Читать книгу Rayan - Son of the Desert - Indira Jackson - Страница 29

Hanif stood thunderstruck in Rayan’s tent. How could he let himself go in that way? He knew exactly – along with everybody else – that it was the worst lapse he could have done, to contradict His Excellency in front of his man. While he always especially appreciated Hanif’s advice in a face-to-face discussion, he would not tolerate any contradiction when others were present.

"I am …, I am so sorry!“, he spluttered. "This should not have happened! I have no idea what came over me. Please forgive me sire, I did not mean to compromise you …” His voice broke. Rayan had so far not said anything at all. He struggled to get his composure and did not want to say anything on impulse. He owed that much to Hanif. Still, he had the feeling that his friend had betrayed him somehow. He fought to reign in his rage.

Several seconds passed by and a while later the Sheikh said with a mocking undertone to his voice: "These two must have impressed you, given that you are risking your loyalty for them.”

Hanif’s face went red. His lapse greatly embarrassed him and he would have gladly taken his words back, if only he could. He was insulted that his master was now questioning his loyalty because of this small error. He vowed an oath 13 years ago, which he had so far not broken, not for even one second. To doubt him because of this little mistake, hurt him badly. "May I talk, Your Excellency?“, he asked in a neutral tone, yet his body language showed that he was offended. Rayan raised his brows: "Of course.“

"I would like to make the following proposal, Sire: please give the merchant the honour to kindly receive him and to listen to his story personally. I take full responsibility. If he does not succeed in satisfying your expectation, I will personally carry out any punishment that you are going to order for both of them.“

Rayan felt agitated. He realised why Hanif was so ceremonial now. What was the problem with his second-in-command today? First he contradicted him in front of Jassim and then he was insulted because of it? What did he think of himself?

Consequently, he responded in a cold voice: "Proposal accepted. And right after the talk with the merchant we are going to discuss YOUR punishment.“

All colour drained from Hanif’s face; he did not say anything, bowed low and went outside to fetch Hatem.