Read Online Sahara Crosswind by T. Davis Bunn - Free Book Online Page B

slipped behind the cloud, a silent symphony of colors lit up the sky, and drew appreciative murmurs from them all. Jake watched the others as much as the sky itself and wondered at a people who could stop and share in the beauty of something that for himself had so often gone unnoticed.
    When the spectacle finally dimmed, Jake asked through Jasmyn, “Does it ever rain here?”
    â€œOh yes,” Omar replied. “I remember it well. It turned the plain we were walking into a river and swept away several of the animals. Then the next day the entire desert bloomed. I will never forget that vision. Good and bad together.”
    â€œWhen was that?”
    The entire group entered into a spirited discussion. Jake waited and watched, wondering if perhaps he had broken some desert etiquette. The argument continued on until night veiled the camp and the tribe was called for the evening meal. Jake followed Jasmyn toward the cooking fire and, when they were apart from the others, asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
    She looked at him with genuine surprise. “What could be wrong in asking an honest question?”
    â€œNever mind. Come on, I want to speak with you and Pierre.”
    Together they walked over to where Pierre sat brooding over the sleeping form of his brother. He lifted his head at Jake’s approach and declared, “We no longer have any choice, my friend.”
    Jake squatted down beside him. “He’s worse?”
    Pierre nodded, his face deeply furrowed. “I am greatly troubled. We must get him to a facility that can offer proper medical care.”
    â€œDo not trouble yourself so, mon frere,” said a weak voice. All eyes turned toward Patrique. He smiled faintly and went on, “Pierre always did the worrying for both of us.”
    Jake asked, “How do you feel?”
    â€œThat I have more than enough strength for the task at hand,” Patrique replied. “It is a good plan.”
    â€œI think so too,” Jasmyn agreed.
    â€œFor myself, I am too worried to think,” Pierre said. “So I must trust in the judgment of you three. Though I confess it tears at my heart to do so.”
    Jasmyn reached over and took his hand, her gaze as soft as her touch. “It is only for a short while, my beloved. We have been separated before, and for much longer, and much farther apart in spirit. This shall pass in the blink of an eye.”
    â€œEven that is far too long,” Pierre replied.
    Jake cleared his throat, the night filled by the love that spilled out from them. “You two need a couple of nights off. I’ll stand watch with our friend Patrique here until we arrive in Raggah.”
    â€œThey were right in what they have told me,” Patrique said. “You are indeed a good friend.”
    Pierre looked torn. “You are sure—”
    â€œThank you, Jake,” Jasmyn said, rising to her feet and drawing Pierre up with her.
    But before they could depart, Omar walked over with two of the elders. He spoke briefly to Jasmyn, who turned and said to Jake, “Twenty-four years.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou asked when it had last rained. It was twenty-four years ago. They are sure.”
    Jake struggled to his feet. “They’ve spent all this time trying to figure out when it rained?”
    â€œSmile and nod your gratitude,” Jasmyn said quietly. When Jake had done so, she went on, “You are an honored guest. You asked a question, and they wished to answer you honestly. It was not a simple matter. You see, Jake, there are no calendars here, no birthdays beyond the one marking a child as an adult. Time is measured by events. They had to tie the rainfall to the events of that period, measuring back by other events. This camel had foaled, that person was born, another died, counting back over the seasons until the date was arrived at. Twenty-four years ago it rained.”
    â€œPlease thank them,” Jake