Duhr
Chapter 6
Imhotep set the coffee on the table as the servants cleared away the remains of the night before. “Why do I bother having them send food? You never eat.” He smiled and then went over to the bed where his two guests lay. This morning it was O’Connell who was asleep in Ardeth’s arms, although he had one of his own across Ardeth’s chest and his head on his brother’s shoulder. It was an almost intimate embrace, added too by the fact that Ardeth at least was clad only in his pants. He smiled a bit more, with a twinge of envy, and let himself imagine for a moment what it might feel like to hold the young Medjai so. I will cause him no harm as you wish oh great Ammun, but I do desire him. What must I bring your bright daughter Bastet to find enough favor in her eyes to let me achieve that someday? There would be a way, somehow that was neither coerced or purchased with another’s life. He had to chuckle at his own insistence on that. Would that I was the demon you think me, O’Connell and I would have him already. I could with patience rouse his body to mine I think, but that is not real pleasure at all. And I would have that joy. Damn you for making me feel this way child. It is a worse punishment than you can imagine Medjai to know I could have so close to what I desire and yet not be able to make do with that little bit less. I am so tempted to take your brother’s place, Ardeth. He chuckled and then insuring his guests were sound asleep he stroked his fingers lightly over the tattoo across Ardeth’s forehead. It is good they did not specify which god you were a warrior of Ardeth, for I think you have several you are serving now. He drew his hand back and then went over to the table and sat down. He poured himself a cup of coffee, readied two for his guests and then spoke.
“Wake up, Medjai, Ammun expects you this morning.” He said loudly enough.
Ardeth woke more quickly and completely than O’Connell, the American’s exhaustion telling even in the dream of Thebes that was. Ardeth sighed but pulled his brother closer for a moment and asked something in that language he was still trying to grasp.
O’Connell nodded but relaxed into the embrace with none of Ardeth’s uncertainly about such things.
Ardeth only smiled and then stroked his hand through his brother’s hair. “Would that I had time to let you.” He chuckled in Arabic. “But for now I must see AmmunRa, brother. So you will have to be content with this.” He only tightened his arms around his friend and then let go and redressed before putting all his weapons away. O’Connell laid where he was and seemed content as Imhotep was to watch.
Well now, is there more to your side of this yet, O’Connell? Be very careful there warrior, you edge closer to desire than you know. Oh that is ironic. What will you do with the game if you want him as much as I do? I can not see you wanting him to know that, hmm. There may be some teasing for you in all of this after all. “There is coffee for you both. And time enough to enjoy it before we must go to see Ammun, Medjai. Are you going to lie abed all morning, O’Connell? Or would you care to join us?”
That surprised them both. “Go to see Ammun?” O’Connell looked uncertainly at his brother.
“Certainly.” Imhotep smiled. “It was for your sake your brother spoke with him last night, let us see if he is pleased with the champion of Anubis as well as with Horus’, shall we?”
“Do you think he’d mind?” O’Connell addressed that to Ardeth. It was an annoying habit he had been using all day yesterday, of not even answering Imhotep’s questions but almost ignoring him completely.
“I do not think so. And I would be very grateful for the company.”
“Then I’ll go.” O’Connell agreed. He sat up and finished dressing himself.
“There are clean clothes for you both in there.” He indicated the chest beside the wall. “I shall even be so courteous as to wait for you in the hall. But do not tarry. You have less than half of an hour to waste.” He rose to his feet and then smiled at Ardeth. “Tempting as it is to wait here while you change of course, Ardeth. And almost as tempting to see if your brother appreciates my interest anymore than you do but it would be a pity to start the day with quite that much entertainment when it could then only be less enjoyable after that.” He spoke in Egyptian.
Ardeth sighed but there was some humor to his thoughts. “It would almost be worth seeing you try. But then we will miss seeing your god to the sky. And if I am not mistaken you have told me before that even such-- distraction as I provide is not worth angering AmmunRa.”
“As you say.” He agreed. “Although I am beginning to think Ammun would understand my distraction. I will wait for you both in the hall.” He finished his own coffee, refilled the cup and then went out into the hall and listened.
“What was that?” O’Connell asked.
“He was considering staying to watch me change clothes I think, but decided that the annoyance of having to keep you from blowing up the building should he do so while entertaining might keep us from Ammun’s arrival this morning.” Ardeth replied. It was not, Imhotep noted, that far from the truth but it was certainly not all of it. He chuckled. So you do not want him to know I might find him attractive Ardeth? You are so certain he will be angry and do something foolish. I do not think so. I think you are right when you say he worries far less for himself than for you.
“I probably would have right now.” O’Connell answered Ardeth’s explanation with a sigh and a strong surge of hatred. He could not grasp the thoughts themselves as they were in that damnable English but it was easy enough to know that O’Connell truly hated him at the moment.
Ardeth was only concerned and saddened by the so obvious hatred. “No harm done, my friend.”
“Yeah I know. It really is better today.”
“Good.” Ardeth took a moment to squeeze his friend’s shoulder. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah. Not even a nightmare about what I’ve seen lately.”
“Thanks be to Allah-- and Ammun and Horus no doubt.”
“You’re the expert on balancing that Ardeth. I’ll just follow you.”
Ardeth chuckled and then found them both clean clothes in the chest and handed his brother his. O’Connell went over to the wash basin, filled it with water from the pitcher beside it and took a bit to clean up. Ardeth, good child of Allah that he was washed his hands and face and feet as if he was going to Mosque and not to the temple of Karnak. Imhotep had to chuckle, but he was just as certain that Ammun would be pleased none the less. Both men took time to drink the coffee he had left for them, O’Connell refilling his cup to bring with him and then Ardeth picked up his shield, slung it over his shoulder and they joined him in the hall.
“With time to spare even. I am impressed.” He smiled. “Let us go see to this most glorious day then Medjai. I am, I admit interested to see what your god and mine did with your most amazing suggestion, Ardeth.”
“What suggestion?” O’Connell asked.
“It was more of a prayer than suggestion.” Ardeth countered. “I simply recalled that you had wished me Allah’s strength for victory, brother mine, and so I offered the same prayer for Ammun. He seemed greatly amused.”
