Book excerpt: When she and he were only babies, they were pledged in marriage. Now Atiyah has been sent away -- a political pawn in a war between the Beduin tribes in the year 1302. He vows to return to her as soon as he can. But while Atiyah is studying at the great university in Fez, Halima is lost in a sandstorm. Rescued by an enemy tribe, she is told that she must marry their powerful sheikh and live in his harem -- never to see her people again. Halima does what she can to resist, but she has no choice. In three moons' time she will become the youngest wife of the cruel and greedy Raisulu -- unless Atiyah can find her. But where in the vast sea of desert can he begin his search for his beloved?The last novel from award-winning author Frances Temple, this companion to The Ramsay Scallop is a romantic tale of intrigue, adventure, and true love, set against the backdrop of medieval Arabia. ‘Temple’s evocation of the Beduin—a grand, generous nation of poets and storytellers shaped by their religion and their hostile, sometimes beautiful, environment—is easily as vivid as the storyline. . . . This book glitters with the intelligence and skill of a gifted storyteller, and will sweep readers along on an exotic, satisfying adventure.’ —Pointer/Kirkus Reviews An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1996 A Book Links Editors' Choice of 1996The last novel from award-winning author Frances Temple, this companion to The Ramsay Scallop is a romantic tale of intrigue, adventure, and true love, set against the backdrop of medieval Arabia. ‘Temple’s evocation of the Beduin—a grand, generous nation of poets and storytellers shaped by their religion and their hostile, sometimes beautiful, environment—is easily as vivid as the storyline. . . . This book glitters with the intelligence and skill of a gifted storyteller, and will sweep readers along on an exotic, satisfying adventure.’ —Pointer/Kirkus Reviews An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1996 A Book Links Editors' Choice of 1996