father, leaving Briseis pregnant and unable to stand the touch of others for a long time. She fortunately miscarried, but unfortunately it was a very hard miscarriage and for a long time, the healers of the isle believed she would be unable to bear children. We were unfortunately wrong."

Still yet, Kam displayed no emotion… but truly, his stomach rolled… mixing the acids within so violently, knowing Abu Said was still alive… and even moreso now, he desired… not only to kill the bastard, but to punish him so cruelly that even Allah’s mercy could not help him… Unable to bear children? He thought… but still, even with this news, no display of emotion came from the Berber Ambassador.

Octavius hung his head then, his hand lifting to rub at the back of his head as if this story shamed him, but really it broke his heart. "When Briseis arrived on the isle months ago, I noticed she was overly tired, near to fainting at times and then one night, the Emperor and I were called to her bedchamber in the palace where we learned Briseis had miscarried once again. We, Briseis, the Emperor and I; were told by the healers, that if she ever attempt to bear child again, it could mean her life. She remained sick until the day before your arrival. I have no doubts you have remained in darkness of why she was ill until now. "

The news struck him like a blow to the stomach… his eyes deepening in the brown was the only display… and he shook his head… at the man’s last statement, denying knowledge of his beloved wife’s sickness.

Octavius lifted his head, his arm coming down from his head as he did so. "The reason I tell you this now, is because I fear your wife is with child."

Kamenwati was not unknowledgeable to the hazards of childbirth… but he was no physician, nor healer… With child !! he thought… the elation of such a thought rebounded in his chest… his heart pounded against the walls of his chest… Then the realization of what Octavius had been saying took hold of his mind…

No display of emotion… no pain… no fear. The man in the white robes stood… “M’Lord Octavius… return home… tell no one of what you have told me… if any shall ask, tell them we spoke of trade between the Tamazgha and Carnia… I shall retain this document and ensure its safety with my life… of this I swear….” Then he took the man by the arms, and kissed his cheek in the Berber fashion. “Concern yourself no longer… Briseis is my wife… my responsibility… I now carry the burden…” and he smiled to the man patting his shoulder.

Kamenwati stood stolidly as Octavius left… the document remaining in Kam’s solid grip. Once the room was empty, Kam plopped upon the pillows and the dam of restraint burst… and a torrent of emotions flooded forth… He sobbed for Bri’s pain… her despair… he wanted to take it all upon himself to prevent her from pain… and yet… he too, was scared… frightened that childbirth would take her from him… He had lost her too many times already…

Wiping his eyes, he summoned the slave… “Viddius… tell the Lady of Lycia her husband requires her… Let her not sway yu from yer task…” and with a flick of the wrist, he sent the slave upon his journey. Once more alone… he could not hold back the deluge of emotions of past and present.

[Men of Skye]

Briseis awoke from her short nap quite alone but this did not surprise her. She gathered Octavius was visiting with Kamenwati and this seemed like a good thing to her. Surrounded by only slaves, male friends were far and in between. For the briefest of moments Briseis entertained the idea of writing to the new Amir of the Tamazgha of sending 'help' for Kamenwati, in so many words asking for male companionship for her husband even if there were males of which he could connect on Carnia, she felt he needed a piece of home. The idea did not quickly die but was thrust aside as she summoned Niemah to bring in the next waiting family that had already waited long enough while she slept.

She was in the middle of the widow’s tale of her husband she had lost in the battle of Tamazgha when Viddius appeared and bowed low waiting for Briseis and the widow to pause. The woman paused suddenly looking at Viddius with wide eyes but Briseis merely smiled at the woman, reaching out to lay her hand on the woman's own hand before her attention to Viddius.

"What is it Viddius?" She asked simply.

"My Lady, your husband requests your presence immediately." Viddius replied as he rose from his bow.

Briseis attention turned to the widow then back to Viddius. "All right, let me finish here.."

"Forgive me, my lady, he requests your presence immediately" Viddius interrupted, clear on his task at hand. Let nothing sway him.