“Allah hamdas aha.” O’Connell repeated the arabic. “Guess it’s not a bad prayer for someone going to do battle with Set every night, huh?”
“I thought not.” Ardeth agreed.
“As did AmmunRa apparently.” He chuckled. “So we are to see him this morning and ask what Allah’s response to that was. Are you certain your god will take as kindly to the thought as mine Ardeth?”
“Allah is most merciful, he will understand the intent of what I said.” Ardeth seemed certain of that.
“Good. I am I will admit, loathe to offend any of the gods Egypt has right now when she may indeed need them all.”
“I would do without one of them.” Ardeth replied with a coldness that was a bit surprising.
O’Connell reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “We can’t afford that now, Ardeth. Not if it means we have a chance of winning this. We do what we have to do to keep Egypt and the tribes safe and then we worry about the details.”
“I think I am offended.” He chuckled. “Or should I be honored that you consider me and the god of the dead as the same sort of detail to be dealt with, O’Connell?”
“Whichever.” The American replied coldly.
“When we have seen to my god, Ardeth, you can explain your brother’s hatred to me.” He suggested in Egyptian.
“No. That I can not do.” Ardeth disagreed. “I will no more break his confidence in me than he will break mine to him. And you can not force it from me because Ammun will not let you even try.”
He stopped and turned to look at the Medjai. “I have given you my word to AmmunRa himself that I will not harm you, Medjai, but do not think you walk with immunity. I could still find many ways to make you regret it.” And he switched back to Egyptian to make his point. “Shall I have you up against that wall Abah and kiss you well and thoroughly while your brother watches in horror?”
Ardeth closed his eyes for a long moment and then shook his head. “We will miss seeing your god into the sky.” He answered finally.
“Then you would do well to keep in mind that I can do so when we leave the shrine of Ammun as easily as I could do so now had you not?”
“You touch him you son of a bitch and I swear to any god you want that I’ll tear you to pieces.” O’Connell hissed in Arabic.
“You could try.” He disagreed.
“Fine.”
“Rick...” Ardeth stepped over and gave him an almost pleading look as he moved between them. “Please, brother mine, it is not necessary, hmm? Only teasing I am not up to dealing well with this morning nothing more.” Ardeth promised his brother softly.
“Didn’t look like that to me.” O’Connell disagreed.
“No I doubt it did, but we both know why that is hard for you to believe right now, do we not?”
O’Connell sighed and the anger drained away into sudden exhaustion and something like hopelessness. And Imhotep looked at the young man again in more than passing. Whatever had brought a man who would face the dangers of Hamanaptura and AhmShere to such despair was more than Imhotep had thought it to be.
Ardeth caught his brother’s hand and only pressed it over his heart. “Do not start doubting me now, hmm?”
“All the way to hell, huh?” O’Connell’s voice was soft with a tone Imhotep had never heard him use.
“In’sh’allah.” Ardeth agreed.
“Okay then.” The young American nodded. “We still going to see Ammun, creature or are we going to tear each other to bits instead?”
“Let us see my god, O’Connell. It is too early for fighting amusing though it might be.” He agreed. “And you think I am mad.” He shook his head and then went to where several acolytes were waiting with his signs of office and put them on. Then he looked over at his guests. “Leave your boots if you please warriors. You may insult me as you wish O’Connell but I will not let you insult my god.”
“I hadn’t planned on insulting Ammun.” O’Connell agreed and took his boots off as Ardeth did. “Should I leave my guns here too?” He asked Ardeth.
“Ammun does not seem to mind weapons. We are Medjai are we not? Warriors do not leave their weapons behind often.”
“No, that’s true.” O’Connell agreed and then straightened with admirable courage. “Okay then.”
Imhotep smiled just a little. “Truly, Ardeth, I give you that you could not to better for a man to fight beside.”
“On that we agree.” Ardeth smiled a bit himself and gripped his brother’s shoulder. “He reminds me that you are a good man to fight beside and a horrible man to have as an enemy.” Ardeth translated it into Arabic.
“Hope he remembers that.” O’Connell smiled but said nothing else as Imhotep bowed, his arms held in front of him and the shrine doors opened without him having to even think about it. All four of the braziers and their accompanying lamps were still burning.
“Keep your brother to the light, Ardeth.” He cautioned. “Or this morning will yet be unpleasant for us all.”
“As you say. The shadows here might bite back, Rick.” Ardeth added as explanation.
“Thanks for the warning.” O’Connell replied. But he followed his brother into the shrine and then knelt as Ardeth did although with more uncertainty. Imhotep smiled just a little. You will owe me for this gift, Ardeth, and I will remind you of that later. He went to his knees and pressed his head to the floor.
A gong sounded from inside in the darkness as the priests on the wall noted the lightening of the night sky. He raised himself back to his knees and faced the great boat and sunrise. "Blessed be the void that births all life. Blessed is the Goddess Mut who births the stars in the sky and the Nile that give us life. Blessed is Umat, the father of gods. Blessed is Osiris who rules the next world and blessed oh blessed is his son Horus the Avenging one who freed the world from the jaws of Set. Great Osiris grant your father the sun freedom once more from the land of the dead. AmmunRa, lord of all Egypt, King of all the gods of both kingdoms be praised oh my God and alight your barge once more to sail across the sky and light the path of the day. Grant us oh God of Gods another day of paradise unworthy though we all may be. Come, I beseech you in the name of Egypt. Oh my god grant us light."
And there was that breathless moment of waiting and then a sigh of wind but with no wind at all and from somewhere deep within the darkness a light came slowly forward and all around him the pillars began to shimmer with something like sunlight in this place where no sun could have entered. And Ammun himself filled the shrine with light.
"Imhotep." Said his god, the warm voice a soft sigh. "Arise and give thanks for I have blessed this day and you are once more welcomed in paradise."
He rose to his feet and then bowed from the waist before straightening and holding out both arms palms up bent at the elbows. "All praise to thee AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt. I am once more your servant in all things. May I serve you this day oh great god?" He offered the ritual greeting but meant it none the less.
