"I thought perhaps you might like to see something of the town." His low tone was even, his expression enigmatic as usual.

Alysson let out her breath slowly. She would have given half her fortu

ne to be allowed a moment's freedom.

"Yes, I would love to see the town," she replied, not bothering to keep the eagerness from her tone.

His gaze traveled down her body, which was clad in only in a blouse and pantaloons. "Wear your good robes. I will return for you in one hour."

Alysson didn't need to be told twice. She wasted no time in washing and then dressing in the second-finest outfit she had, a rose silk tunic and haik, with a burnous of soft blue wool as an overwrap. Even after checking again on her sleeping uncle, though, she was ready half an hour early.

She caught her breath when Jafar finally arrived. He was dressed magnificently in a flowing white djellaba and a scarlet burnous that was fit for a king.

Drinking in the sight of him, she realized that he was also staring at her. The light in his tawny eyes that was so harsh and unreadable suddenly softened with warmth, leaving no doubt in her mind that he was pleased with her appearance, that perhaps he even thought her beautiful.

"Come, Temellal."

The husky scrape of his voice surprised and disturbed her, and so did the way he offered her his arm, just as any European gentleman would have done. How could she maintain an impersonal aloofness toward him when he acted in such a provocative, civilized fashion?

The sun was beginning to set as they crossed the short distance from the encampment and delved into the town. Their progress along the busy streets soon became impeded, for Alysson stopped every few minutes, observing everything around her with unfeigned delight and asking questions that tumbled over one another. Her enthusiasm brought a smile to Jafar's lips more than once.

Alysson ignored his amusement, for she was enjoying herself immensely. Even if she hadn't been told of the festival in progress, she would have known from the hint of expectation and excitement that filled the air along with the noise. People of all descriptions crowded the narrow streets, while scores had gathered on the flat rooftops and were leaning from the open verandas and galleries. When over the throng she heard music coming from a distance—the rhythmic sound of drums and trumpets and tambourines- she tugged at Jafar's arm like an eager child.

Shortly they came to a square that was lit by smoking torches. In one corner a juggler performed his act, showing an uncanny dexterity in throwing knives into thin boards. In another corner, beside a huge bonfire, were some dozen musicians.

She could tell they were Berbers by their lean ascetic features. Clad in white burnouses tied at the waist with thick hemp ropes, they were otherwise barefooted and bareheaded. Half of the men were engaged in chanting a solemn prayer, while the others blew on their trumpets and pounded on their drums and tambourines.

In a third corner, an old beggar in tattered rags sat beside two baskets wrapped with strips of linen.

"A snake charmer," Jafar responded to Alysson's questioning glance. He tossed the old man a silver coin and ordered a performance, and almost immediately a crowd gathered around.

Alysson was accustomed to the snake charmers in India, but they were nothing like this. From one basket the old man drew a giant lizard—a varan, she thought. The reptile had a leather strap tied tightly around its neck, which the charmer used to tease it, first letting it scurry around, then yanking on the leash. Alysson winced with every pull.

Finally, from the second basket, the man drew a dark yellow serpent with brown spots and little horns protruding just behind the eyes. The deadly horned viper raised its head threateningly at the crowd, opening its jaws to display venomous fangs.

Remembering the deadly poison of the scorpion that had stung her, Alysson instinctively edged closer to Jafar, and was comforted to feel the strength of his muscular arm come to rest at her waist.

The next moment the two reptiles spied each other. The small viper froze for an instant, then attacked. Alysson gasped. As large as it was, the lizard would have no defense against the deadly fangs.

The battle, however, was not one-sided at all. The lizard whirled and smote the viper with its powerful tail, then caught the serpent in its mouth, as if to crush the small skull. Swiftly, the old man yanked on the leash once more, rescuing the viper. Then calmly he replaced the two reptiles in their baskets, signaling the end of the performance.

"How cruel to keep them imprisoned so," Alysson murmured to no one in particular.

Beside her, Jafar went still. He stared down at her for a long moment until she became aware of his scrutiny and looked up.

"Come," he said finally. "I'm sure you are hungry."

Lifted from her momentary depression, Alysson laughed, surprised to notice that for the first time since her illness, her appetite had returned. "I could devour an elephant."

They walked on through the gathering darkness, up the climbing streets, till they came to the heart of the town. Here the celebration was more circumspect.

When Jafar finally stopped before a house, Alysson could hear the music of violins and native guitars and the plaintive tones of a flute issuing from within. The place seemed to be the equivalent of an English tavern, she decided as they entered. A blue haze of smoke hung like a veil over the huge room, while dozens of gaily robed customers sat cross- legged on the floor, drinking coffee and smoking the pipes of Barbary.

A small man met them at the door—the proprietor, Alysson assumed. With an obsequious bow, he escorted them up a narrow flight of stairs to the open rooftop. There, oil lamps glowed at discreet intervals, giving the scene an exotic golden cast.

They followed their host across the roof to an area decorated by thick carpets, where a low table waited. As Alysson settled herself upon a cushion beside Jafar, she glanced curiously at the group of musicians who sat off to one side. Besides the drums and tambourines she had seen earlier, she noticed two reed flutes, a double-stringed lute, an instrument similar to a violin, and one resembling a bagpipe. With a flourish, they struck up a tune.

It was only then that Alysson realized she and Jafar were the only guests present. Suspecting Jafar had bought the entertainment for the evening, she glanced at the tall, savagely handsome, enigmatic man beside her. Had he done it for her? In Barbary it was not the custom to allow women to eat with men or enjoy the same entertainments. It warmed her to think that Jafar had gone out of his way to ensure her pleasure.

Tags: Nicole Jordan Historical
Source: readsnovelonline.net