Briseis let the interior of her cheek worry between her teeth though her face was a picture of calm though she worried of what was wrong, Kam never summoned her, it had to be important that he would ask her away from her duties. "Widow Philos, please excuse me." She gave the woman's hand a pat. "Help yourself to the food and wine, rest in here as you wish, I know the sun is hot and you have had a long journey." Her fingers caressed the woman's hand a final time before she rose from her cushions and joined Viddius as they ventured outside the tent. "Viddius, see the others well-tended. Water or wine as they prefer, see what we have in the stores and bring some trays of whatever we have in large quantity out for their consumption, they have traveled long for audience and must see it delayed again. Also, see what shade we can provide for them from the sun. Get some of the others to help you in this task, please see it done as quickly as possible."

"My Lady" Viddius responded with a bow and then turned back to see this new task done.

Briseis paused a moment longer in the yard, hands clasped near her stomach and just an inch away from the flesh of her stomach gazing at those who now peered eagerly at her for she was their savior should she grant their request for assistance. "Niemah..." Briseis called and turned to find the woman a pace behind her. Briseis smiled as she grasped Niemah arm ever so softly and motioned the woman to follow her. "Will you see lunch prepared for Kam and I? Take your time in doing so hmm" She sent the woman on her way as they reached the Villa and Briseis climbed the steps.

"Kam" She called though her gut still turned with worry she smiled as she turned the corner into quarters. "My husband calls, and I answer. Where you missing me?" She was teasing ever so lightly when she happened in the room and paused seeing him resting upon the cushions, the pull of his shoulders downward spoke of a sorrow he had just spent in tears.

It was not his intentions for her to see him with emotions exposed. And her more-than-expected appearance caught him off guard. Usually when he summoned her, she would finish current affairs before coming… but apparently Viddius had been more adamant. With a swipe of his robed arm over his eyes, as she knelt down to his side. “I always miss you… you should know this…”

"Oh my love, what is the matter?" She soothed, her voice was now the perfect calm as if a mother comforting a child, like a midnight song on the wind it chimed at him as she leaned forward to kiss the tears still clinging against his cheeks as her hands smoothed through his hair as she sat back upon her knees.

As she sat back upon her knees, her buttocks poised upon feet, he readjusted his own position… more erect… more stoic… and he handed her the scroll that Octavius had given him. “Octavius came to visit… with disturbing news…”

Her face contorted with a mixture of confusion and surprise. Disturbing news? He had said nothing of this to her, then again, she had fallen asleep on him only a few minutes after his arrival. What could be so important he would choose not to wake her up and go to Kamenwati without her? She took the scroll, her eyes leaving his face as she looked at the parchment as if it would grow teeth and bite her. The scroll was settled in her lap as her attention went back to him. Her hand crept up his arm and then cupped his cheek as she gave him a smile of comfort waiting to give him the chance to explain what had happened. There was nothing the two of them would keep from one another, well... not now.

Deep brown eyes looked at her and a smile crept across his face. “I learned much today… and am concerned with your health… Let me say, that IF you are with child, then Allah be praised… but tis not worth losing your life over… I am just surprised you have not told me about this… I am sure you have known for a while… THIS, concerns me more than anything… Your health…and life… means more to me than anything in this world… or the hereafter, should it be real.” Admonishment? Possibly… for not telling him… Fear? Yes, for he desired not to lose her. Disappointment? For sure… for she carried THEIR child… He did not wish to lose her… again !!

Her hand left his face to grip his hand as he spoke of concern for her health. She reasoned this was only natural due to their conversation months now past where she had told him she had settled her affairs. She had never meant to alarm him but since her capture and torture by the Amir, Briseis now thought long and hard on the future and the absence of her life with him left behind. She did not want there ever to be a chance that he would be left with nothing and no one to turn to. Her head dipped as she watched her fingers caressing his own fingers and the inside of his palm in a loving manner that stilled the moment he said if she were with child.