"As it has been. As it is. As it shall be." The god answered. "You have pleased me Imhotep and I am well pleased indeed.”
"As you have commanded oh my god."
And then the ram's head turned and looked at the two warriors kneeling beside the great boat.
"Welcome to thee once more child of Allah. And to thee O’Connell. Truly have I chastised the dark child of my son Osiris and he is accustoming himself to my will that he leave you well to defend Egypt.”
There was something beyond relief and joy in the young man’s eyes. “I...”
“Silly child.” Said Ammun gently and then he only placed one hand on the startled man’s head and chuckled. “Bright child indeed to serve Osiris’ dark son but strength and courage that do you credit as they do your brother. Be at peace now silly warrior Anubis may not harm your family I gainsay him and I have Allah’s voice to add to mine if need be.” Ammun’s voice was as gentle as it had been with Ardeth when he had come to this place the second time shaken to almost breaking.
“I don’t have-- my brother’s way with words. But thank you, for my wife and my son and my brother.” O’Connell offered in Arabic.
“You are welcome then.” Ammun chuckled. “He is a good brother to thee child of Allah.”
“I could not ask for better if I was allowed to choose from all the men that are or have been or will be oh great Ammun.” Ardeth agreed.
“He is fortunate that you think so. I bring you word from your god above all today, Medjai.”
And that made Ardeth look up into the eyes of Ammun again. Joy and wonder and a flash of something like disbelief or fear. “I am unworthy to hear the word of Allah.”
“That is for Allah to decide and not you, Ardeth Bey. So listen and be silent. Allah says to you that never before has a child of his asked for his aid for my battle and he is truly amused by the asking. He considers it with fondness and will decide when he wills. But he gifts you with his blessing upon you and your tribes and his unending love for those of your people who dwell with him now in the vaults of paradise.”
Ardeth bowed his head but there were tears in his eyes. “I have no words to shape this wonder.” He said finally. “What can I only one man offer to you that would in any way even begin to show my joy?”
“What better gift warrior of Egypt than your devotion to the wonder that is the gift of the Nile? See her safe, Ardeth Bey and I will be far more pleased than you are at this moment.”
“As it is willed.” Ardeth answered softly.
Ammun chuckled again and then turned back to where Imhotep knelt. “He is truly pleasing when he does not mean to be, priest of mine. See then that you do him or his brother no harm.”
Imhotep bowed to that.
“And you Rick O’Connell. Abate your hatred for my High Priest enough that you do not threaten my city with destruction. Or I will be displeased with thee.”
O’Connell nodded. “I didn’t mean to anger you.”
“No. See that you do not. Silly warrior I am not angry at you.” A touch that Imhotep knew warmed every place in a man’s soul as Ammun laid his hand back on O’Connell’s head. “Set the darkness aside yet a while, child. And spend this day in the city of the faithful.” His god turned back to him. “I have journeyed long to bring light to the world once more Imhotep and I am hungry. I go to the sky and enjoy the rest I have earned and the joy it brings to my children. Know that I am well pleased with the, Imhotep and give you yet my blessing, priest of Thebes.” And that strong hand rested on his head now and brought him almost to tears with its warmth. And then there was a rush of light along the great banquet table and the horns outside began to blow as the sun crested the desert and Ammun’s smile lighted the land of the faithful once more.
“Al’hamdil Allah.” Ardeth whispered with pure wonder.
“On that, Ardeth, I would even agree with you.” He smiled himself and then rose to his feet. “Come warriors we will find breakfast for ourselves now that the god has enjoyed his. Or you may pray to Allah if you wish, Ardeth.”
“I trust Allah knows I have already done so.” Ardeth shook his head and then turned to his brother. “Rick?”
“I-- really didn’t-- understand before, Ardeth.” O’Connell just shook his head. “Oh God...”
“He is indeed beautiful and most wondrous is he not? Come now, it gets easier to bear once you have time to think about it with joy.” Ardeth helped his brother to his feet. “Lean on me then.”
“I feel-- like maybe I drank too much.”
“I recall that. I was very ill the first two times I did this, but that may have been the brandy the second time.”
“Yeah.” O’Connell didn’t even bother to stop for his boots nor did Ardeth but only got his brother to the courtyard and sat him down.
“Could we perhaps High Priest of great Ammun have breakfast and coffee here?”
“Certainly. Rest O’Connell, we are it appears not allowed to try and kill each other right now.” Imhotep chuckled.
“At least not if it damages this place. Guess I have to wait till were back in Ahm Shere, huh?” O’Connell shook his head.
“There see, Ardeth, your brother is fine. He insults me when I am trying to be a good host. Why did I expect anything better?”
Ardeth only smiled, but the joy was very real. “Thanks be to Allah.”
And Imhotep laughed himself and went to see to breakfast for his most entertaining guests.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rick shook his head a little as the damned thing finally left. He still felt a little light headed and almost giddy which was really strange considering he’d been mostly trying to keep his head above the darkness when he’d gone into that shrine. He told you your family was safe from Anubis. He even told the damned thing to leave Ardeth alone. All you have to do is not blow the place up. He smiled a little. I don’t know how to thank you. I don’t know if you have any idea how much this means. But if they’re okay I’d let you have my soul if it’ll keep them that way. He shivered a bit recalling the wonder and warmth that had just flooded through him when Ammun had touched his head. I don’t think I’d even mind if I knew for sure you’d take it. He decided. There were certainly darker gods he could lose his soul to.
“Are you feeling better now?” Ardeth asked, sitting beside him on the stone bench.
He smiled at his best friend and then just laughed and hugged him close. Because for the first time in what felt like a lifetime he really believed that not only was Ardeth all right but that he would be all right if Rick looked away for more than a moment. “Yeah.”
“Good.” Ardeth chuckled and then hugged him back tightly. “It is-- disconcerting at first to see the old gods.” Ardeth let him go after a moment to look into his eyes, obviously still worried.
“Horus was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen, even though he didn’t look at me and I couldn’t understand him, but Ammun-- I don’t even know how to think about that, Ardeth much less talk about it. I think-- maybe holding Evie and Alex in my arms for the first time right after he was born might have been that wonderful.”
