Cringing at the path his thoughts had taken, he directed his thoughts to the road ahead and the nomadic camp that lay out before them.
As the vehicle came to a stop, he looked to see that PJ still slept peacefully and decided to give her a few more minutes. After negotiating with the tribal leader for a camel and other supplies, he returned to the vehicle and awoke PJ.
“Time to wake up, PJ.” Talib squatted next to the open door of the vehicle and gently shook her shoulder to wake her up.
PJ moaned and then opened her eyes. She could sleep for another week and would probably still be tired! Looking up she saw Talib’s face mere inches from her own. “Hi.”
“Did you get some rest?” Talib asked, moving a strand of hair back from her forehead with a single finger.
PJ swallowed and slowly nodded her head, “Not enough. I think I could sleep for a week.”
Talib smiled, “Once we get on our way, you are welcome to sleep some more.”
“Really? On the back of a camel?”
Talib nodded, “Yes. In my arms.” He watched her digest that information before he changed the subject, “So, tell me, what does PJ stand for?”
PJ felt her eyes widen at his question, not having seen that one coming. She never told anyone her true name. In fact, the only team member who knew what her initial’s stood for was Slade and he had sworn he would never tell anyone.
“Not gonna happen.”
“What?” Talib asked, “It can’t be that bad. Tell me.”
PJ shook her head, “No.” Glancing around, she saw that they had indeed arrived at the nomads’ camp. Glancing back at Talib, she was shocked to see a camel with several packs already attached to its back kneeling in preparation for riders to climb on. “Is that how we are to travel?” she asked nervously.
Talib smiled and then sobered as he saw the uncertainty creep into her eyes, “Yes! But do not worry, I will be right behind you. See the small cage sitting atop its back?” When PJ nodded, he continued, “That is a saddle of sorts. It will make the journey much more comfortable, and allows both of us to ride at the same time.”
PJ swallowed, “So, the chances of falling off are…”
Talib took her hand and helped her from the vehicle, “Not something you should worry about. I will be sitting right behind you. If you start to slide off, I will wrap my arms around you to keep you in place.” He readjusted her veil, making sure no blonde hair was visible. “Remember to keep your eyes down,” he murmured to her as she stepped away.
PJ nodded, not sure if she was more nervous about being so near to him, or riding atop the massive beast. She headed for the camel, intending to pet it as she would a horse when Talib quickly pulled her back and to the side of the camel.
“You never want to approach a camel straight on.”
PJ looked at him in puzzlement, “Why not?”
Talib grinned, “Do you not know anything about camels?”
PJ shook her head, narrowing her eyes as he continued to grin and laugh. “Why do I feel like I’m missing some elementary piece of information here?”
“Camels spit. Need I continue the explanation?” Talib laughed as he watched her mind kick itself back into gear.
PJ blushed, “I knew that! I really did! God, you must think I’m an idiot. Thank you for saving me from myself.”
Talib laughed outright, “No need to be embarrassed. They look very docile, however, I assure you they spit.
“Well, thank you for keeping me from embarrassing myself.” PJ pulled her gear bag from the vehicle only to have it lifted from her hands by Talib reaching for it, “I can carry it.”
“No, you cannot. Remember the role you are playing. The pampered wife of a successful Jawharna trader would not be allowed to tire herself in such a way. Now,” Talib gestured towards the camel before handing her bag to a waiting man who secured her belongings to the camel’s back, “Let us be on our way.”
PJ approached the camel cautiously, giving the head a wide berth, before coming to a stop and looking up at the distance she still needed to climb to sit upon its back. At only 5’5” tall, and being handicapped by the long flowing gown she currently wore, she had no idea how she was supposed to mount the large animal.
Talib had followed close behind her and knew when she stopped she was trying to solve the problem of mounting the large beast. Placing a hand upon her lower back, he dipped his head, “Wait. They will bring you a small step ladder. The rail of the saddle cage swings up.”
He felt her lift her head slightly, looking for the opening in the cage, pleased when he felt her slight nod. “Lift the bar and sit down in a sidesaddle fashion on the cushioned seat in front. I will be right behind you and will close the cage bar once I am seated.”
PJ nodded her head, murmuring back, “Sidesaddle?”