Her head did not snap up as most would with the shock of the words he spoke, no her head came up slow, and it was the movement of someone who knew they had been caught doing wrong. She let him finish, if at least a pause to take a breath and she sighed, her head coming down again, this time to rest against his hands within his lap. "Oh Kam..." she breathed in sigh. Despite that Octavius had broken a promise to her, she could not be angry; honestly, she often wondered if there was an angry bone in her body. Her head lifted again, this time tears shining in those sparkling blue eyes of hers making the orbs seem more like diamonds then before. "I could not tell you about the baby before, I had no way of knowing if it was yours or…" Her voice cracked and she chose to stop rather than say that man’s name. "I am so ashamed but I felt such... joy... at first, thinking that... but then I thought, it could have been yours. I couldn't tell you, please understand, it broke my heart so that I could not bear to break your heart even for one second over something I could not change. I could never hurt you like that; I wanted to bear the burden of it for both of us."

Upon the pillows used as the traditional Carnian place to relax, Kam was not relaxed, neither was Briseis as she spoke. She responded in not as a scolded child, but as a loving wife who now explained her inner most secret. “My beloved lady… I should be one who you can speak to most about anything… especially your health.” He canted his head, the dark hair shifting to one side as he looked at her. “There is no Carnian, nor Berber, custom that would prevent us from speaking the whole truth about OUR lives… I have steeled my heart against Abu Said… and what could become of his atrocities upon you… and foremost, you alone, should never bear such burdens…”

A tear slide down her cheek that she did not bother to brush away. "I do believe I am with child again. My breasts are sore and I can smell everything. Oh yes and I missed my courses." A half-hearted grin curled at her lips at the small joke. "I would be lying to say I am not worried, but I am also happy. After my first marriage as a girl, I was told I would never have children and here I am, with life in my belly." Albeit it might kill me… she didn't say it, but it did cross her mind. "Children are our legacy to leave behind, they keep us alive long after we are gone by keeping us in their memories, in their stories, in this way we become immortal. Such a miracle in this life, when life does that, danger seems so unimportant. There is so much I wish to give you, children one of them, I wish to deny you nothing."

“You must reduce the amount of work you are doing… tis not good… I am sending for my personal physician. I have dispatched a messenger already.” He leaned to her, his dark hand cupping her cheek, his thumb rubbing against pale skin. Deep brown eyes looked into her light blues… “My love runs deep Bri… too deep to lose you… whatever comes, or our destiny gives us… I shall love thee always… as I always have…” he pulled her close to him, his lips sealing upon hers in a long intimate kiss.

Her hand rose as he cupped her cheek. His skin seemed so dark against her own pale skin but there truly were no flaws to either of them that mattered. Her husband was handsome to her, not because of his looks, but because of his heart and soul, though he was indeed the most handsome man she had ever known in looks as well. Her lips curled into a smile as his thumb caressed her cheek. She had promised to deny him nothing and when had they ever argued that she would deny him an ease to his worries. Though to cut her work down would mean less people to be seen and helped in the days did sadden her, she would not deny him this request much as it pained her. A silent smile curled her lips as he spoke of sending for his personal physician, had he forgotten she had once been a midwife, the lessons still engraved upon her brain? She doubted he had forgotten, but if this pleased him, she would go along with it. It would also be nice to have a second opinion and she could not deny him this for she had often told her patients before to seek a second opinion besides her own, even if they agreed with her assessment for it was only fair one person not get a singular voice especially when it came to someone you loved.

If this woman ever wanted to calm the lion within him, it would be through her touch… and as her hand cupped his cheek, the hard ice demeanor within, melted, and his eyes closed and pressed against her hand… even if for no more than a second.

Her fingers stroked over his fingers even as his thumb caressed her cheek. How could she deny him what he requested (or what some would deem commanded) when he spoke such loving words? Her head tilted back as his eyes caught her and his lips came down to capture her own and pull her close. The scroll left the folds of her dress to roll across the floor as she wrapped her arms about his shoulders her mouth opening to the loving assault of his lips. When they paused to draw breath, she smiled, unwrapping her arms from around him to cup his cheeks between her hands. "You shall never lose me." She whispered in a husky breathless voice that he always left her in when he kissed her this way. Her lips found his again, this time hers claiming his as her fingers twined into his hair and then slipped over his shoulders, pulling ever closer to her as she showed him, lips massaging one another, a way beyond words, her own intimate kiss.