Ardeth smiled a little more and then gripped Rick’s shoulders and squeezed. “It is good to see you look like you again.”
“Did I look like someone else?” He wasn’t sure that the statement made sense or if he’d just missed something.
“No, but I can not say I have ever seen any man’s eyes look as yours did this last day or so.”
“Did I thank you for letting me fall apart last night?” He asked.
“You did not need to thank me.”Ardeth shook his head. “It was-- little enough to do.”
“What’s that you keep telling me? You are so much more than a good friend to have, Ardeth.” He offered it back to his friend. And Ardeth flushed just a bit, which just made Rick smile more. You are such a kid sometimes. He reached over and ruffled his friend’s hair like he might have done for Alex. “You are.”
“As you say. Stop that.” Ardeth shook his head but he smiled and then laughed and it was just so damned good to sit there and laugh with him and enjoy the morning. “Allah have mercy, Rick, it is a glorious day is it not?”
“Yeah. Even here. I don’t even think that damned undead priest is going to make me not enjoy today.”
“That is good because undoubtedly he will be back later.” Ardeth rolled his eyes. “I think I am content enough with the day already that not even its teasing will destroy the joy. Annoying though it is.”
“Ammun did tell it, it can’t hurt you.” Rick reminded him because it made him really glad to be able to do it.
“He did indeed. Not complete immunity perhaps but more than I ever dared to pray for. I think I shall keep a cup of coffee handy to toss in his face just in case he decides to kiss me again. Nothing in the bargain after all says I must be complacent after the kiss.” Ardeth smiled a bit. “He might be just enough distracted that I could manage it too.”
“Well we could always jerk its chain just for fun.” He agreed.
“Are you going to tell him I kissed you then?” Ardeth chuckled.
“Sure.” And then he leaned over and shocked himself and Ardeth by kissing Ardeth’s forehead. “There now see I can tell it I kissed you back.”
“What in Allah’s name was that for?” Ardeth only looked at him like maybe he was nuts but his friend didn’t seem angry.
“Because, the last time I got to do that you were dead.” He answered honestly.
Ardeth sighed but his eyes gentled to understanding. “That was not me.”
“I know.” He agreed and he really believed it this time. “But it’s nice to believe it to.”
“As you say.” Ardeth smiled a little. “But now you must explain it to Evelyn.”
“Uh huh.” He laughed a bit. “She’d probably say it was cute.”
“Do you think so?” Ardeth shook his head. “You wife is a wonderful woman my friend but I do not understand her.”
“There are too many times I don’t either, Ardeth.” Rick sighed. “But she is the most wonderful woman in the whole world.” He didn’t doubt that at all. “Did the damned thing say it would send us breakfast out here? I’m really hungry.”
“Probably because you have not eaten since lunch yesterday.” Ardeth shook his head. “In the waking world or here. It will probably amuse him if we eat for a change.”
“I’d rather annoy the hell out of him.” Rick sighed. “But I’m still to happy to be really angry.”
“Good.” Ardeth smiled and then reached over and ruffled his hair in return. “There.”
“I’m going to see if you are ticklish if you do that again.” He threatened.
“Now would that not be a sight for our host to come back too the two of us wrestling on the ground like small children?” Ardeth laughed. “I am almost tempted to try it.”
“Me too.” Rick agreed. And then because he was looking over Ardeth’s shoulder he saw the damned thing walking toward them followed by a few servants with breakfast and he couldn’t help himself he just hugged Ardeth close and turned his head a bit against his brother’s shoulder. “Company.” He whispered it in English.
Ardeth chuckled but held him back, with a strong squeeze of his arms that felt good even if it was prompted more by the damned thing than the comfort they normally intended for. And he relaxed a little into the hug. “You really are so much more than a good friend to have, Ardeth.”
“And you.” Ardeth agreed. “And you.”
“O’Connell, Ardeth, really Medjai are you so shaken by the blessings of Ammun yet?”
“Shaken, no.” Ardeth answered releasing Rick slowly, but not before he ran his hand lightly down Rick’s back. Which only made Rick smile and then pull away to brush a few strands of hair out of his friend’s face with a smile.
“That didn’t have a thing to do with comfort.” Rick added with a grin.
And he was more than satisfied with the flash of annoyance and anger they got. Jealous , huh? Serves you right you son of a bitch.
The thing smiled just a little but there was an odd look to the dark eyes now. “As you say, O’Connell. It is encouraging to see that you are so comfortable with such familiarity Ardeth. Truly.”
“As I believe we have agreed, there is a great deal of difference is there not between affection and coercion?” Ardeth said with a small nod.
“We did indeed.” The thing answered. “Have you thanked your god yet for that, Medjai?”
And Ardeth only smiled and squeezed Rick’s arm as he let go of the embrace. “Most assuredly.”
“Good.” The thing smiled. “Shall I bother to have breakfast set up at all?”
“Certainly if you would be so kind a host. We are both hungry.” Ardeth nodded again. “Shall we toast to Ammun this most glorious of mornings priest?”
“Certainly, Medjai, certainly. It is good to see you both in good humor for a change and no end of relief to know I shall not have to keep you from trying to harm my god’s most wondrous city O’Connell.” The thing took a seat to close to Ardeth for Rick to be comfortable with but not close enough to touch.
“I don’t have any intention of harming Ammun’s city.” Rick agreed. Just you.
The thing chuckled. “As you say.” It nodded and Rick was pretty sure it meant both to what he’d said and what he thought. It took the cup of coffee one of the servants poured and then said something in Egyptian so that they poured one for him and one for Ardeth. “Ammun is well into the sky, Medjai. How then shall we spend this glorious day he has given us?”
“We are likely to have no rest in the waking world once this night has gone.” Ardeth sighed. “If Izzy and Jonathan arrive tomorrow with the weapons they have purchased and Evelyn and Sallah finish translating the books of Vengeance and War. So I think I would simply choose to do nothing much at all. Only laze about and drink coffee and let the concerns that pile so high about me drift away on the wind.”
“That sounds really nice.” Rick agreed, taking a piece of flatbread from the tray and tearing it in half to offer to Ardeth.
