Layla

Chapter 2

Layla

They all stare at me, my brothers in shock and anger, and the bandits with awe. Turning to speak to each other animatedly, they agree to the terms. I'm not going to pretend that I'm unaware of my beauty; I've used it to my advantage more than once, but it isn't something I value too much. It doesn't hold much importance to me.

Before I know it the men start to duel and Khalil stays by my side. "Why did you offer yourself as a prize?"

I shrug, "Because I have confidence that we will win." It was simple, all three of them were skilled in the art of sword fighting. It isn't like I should worry.

"What if something goes wrong? What if they take you with them, then what are we supposed to do?"

I open my mouth to reply when I hear a shout. My heart begins to race and my eyes snap to the men fighting, I see that Amir has gotten a gash on his chest. I call out in fear; a vicious scream rips it's way out of my throat. I spring into action jumping off Asad and un-sheathing my own sword, I run forward to defend him. As soon as I step in front of him Zaid and Shakeel came to stand on either side of me, ready to protect Amir and me.

The men stop their fighting, "She can not step in!" The one exclaims in anger.

"Why not?" I defiantly ask. " We never said that one of us cannot step in, we said one on one with no specific partner."

"I refuse to fight a woman!" The man sneers on the last word. Making a deep anger and determination run through me.

"How about we change the rules? Me against you, if I win you leave us be, if you win, you can take me and do with me as you please."

"No!" Amir gasps from behind me but I turn and silence him with a look.

"No I'm not going to do that." He sternly replies.

I laugh out loud. "Why afraid you'll lose to this woman?" I taunt.

He practically growls. "Fine. But when I win you will oblige my every command." He smiles a cruel smile a look of lust coming over his face. I shiver with disgust.

"We'll see about that." I scoff.

I get into position, my sword held high. He delivers the first blow but I block it effortlessly, pushing his sword back. This time I attack blow after blow, not allowing him to even breathe properly. I notice him getting tired as he pushes me away. I stumble a little but regain my balance and get into position. He slashes at me and a tiny cut forms on my collarbone. Now seething, I jump kick him which sends him flying back and I quickly spin and cut directly on his neck.

The tool drops his sword and clutches his throat as blood spills, slowly but surely ending his life. I didn't watch him die instead I walk over to Amir and tend to his wound. After I am done I help him climb his horse and proceed to get on mine.

"Due to those stupid men, we will ride through the night. And hope to get there before midnight." The others nod, too in shock to speak. Don't get me wrong, they've seen me fight before and kill, I guess they just weren't expecting it. "Hyah!" I roughly nudge Asad and he starts galloping towards the city.

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We arrive at Jabbah before I expect, I sure we were riding faster than I had assumed. The city was beautiful at night with lanterns and lamps lit around the city, it is very lively though it is late, many gathered in the streets, laughing and enjoying themselves.

We cross a corner where there are show girls in only a top piece and their stomachs revealed as they shake their bosoms and butts. It is disturbing the odd ways they were twisting and turning making the small metal disks on their skirts and top jingle. Men cheering and throwing gold dinars at them, I scoff in disgust as they were enticed by such displays.

I turn and witness how Shakeel and the others lower their gazes with modesty, all except one, Zaid. I stop and smack the back of his head reminding him that it is wrong and he returns it with a smirk. I huff, "Pig," as I continue to walk forward.

We finally reach the hostel after asking directions from multiple people. They give us a room and we are more than happy to sleep. Asad is tied up in the front, which makes me a bit nervous since he is always with me. I try to keep these thoughts out of my head as I remove my veil and drop on the cot to rest. I bid goodnight to everyone and doze off.

"Layla!" I was shaken awake by Khalil. "Wake up the others have gone out to look at properties to purchase. You and I are going to explore."

I immediately get up with excitement for what is happening. The first thing I do is bathe allowing all the dirt and sand and sweat to clean off of me from the trip. Then I apply a jasmine perfume; I dress in a long dress and only place my lace veil on my head with my yellow hair cascading down my back. There is no need to wear my face covering, last night while walking around, the women in this city were not wearing them. Lastly, I apply dark kohl to my eyes making my gray and hazel irises pop.

I step outside waiting for Khalil to finish his own preparation. Spotting Asad I walk over to him and feed him water and carrots. I stroke his neck and he slightly pushes his head in towards me as if trying to caress. I laugh placing a kiss on his nose and laugh harder when a little boy tries nervously to approach him, his hand outstretched reaching for the horse's face.

Smiling warmly at the child I lift him up so that he is able to feed Asad. "There you go!" I encourage as he feeds Asad an apple. I scuff up his hair giggling at the child's shy behavior. "What's your name?" I ask.

"Ahmed!" I hear a concerned voice. Glancing over I notice a lady searching frantically for something or should I say someone. When I look back to the boy in my arms he is staring at the woman. I walk over to her holding out Ahmed. She sighs in relief grabbing him and pulling him into her grasp.

"Oh shukran! Shukran!" (Thank you) She repeats over and over.

"Afwan (you're welcome.)" I reply with a smile.

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khalas! ( enough) for now.
The image above is what the bandits looked like.

Anyways my dear readers, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

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With love!

Angel