Her words were lost in the embrace… and the kiss. Intimacy with her finished melting any emotionless thoughts… and his excitement sprang to life. T’was true that in the last few weeks, there schedules had kept them busy… and lovemaking had waned, but never to the point of abstinence…. But it was as if she only had to touch him to bring him to fullness.

A soft clearing of throat had Briseis pulling away in surprise. Her cheeks flushing as Niemah carried a tray of food followed by Mathayus with another. She had forgotten she asked her to bring her and Kam lunch. "My Lady" Niemah ushered, her tan skin flushing with color at interrupting her mistress and her husband. "Should I come back?"

Not withstanding the enjoyment of her kiss and embrace… he pushed her back and looked to Niemah as she entered... then whispered to Bri as he resettled himself. “Never lose you…? Say not what is possible… There are many ways to die… All I ask is to care for what life we have… to keep in best health…”

"No Niemah, please... come." She waved a hand to usher the woman in as she rocked back on her knees, away from her husband but not before stopping to lay a hand against his cheek.

Beneath the white robes, his hardness pulsated, as he looked to Bri and smiled. As the girl approached, he looked to her; her breasts more exposed than before, her eyes sparkled as she set the tray down. She was more beautiful than he had previously thought… but was this the truth, or was he still reeling from the excitement that Briseis had imposed upon him just before lunch arrived? Either way, his attention veered from the slavegirl to his beloved wife.

"You haven't eaten lunch yet, I can tell." She rocked back again and rose to her feet taking the scroll with her as she stood. "We will eat lunch together and then I must finish my business for today. I cannot disappoint those that have come, though I promise to take it easy, their own journey was long as mine has been to get to where I am... where we are... and I will see their hopes answered so they may return home in some type of peace and able to continue with their lives."

Eaten lunch? He had not eaten at all… Bri had left early for her audiences… and he to meet with two visiting Ambassadors. His stomach growled a bit… Had it also growled when his beloved wife lay her head in his lap? This thought brought forth a smile… “Truly wife… our schedules prevented me from eating… but even food would not keep me from yer morning kiss farewell…” and he winked at her, reaching for some fruit and dates.

Her attention then went to the scroll, unrolled, she paced the floor, moving a few steps before turning to take more steps the other way and turn around to continue doing the pattern while Niemah set up the table with the bowls and plates of food and drink. At first, Briseis face was completely serene if not a bit surprised by the text she was reading. A few times in her pace, she paused, her brows knitting together before she continued.

He wiped the juice from his mouth after biting into the pomegranate, just as Briseis rose to read the scroll… his eyes following her to see her reaction to what Octavius had given him.

The room was still but for the moving of the items from the trays, the cling of silverware, and the rustle of fabric from either Niemah or Briseis; when Niemah finished, she moved and stood by Mathayus waiting to be dismissed; then more quiet filled the room when suddenly the sound of the handles’ wooden ends of the scroll hit the floor.

"MY LADY!" Niemah screamed out of surprise, her hand coming out as she took a step forward and Mathayus behind her ready to barrel over the tiny slave towards Briseis.

Oblivious to his surroundings, his eyes and thoughts upon his beloved Bri… he saw the scroll slip from her hand and fall to the floor… It was as if time had slowed to a mere quarter of its presence… slow motion… his eyes following the scroll to the floor, words, or mere sounds forming in his throat, only to be drowned out by the noise of the handles against the marble floor.

Briseis had read the story and gotten to the picture of the Princess. Her mother’s face staring up at her, Octavius believed Briseis beyond the point of being able to remember her mother but how wrong he had been. The necklace in the picture was familiar but not more than the woman's face and it was with shock in realizing the story was about HER mother that Briseis dropped the scroll and her body sagged and fell backwards towards the floor as her consciousness fell away in a faint.