“It does indeed, Medjai. Perhaps we can teach you Hounds and Jackals as well O’Connell. It seems a pity to leave you out of the game.”
He shrugged. “Could be worse.” He found cheese and a mashed fruit spread he recognized and drew one of his knives to spread it over the bread. “You want some?” He asked Ardeth.
“Certainly.” Ardeth handed him back the bread and Rick just traded him the piece he’d already gotten ready then fixed himself the rest. “It is an enjoyable game but I will endeavor to remember to see if I can bring dominos or backgammon with me in the future.”
“I haven’t played backgammon in years. You’ll win.” Rick grumbled.
“You will survive I think.” Ardeth chuckled.
“And will you be a vaguely considerate guest and teach me this new game, Ardeth?” The creature seemed only amused by their banter.
“Should I?” Ardeth looked over at it, raising one eyebrow in question.
“If it is board games you wish to continue to play. Certainly. I am, as will not surprise you any, interested in less childish entertainment.”
Ardeth only smiled. “If she would not mind dancing for us for lunch instead of dinner who am I to object?”
And that just made the damned thing laugh. Rick had to smile himself. “Well played, Medjai well played. I will teach you this game yet, Ardeth.”
“As you say.”
Rick finished his bread and coffee and fixed himself another piece realizing he really was hungry. “No kicking me out of bed.” He poked his friend.
Ardeth only chuckled. “After having so much trouble convincing you to join me last night? Certainly not.”
Rick smiled back, both at the double entendre and at the warm memory of how Ardeth had held him through the night. And how it had meant the world to him in those horrible hours when all he could recall was how Ardeth had looked when he’d died in Rick’s arms that his brother was willing to hold him close and let Rick assure himself that Ardeth was really all right. Not even bruises. Ardeth had said. And Rick had real proof of that now. Recalling how Ardeth had shivered when he’d run his hand down his back. Maybe he’d have to find out just how ticklish his friend was.
“Are you daydreaming, my friend?” Ardeth asked with a smile.
“Hmm? Yeah, I guess I was. Did I thank you for inviting me to bed last night, Ardeth?” He had to ask it just to jerk the thing’s chain a bit.
“Do you think I expected to be thanked?” Ardeth shook his head. “Do not make me rethink my opinion on your intelligence yet again, Rick.” Ardeth smiled, obviously enjoying the game as much as Rick was. Take that one you son of a bitch. I think I can get him to enjoy playing this a hell of a lot more than you can.
“Right.” He realized he’d finished his second piece of bread and cup of coffee and refilled his cup and Ardeth’s again. Then he snagged one of the small melons off another plate and cut that into pieces.
“You are hungry.” Ardeth smiled.
“Yeah.” He almost upped the ante in the game by asking something like who’s fault is that but there was just a chance Ardeth wouldn’t get the joke so he didn’t.
“I am certain you have lost a great many of my cooks money this morning O’Connell. There is a large amount of betting on whether you two will eat or not.” The thing seemed honestly amused.
“Really?” Ardeth asked with a sigh. “I certainly did not intend to annoy those who work so hard to prepare all this.” He took another hard-boiled egg from the table and peeled it to eat himself.
“You could not prove that by how little you eat when you are here.”
“Usually we are here after we have just eaten in the waking world. It does not make for large appetites at best and certainly not when one is-- uncertain of the evening’s entertainment.”
“That was a hell of lot more tactful than I would have put it.” Rick sighed. “You and your sense of propriety.”
Ardeth chuckled and then snatched the slice of melon Rick had just cut for himself. “Now you are worried about my sense of propriety?”
“Hey, I worried about it last night too.” He grinned. “Didn’t’ I?”
“Indeed.” Ardeth’s smile was less teasing now but warmer. “You did.”
“Seemed the thing to do.” He shrugged. Unlike some bastards I could name.
“You are too good a friend to me, Rick.” Ardeth sighed.
“Works both ways.” He cut himself another piece of melon and then he just couldn’t help himself. He broke it in half and ate one piece and offered Ardeth the second.
Utter disbelief and then a chuckle that made up for the light flush. “You are truly impossible.” Ardeth muttered in English.
“You want me to apologize?” He offered back.
“No. No I do not think I do.” Ardeth replied. “My God will forgive me the impropriety I am certain.” And then he took the piece of melon from Rick’s fingers not with his own but with his teeth. And that was just so far beyond what Rick had expected that he only sat there and looked at him in shock.
“And you think I’m impossible.” He shook his head and then finished his coffee with a smile.
“For that well played a move, Medjai even I will have to reward you.” The damned thing laughed. “Enjoy your breakfast Medjai, I shall leave you to your brother’s-- attentions. Truly O’Connell you have amazed me.” And it got up and walked over to him pausing to whisper in his ear. “Did you enjoy that half as much as I did?” And then it straightened and left him and Ardeth in the courtyard.
I don’t know, bastard, but I can guarantee he enjoyed it a hell of a lot more. He sent the though clearly in Arabic.
“That is not the question or my interest at all O’Connell. Only yours warrior. Only yours.” And then the thing was gone.
“I am sorry if I offended you.” Ardeth said after a moment.
“Me?” Rick shook his head. “Surprised me yeah.” He had to smile and then reached over to ruffle his friend’s hair again. “That was a bit more playing than I expected is all.”
Ardeth smiled back and the very real concern left his eyes. “I did not think until afterwards that it might have offended you. Only that it was a way of making myself laugh at something that humiliated me before. That was selfish of me, my friend and I apologize.”
“Don’t.” Rick shook his head. “Besides it was worth it if it got us the morning without the damned thing hanging around.” He refilled his coffee cup. “But I’m going to make you explain it to Evie.” He threatened.
“Please, may I not?” Ardeth flushed again but he refilled his own coffee cup.
Rick nodded. “Probably a better idea if I do, yeah.” He agreed. But he couldn’t help recalling what the damned thing had asked. Did you enjoy that half as much as I did? He wanted to say no. But he made it a habit not to lie to himself. And while he wasn’t sure he’d enjoyed it more or less than the damned thing he couldn’t say he hadn’t enjoyed it at all. And not all of the fun had been in jerking its chain. A lot of it, sure, but not all of it. He sighed, Ardeth didn’t need that to deal with right now that was certain. “So, now we have an even better morning than I’d hoped for.” He sat back and cut himself another piece of melon. “I think I might like today.”
