“What happened to the outer casing?”David asked, his gaze going from the base to the top of the largest pyramid.
“Time.Erosion from wind and water,” she replied with a shrug.“And theft.I’m quite sure those outer stones have been used in other building projects in the area.”
“What a shame,” Barbara commented.“Still, they are rather majestic as they are now.”
“Indeed they are,” someone said from their right.Garbed in a long robe and akeffiyeh, the bronze-skinned man rode an Arabian with ease.
The camels suddenly seemed to take their cue from him, increasing their gait to match that of the horse he rode.It was then Randy noticed the Tennisons were directly behind him.
“This is Salman,” Harry called out.“He is our guide today.”
The Bedouin lifted a hand in a wave.“Apologies I was not there when you arrived to meet your camels,” he said.“I am not used to Englishmen awaking so early.”
“You are forgiven, of course,” Will said.“May I ask how is it you speak such good English?”
The guide chuckled, his white teeth in sharp contrast to his darker skin.“Necessity,” he replied.“I make my living sharing the secrets of my ancestors with travelers.I do so with those from many lands, hence I must speak English, French, and German in addition to my own Arabic.”
“How impressive, Mr.Salman,” Helen said.“And might you tell us about your mount?He is a warm blood, is he not?An Arabian?”
Straightening in his saddle, Salman acknowledged her query with a nod.“He is indeed, my lady.Perhaps I shall allow you to ride him for the trip back.”
Helen dipped her head, as if hiding the blush that suffused her face.“He would no doubt be a more comfortable ride,” she replied, unaware of who was listening to her every word.