Did he truly know her? She had been in his life for many years, but their lives had been introduced by events beyond their control… and the intricacies of those lives diverted down different paths by events that followed. She had been the reason he was beaten to death… and the mermaid that had saved him from the watery depths… She was the reason he went to war against his sovereign, and the reason he was in foreign land, a true outcast. Yet, the feelings called love had won out over adversity time and time again. She was his Reason… his Motivation…. SHE was his Heart… and his Wife.

Time had yet caught up with the present… the scroll had bounced upon the wooden end, Niemah’s hand slowly coming to her mouth, and Mathayus leaning forward into a dead run, and the first sound rolled upon his tongue, when Briseis seemed to crumple…

Then time resumed its normal pace, and Niemah screamed, Mathayus bolted from his position, dropped, sliding on the marble floor, catching Bri just before her head hit… Kam, a concerned expression upon his face, rose quickly from the pillows… “The physicians… quick girl… make haste…” he said loudly to the startled slave, a yelp emitted from behind the hand upon her mouth.

Niemah seemed rooted to the spot as Mathayus did an athletic slide on the floor catching Briseis in his arms before her head hit the floor. Her mistress looking like a rag doll in the man’s sprawling muscles. She omitted a low squeak and then dashed from the room. "Fetch the medicus, and a physician from town! GO!"

“Damn this country… Damn the people, and damn those of my own land…” he looked to Mathayus. Emotions overwhelmed him, and a tear rolled down his cheek. No longer could he prevent their presence as he looked down at Bri… his hanmd caressing her face. “Allah be merciful… do not take my lady…” Not speaking to anyone particular, the vow seemed to roll off his tongue so easily… “Damn to hell all those that hurt her… If she dies, I swear by all the good of Allah… so shall those that harmed her…”

Niemah was back as quickly as she had left and was by Kam caressing Briseis cheek. "Into the bedroom Mathayus, lay her down gently..." She soothed as she moved with the giant to put Briseis in her bed before flying through the room to escort the medcus and physician into the room.

Tears were replaced by glazed, bloodshot eyes that seemed to hold a fire behind it… a fire that would scorch the very land they stood upon… a fire that would spread to the desert of the Tamazgha… For should his love die, there would be no extinguisher for the fire of hatred and grief.

Looking down one last time before rising, making way for the arriving physicians, he kissed her cheek, and caressed the golden hair…

As her physicians examined her, Kam paced like a newly-caged lion… with occasional glances toward her, he silently cursed his physician being so far away… it would be days before he arrived. He cursed himself for giving her the scroll… he cursed Octavius for betraying Bri’s trust… he cursed Secundus… but most of all… he cursed Abu Said and his own dead father.

Anger boiled within him… Looking out over the countryside from the balcony… one arm across his waist, the other propped upon it, his hand caressing the beard. He looked to the sky… “Almighty and merciful God… care for my Briseis… deliver her from death… Pain me no more, give her good health… She has done no wrong… She has no hatred in her… I do not think she even has a vengeful or harmful bone in her body… Make her healthy once more… AMEN.” Then he took yet another glance toward her. By now, they had picked her up and carried her to her bedchambers to make her more comfortable.

Time would no doubt seem to crawl for him as the medecus of the Villa and the Physician from the village conferred in the other room. Checking the lady several times before moving away to talk in hushed whispers.

Niemah at beside her lady constantly ringing a cloth with water and putting it on her forehead and using another one to wet the ladies arms. Several times Briseis moaned in her unconsciousness and the men would move to check on her again before again moving away to quietly talk again.

"Niemah..." The medecus spoke and ushered the woman out with him bowing his head at Kam as he passed. "The physician will see you now my Lord, I concur with his assessment."

Kamenwati looked from Briseis to Niemah… and nodded reluctantly… Rising to full height, Kam strode to the other side of the room.

Niemah rose from her place, pausing to ring out the rag again and put it over Briseis head before she followed the medecus out daring a glance of pity at Kam before she disappeared around the corner.