Ardeth chuckled. “As you say. Thank you, my friend, for helping me deal with its interest.”
“If playing the whole are-we-aren’t-we bit with you will get it to leave you alone Ardeth I’m not going to mind a bit. Besides which it’s really fun to annoy him for a change.”
“It is.” Ardeth agreed. “I had not expected it to reward us though.”
“That wasn’t about rewarding us for playing, Ardeth that was about being annoyed and jealous enough to leave us be.”
“Do you think so?” Ardeth drank some of his coffee. “I am not certain I like that he will be angry at you for-- what he perceives between us.”
“Hey Ammun told him he can’t hurt me either right? So I’m not real concerned. And it can perceive anything it likes as to why we were teasing.”
“As you say.” Ardeth agreed and then sighed. “It was fun to laugh and enjoy the teasing for a change.”
“Then it’s worth it.” Rick said firmly. And it was. He’d just have to be a little more cautious with letting his own reactions get the better of him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ardeth smiled at Tahiri as she brought him and Rick another pot of coffee and a jug of karkaday. “Are you spending the day with us then, Medjai?” The young woman asked.
“It is a good day to rest.” He agreed.
“My brother is-- teaching me Egyptian.” Rick tried the phrase with only a bit of hesitancy.
“He is.” Tahiri smiled. “You have a good teacher.”
Rick thought about that for a moment and then smiled. “Yes. I do.” He agreed. “Thank you for the coffee.”
“You are most welcome.” She smiled a bit more. “Is there anything else I can bring you, Medjai?”
“No, although I suppose our host will return shortly and so you should probably check back in a bit.”
“As you say.” She bowed and then went back toward the living area. Ardeth was a little surprised at the fact that it had to be closer to noon than morning and their host was still leaving them be. He had enjoyed the morning of drinking coffee and teaching Rick more Egyptian as well as simply talking of their lives since the first time they had met. Ardeth wondered to himself why it was that Rick was so set against speaking of his life before he had married Evelyn but he was not going to press for more uncertain answers when his friend was relaxed and enjoying his day. Especially not after the very real hell Rick had endured lately.
Rick had made a few friends among the children in the courtyard at some point although they all seemed to think that his friend should provide them with candy. Which to Ardeth’s amazement Rick had indeed in one pocket. At the moment they had all wandered away and Rick had taken off his shoulder holsters and then his shirt and was happily lazing in the sun. Ardeth smiled as his friend made himself comfortable on one of the benches, lying down on his stomach and pillowing his head on his arms. He had to wonder if Rick even noticed that more than a few of the women in the courtyard had stopped to watch as he’d taken the shirt off, stretched and then laid down. Come to that more than one of the men in the courtyard had stopped to watch as well. “You will get burnt.” He cautioned.
“I’ll be careful. I’m pretending I’m a lizard right now.”
“Are you then?” Ardeth chuckled. “Storing up sunlight for the night to come?”
“Sure. It’s Ammun’s gift right? And I’m supposed to enjoy this day. He told me so. So I am.”
Ardeth laughed. “We have the lord of all Egypt’s command to be lazy so far be it from us to gainsay him is that it?”
“Sounds good to me.” Rick replied, lazily.
“As you say.” He agreed. After a bit he moved over to sit beside his friend and then put on hand on his shoulder. “May I?” He rubbed the still tight muscles just a bit.
Rick opened one eye to look at him and then shrugged. “If you want.”
He smiled but worked his fingers into the knots he had felt last night. And Allah but there was no doubt as to the tension his friend had been under. “Bis’mil’Allah.” He muttered to himself. “You have been carrying camels when I was not looking?”
Rick laughed. “Nope. That feels good, Ardeth. I didn’t even realize they hurt.”
“Then I am glad to be able to help.” He smiled. It was a small enough thank you for all the support Rick had given him this past while. And a bit of an apology for the teasing Rick had helped him with this morning. He was rather certain that despite Rick’s claims to the contrary that last bit when he had taken the offered melon in his teeth had bothered his friend a bit. Which was something of a pity because Ardeth had rather enjoyed the creature’s reaction to it. He supposed it was a bit selfish of him to enjoy turning the game back on the damned thing when he could, because doing so required Rick to pretend a great deal of intimacy that was not there normally. And it was such a relief to have the same things that bothered him so when the creature did them then be enjoyable when he and Rick did them to annoy it. I would be more than half mad by now my friend without your help in this and strained beyond my ability to bear I think. Thanks be to Allah indeed for sending me such a friend.
“Evie’s good at backrubs, but strong as she is she doesn’t really rub hard enough.” Rick’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“I have seen your wife in a sword fight against the Asenusi my friend. I have trouble believing that.” He returned.
“So I need to have Nefertiri give me a back rub instead of Evie.” Rich chuckled. “That makes sense I suppose.”
“As you say.” He worked all the tension he could out of the strong muscles and then shook out his hands. “There, that is repayment for when you worked so much of the pain out of my shoulder.”
“You didn’t have to pay me back for that, Ardeth. It’s not like we’re keeping a score sheet or something.”
“As you say. But it is something I wanted to do none the less.”
“Thanks then.” Rick sat up and rolled his shoulders. “Wow.”
“That is a fine compliment, I think.” He smiled.
“It was meant as one.” Rick agreed, picking up his shirt and slipping it back on. “I don’t want to get sunburned if we need to worry about weapon’s practice all day in Ahm Shere.”
“There is sense in that.” He agreed. “It is nice to be lazy though.” He poured himself a goblet of karkaday and then set his sword aside so he could stretch out on one of the mats himself half in the shade. “I think I shall be a lion instead of a lizard and doze in the shade where it is cool.”
Rick chuckled. “I like the sun before it gets too hot.” His friend moved into the shade to sit beside him and to Ardeth’s annoyance drank the karkaday he had just poured for himself.
“That was mine.”
“Didn’t have your name on it did it?” Rick chuckled but refilled the goblet and then filled another one as well. “There.”
