Mehran had one last thought before leaving. “Would you object to my taking over guardianship of Lina? She has a place in my household, and it may be more difficult to perform your duties with your expected foreign travels.”
“Yes, by all means,” Achmed began. “I know that you would have her best interests at heart.” The responsibility for Lina had weighed heavily on him. It felt good to know she would be well cared for, probably much better than he could have arranged. He shuddered at the thought of her married to someone like one of the “pigs” that had told him of the strip clubs in Paris.
***
Later in the afternoon Neelan’s stomach growled, but that was nothing compared to her thirst. She had ceased to sweat. Her tongue was swelled. In spite of the little time that she had spent out of doors, she knew these were bad signs. Her whole body felt as if it was on fire, and she was weak. Her consciousness began to waver. She was nearing a heat stroke. The bleating sounded like an echo through a tunnel. The nudges from the goat’s noses were a faint dream. She looked into the face of the old shepherd, and she remained silent as the tape was removed.
“Can I be of assistance to you, young lady?” he asked.
“Yes,” she whispered between cracked lips. “Would you be so kind as to untie me?” He didn’t answer but began to untie the girl. She moved her numb arms and legs. She grimaced, but suppressed the urge to scream as the feeling returned. “Thank you,” she was finally able to whisper. She stretched out, unable to imagine standing in her current state. “Could you spare a little water?” He held his hand behind her neck and supported her head as he gave her a sip of water. “Thank you,” she whispered again.
“I can see that the day has been very beneficial to you.” His goats recognized the chance for rest and began to lie down around the two humans. He continued to give her sips of water, and later a little of his cheese.
Neelan awoke to find it very dark and getting cold. The sky was clear and stars without number were visible. The old man was still there by her side and gave her another drink of water. He had covered her with a blanket or garment that he must have had in his pack. “Lie still and rest.” He told her. “We will have to spend the night here. It is too far to my bayt (family unit or tent) for us to begin tonight. We will start while it is still cool in the morning.”
***
The children had been told that Neelan was to spend some time with family out of town. The twins were jealous that she had the privilege. None of them would miss her. Dasha knew of her departure. She had watched from her bedroom as Neelan was bagged and then carried out by the two servants. There was nothing missing from her room. Father was at work here. “It would be an educational experience for Neelan and was none too soon in coming,” Dasha thought.
The goat herder nudged Neelan just as the sky in the east showed a hint of light. “It will take us several hours to reach my bayt at the rate that I and the animals travel. I’m sure you can keep up. It will be better to travel early. Without shoes you will not be able to walk for the heat past mid-morning. Try to sit up.” She grimaced as he helped her into a sitting position. He handed her the skin that had had water in it the night before. She took one drink and sprayed the warm liquid out of her mouth. “I’m sorry. I was expecting water. What was that?”
“Goat’s milk, fresh this morning.” He offered proudly with a smile.
“I don’t know if I can drink warm goat’s milk. Is there any water left?”
“No. You finished it off last night. I didn’t expect to be gone the additional night and did not bring more than I needed. But that is ok. The goat’s milk will taste good to you by the time we get there.”
***
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Gary Riner
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