[Men of Skye]

"My Lord" The physician spoke with a slight bow, his voice a low whisper to not disturb Briseis. Like all Carnian men, he wore a toga of station, though it was of a low station, it was not like he was physician to the Emperor. His hands seemed to disappear into the long sleeves of his toga as his hands were crossed over his chest but a hand appeared to pat Kam against the arm as he pulled him off to a corner of the room.

Kam looked at the man as he approached… he could see ill-tidings upon the physician’s face. Could this physician conceal what Kam knew in his heart?

"Your Medecus and I have examined the lady. We believe her heart faltered for a second, causing her unconsciousness, it is also our assessment that the lady is with child. I know of the Lady’s past, my Lord, I know the condition her body suffers under weight of carrying life. While I do not believe she is long with child, her recent miscarriage has put a larger strain on her body that, while healed enough to conceive a child, is not strong enough to carry it. For now, she is in no danger, but she should rest."

Kam’s intellectual mind absorbed what the man said, but his heart refused to accept the words. His head shook a bit. The physician jut confirmed what was in Kam’s heart… his deep brown eyes searched… searched the walls, the ceiling… searched his soul… Though the only words that came out was… “What Allah wishes… Allah be praised…” and he too imitated the man by hiding his hands within the sleeves of cloth.

The man paused and crossed his arms once more hiding his hands in the large mass of cloth. "Obviously, I invite you to seek other council on how to handle the situation but we have herbs my lord, that will...." The man cleared his throat, as if it were illegal to mention such things, when in fact such a suggestion was very much frowned upon. "Well, they will, rid her body of the child, with very little harm to the lady... I believe. But I also believe my lord, if allowed to carry the child much longer, she will die or if you attempt... removal, it will further complicate the health of the mother." Again he went silent to allow Kam to adjust to the news.

“I need no council but my mind, heart, and Allah…” Kam appeared cold and indifferent… cold and indifferent by the Carnian standard, but by the standard of all Arabs, Berbers, and others in the Tamazgha… he was inwardly emotional… and calmed exteriorly by the trust in his God.

Briseis had awoken to whispers in the corner. Whispers of the physician speaking to Kam. She could not make out what they were saying, her head was spinning so unbelievably that for a moment, the room itself seemed to be moving and not her. Inhaling a deep breath, she let the room settle before letting out a long slow sigh as a hand settled against her belly as if in comfort. The voice of the physician died down and Briseis head moved against the pillow to look at them off in the corner. "Kam..." she breathed in a low whisper wanting to call attention that she was indeed awake, and fine, as far as she could tell.

Her words caught his attention immediately and simply glancing, his hand motioned the physician from the room. "Wait in the front, til I give you my decision." Two other slave girls, dressed skimpily, sat in a corner waiting for any command their masters would offer. Kam motioned for them to leave too, which they immediately rose, bowed and, backed out.

The physician head turned to look at the lady and he bowed both to her and then to Kam, without another word, he left the room but he would wait downstairs and would send Niemah in a few minutes to let Kam know he was waiting downstairs in case Kam wished his service further.

Briseis gave a smile to the Physician as he left the room and then looked to Kam. "I fainted..."As if that explained it all. "You didn't need to call a physician..." Her face seemed to sparkle though it sparkled with moisture from sweat and the cold cloth as she shifted to sit up in the bed and reach for him "Come..." Her fingers wiggled to him invitingly.

Kam walked to her bedside, taking one glance to see if any others remained… and when she spoke, he smiled and nodded. His hair falling around his face as he looked down at her. “I felt it best, my love…” and he sat on the bed, his hand resting upon her shoulder, pushing her back down gently. “No my dear, you lie still… rest.” And he smiled and brushed the hair from his face.

“You have received much revelation this day… possibly much more than your heart should have….” He smiled again, his hand taking hers. Now he would offer her a smile, knowing full well she knew something was amiss. He was just unsure how to speak to her about it… he HATED bringing bad news to her…. “Rest, we have much to discuss…”