“Thank you.” Ardeth sighed and downed the cool liquid quickly. “For this bit of the day I am sorry Evelyn and Alex can not join us.”
“That’d be nice. Until the damned thing shows back up at least.”
“As you say.” Ardeth closed his eyes. “I think if he were to tease me so in front of Evelyn or Allah have mercy your son I would certainly be far too embarrassed to even find words.”
“Then I’m glad they aren’t here. You have enough to deal with as it is.” Rick’s voice was a bit deeper with anger now.
“It is-- better when you are here.” He admitted softly. “But I do apologize for the game you have found yourself playing for my peace of mind.”
“What? The whole claiming territory bit? Not a problem, Ardeth. I kinda like jerking its chain. Not like I get much chance lately to get back at it either.”
“There is that.” It made him feel a little less guilty.
“Speaking of which, you mind me returning the backrub?”
“That would be a foolish thing to object to.” Ardeth shook his head. “Do we have company?”
“Not yet. But its gotta show up soon.”
“As you say.” He rolled onto his stomach and pillowed his head on his arms. “You do not mind?”
“Not a bit.” Rick’s hands settled on his shoulders and then paused. “You sure you don’t mind?”
“Why would I mind?”
Rick tightened his fingers on Ardeth’s shoulders for a moment. “Just checking.”
He smiled. “No harm done, my friend, and what embarrassment it was is certainly not worth turning down either the chance to annoy it or the offer of the ease of tension.”
“Good.” Rick started to rub his shoulders and he groaned despite himself because as Rick had said he had no idea it had hurt so much until his friend started.
“And you think I’ve been carrying camels when you weren’t looking, You’re solid knots, Ardeth.”
He sighed. “I did not think I was.” He shrugged a bit. “You are too good a friend to me, Rick.”
“Works both ways.” Rick returned and then was silent as he worked.
“You will put me to sleep.” He warned with a yawn.
“Then sleep. I’ll guard your back.”
He had to chuckle. “So it seems.” He yawned again. “When this is all done and Egypt is safe and things are once more as they should be I would truly like to spend a morning like this with you with no threat of anything at all.”
“Sounds nice.” Rick agreed. “You mind taking this off before you fall asleep?” Rick gathered a handful of his robe as explanation.
And it was such and odd echo of that so frightening night under the creature’s hands. Would you rather I have you whipped until you scream or strip this from you and caress every inch of skin it reveals? The exact words even to the tone of voice came back to him clearly.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice was suddenly gentle and full of concern. “Relax , huh? I worked hard for that.”
“I am sorry. I did not realize I had tensed.” He sat up and undid the lacing on his robe.
“You don’t have to do that.” Rick caught his hands in one of his own.
“I know that.” He found a smile. “A passing memory, nothing more.”
“I thought you said he left you your clothes.” Rick’s eyes were darker now, with concern and something deeper.
“He did. But it was not a certain thing for far too long of the night.” He explained.
“Bastard.” Rick growled but he did not say anything else as Ardeth shrugged the robe aside and then laid back down. And he thought for a moment of how so many in the courtyard had watched his friend do almost the same thing and flushed just a bit, glad that Rick could not see it.
“Relax.” Rick repeated firmly and went back to rubbing his shoulders. “Better?”
“Yes.” He relaxed as much as he could and then let Rick do the rest. It was almost possible to doze off while his friend worked.
Then those strong hands tightened for a moment and then the right one moved to his hair and ran through it with a touch that could have been mistaken for more than comfort. “Company.”
“I gathered.” He smiled a little. “Are we playing yet?”
“Sure. Maybe if we’re really good at it the damned thing will leave us alone after lunch too.” Rick chuckled and went back to his massage. Ardeth chuckled and laid where he was. Oddly, it did not bother him to know that the creature was there watching them even half-dressed as he was as long as Rick was beside him. “Feeling better?” Rick asked in arabic after another moment.
“Most certainly.” He agreed. “It is good not to ache.”
“Yeah it is.” Rick agreed. “You want me to stop?”
“Why would I want that? Unless your hands are tired.”
“Not yet.” Rick chuckled and then traced a much lighter touch down his back.
“That tickles.” He complained as he had last night although it did not tickle so much as make him want to shiver. And Rick no doubt would misunderstand the response and worry.
“Have you truly lain about here all morning, Medjai?” The creature asked with what sounded like amusement.
“As I had said we would.” Ardeth agreed.
“I have not only ill mannered guests but lazy ones.” The thing sighed. “I warned you about calling me that, Ardeth. I shall start counting.”
“So you did.” He agreed. “Is all well with Thebes then Priest?”
“Well indeed. Ammun has enjoyed his midday meal, warriors. I thought to see if you would, miracles of miracles no doubt, want lunch as well as breakfast.”
“Will we lose your cooks more money?” He asked.
“Undoubtedly.” The thing chuckled.
“Are you hungry still, Rick?” He asked his brother.
“I could eat. You going to fall asleep still or you want some more karkaday?”
“Would that I could lay here and doze off like this but I do not think it will happen now. No matter how long you rub my shoulders.” He shook his head a bit. Rick squeezed his shoulders once more and then repeated that soft caress through his hair before picking up Ardeth’s robe and draping it over him.
“Too bad. I like when I can get you to sleep while I’m touching you.”
He almost laughed out loud at that. Because it was undoubtedly true and yet sounded so very improper. “You will make me blush.”
“Really?” Rick’s voice was teasing now. “You’re cute when you blush.”
“I am what?” He sat up and pulled his robe on to glare at his friend.
Rick only laughed and then handed him a goblet of karkaday.
“Be careful O’Connell he will toss it at you.” Their host chuckled.
“Would you?” Rick smiled.
“I might be tempted but it is sticky and then we would have to go wash and you wanted to eat lunch.”
It was obvious to him that Rick started to say something but then swallowed it and only smiled. “You gonna guard my back while I bathe?”
“If that is what you wish? Certainly.” He smiled himself. “It seems only fair since I am certain none of the servants will offer to help you bathe as they would not want to offend your wife.”
“Are you keeping all the good stories to yourself?” Rick drank his own karkaday with a smile.
