It wasn't mine. My cell was white. This one was black. Tapping it awake, I spotted a single message on the screen.
Do as Mahmood asks. Protect the girl for two months.
A chill drifted through me. "You're Mahmood?" I asked him.
"I am."
Not caring what he thought of my actions, I took a break from eating to send a message back. Who are you????
Setting it down, I began eating again, my mind racing and heart pounding. Thank god, I had a means of contacting someone. I just didn't know who it was, what they wanted and how to find Carter again.
But as long as I had a phone, there was a chance, however slim, of making it home. Profound relief bolstered me, and I scarfed down the meal before me.
The princess sat beside the older man, watching me.
Full and content, I sat back finally. "Do you have a plan?" I asked Mahmood.
He appeared to debate for a moment before responding. "Not yet. I had hoped you would know how to deal with them."
I was with them less than a day. I had no idea how to respond.
"We captured one of them," he added hopefully. "He has refused to speak a tongue we understand during questioning and what he does say in our tongue, we can't fully understand, but maybe …"
I waited.
"Maybe you can speak to him and he will tell his people to spare you, since they believe you to be a goddess."
"I like that idea." I shifted uneasily. "It was so long ago that I saw them. I don't know if they'll remember me."
"They do not forget."
I wasn't feeling so confident. I didn't even make it a day there before someone kidnapped me. I looked at the phone. Whoever my new puppet master was, he or she wasn't talking.
"How do you feel?" Mahmood asked.
"Good," I said. "That doesn't seem right, though. I was asleep for so long."
"It is not natural," he agreed. "But God has made this possible and blessed your journey to us, and I am grateful. The barbarians are at our walls now. Do you feel well enough to begin?"
My heartbeat quickened. I didn't exactly understand what that meant, but I had a feeling he was short on time. With a nod, I climbed to my feet, staggered at a wave of dizziness, and steadied myself.
"Good as new," I said with a forced laugh.
Mahmood appeared concerned. "Go, your highness," he said to the girl. "Moonbeam, there are clothes and a servant to help you." He indicated a dressing screen sectioning off one corner.