“My oversight, surely.” He agreed.
“Truly Medjai I begin to wonder if I will have to teach you any more of the game at all.”
He looked over at their erstwhile host and raised one eyebrow in question. “Learning is much easier when one enjoys what is being-- taught. Instead of dreading it.”
“So I see.”
“I thought you were the teacher today, Ardeth.” Rick put in quietly. “I’m managing more Egyptian than I expected.”
“Then we have both learned something today.” He agreed with a fond smile.
“Your brother learned some Egyptian and what did you learn, Ardeth?”
He smiled a bit more and then ignored the thing completely to only meet Rick’s eyes with a smile. “That it is possible to not even mind the crocodiles if one has far more enjoyable ways to spend a sunny morning.” He answered finally.
His friend smiled back. “Glad I could help.”
“Did you enjoy teaching your brother Egyptian then, Ardeth?” The creature asked with a chuckle.
“I did.” He refilled his own goblet and sat back in the shade. Their host had filled one for himself.
“Good. It will give us a starting point some day you do not come to Thebes then.” A smile. “And you O’Connell. Did you enjoy teaching as well?”
“I’m not great at it but if it helps Ardeth to deal with the crocodiles? Sure.”
It was oddly enough not really an answer at all nor quite what Ardeth had expected his friend to say.
“I hope you enjoyed the morning as much as I did.” He offered.
That made Rick smile and look back over at him. “I did.” He replied firmly. “So what do we do with the afternoon?”
“Eat lunch, lay about some more, take a nap perhaps, bathe and get ready for dinner. Does that not sound truly lazy?”
Rick smiled and then reached over and brushed a few strands of hair out of Ardeth’s face. “Sound nice. But I’m still not sleeping alone tonight.”
He shrugged. “I can not say I would object to seeing her again, Rick, but as we have determined already the bed is still too small for three.”
“And my wife will not understand me sharing it with you and a dancing girl.” Rick shook his head with a grin.
“There is that. Evelyn is an amazing woman but I would not want to have her angry at Nefshen.”
“That is kind of you, Ardeth.” Their host chuckled. “She is a brave girl to toss so callously to destruction.”
“Evelyn is hardly so vindictive.” He disagreed.
“I will-- allow that you think so.” Their host nodded. “Does your wife not object to you sharing your bed with your brother then, O’Connell?”
Rick smiled but it was tinged with more anger than enjoyment. “Not a bit. It’s other women Evie gets jealous of.”
“Ah.” The thing nodded. “Fortunate for you is that not, Ardeth?”
“As you say. I would be far less sane I think if I did not have you there with me, Rick.” He put the pretense aside and reached over to squeeze his friend’s shoulder. “Have I told you that?”
“You just did.” Rick replied but his eyes lightened again with his smile. “And it works both ways, okay?”
“As you say. So High Priest of AmmunRa, he who is lord of all Egypt, are we to have lunch here or are we to go inside?”
“Here it is cool and there is a nice breeze let us enjoy the day while we can.” Their host replied. Lunch arrived quickly and he was actually enjoying the meal when he found himself awake in Ahm Shere.
“Sorry mum, dad, uncle Ardeth, forgot where I put my saddle.” Alex mumbled coming back from outside and rubbing his foot with a grimace.
“Put your shoes on before you go run to the loo Alex. Then if you trip over things it doesn’t break toes.” Evelyn sighed.
“Right mum.”
Rick chuckled sleepily. “You okay sport?”
“Yeah dad.” Alex got back under the blankets. “It’s chilly out there.”
“Mmm, I was spending the morning being a lizard in the sun.” There was a smile to Rick’s voice.
“Sounds like not a bad night in Thebes hmm?” Evelyn snuggled closer to her husband. Rick pulled one hand free to reach over and squeeze Ardeth’s shoulder tightly.
“Actually, it’s been pretty amazing all around. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“All right.” She agreed.
“See you back at lunch , huh?” Rick asked.
“In’sh’allah.” He agreed and then squeezed Rick’s fingers quickly. “Thank you again.”
“Works both ways.” Rick’s fingers tightened and Ardeth smiled to himself and went back to sleep.
He woke back in the room he had come to think of as his, alone at the moment as Rick was not beside him.
“Your brother has more trouble going back to sleep than you.” The creature said from the balcony as the curtains stirred. “Ardeth.” The voice was oddly amused. “I will start whispering in your ear even when your brother is present if you do not try harder than that.”
“As you say.” He sat up with a sigh. “Did we miss lunch then?”
“You did it is a bit past two hours since Ammun had his midday.”
“Perhaps then we will actually manage dinner.” He shrugged and began to put his weapons back where they belonged.
“You may wait just a moment on that.” His host walked over and then took the blade from his hand. “You have lazed about all morning tempting me, Ardeth. You brother will be a bit yet, and I will have at least some satisfaction from you.”
He took a deep breath but did not try to draw the weapon back. “As you say.”
“You have learned the game well, Medjai. Truly if I did not know from your honesty the other night that you had no knowledge of sharing yourself with another man I would think there was far more than friendship between you and O’Connell.”
He smiled just a little. “There is a great deal more than friendship between us. You may take that as you will.”
A chuckle. “Truly well played. Then let me see what it is that your brother has taught you shall I?” Strong fingers ran along his jaw and then griped his hair. “Lay back.” The words were a low whisper in Arabic.
It took more courage than he thought he might be able to summon to do so, but he did as ordered and laid back on the bed. The damned thing only smiled and then chuckled. “Abah, you have no skill at this yet. That is good to know.” And he was pulled up just a bit, so he had to rest his weight on his arms. “Then let me teach you something for a change Ardeth. I know full well you can hold still and be complacent. Today I do not wish to have to take the kiss I want, but have you give it. Your mother was from the seventh tribe was she not. You may if it helps consider this one payment for that tribe then.”
He swallowed hard at that. “I have-- no skill at pretense.”
“You have more than you might realize, but I will be satisfied with what you can find. You may pretend to yourself that I am either Nefshen or your brother if you prefer but I will have you response, Abah. If all you can do is mimic mine that is fine.” And then there was no time to think or reply but the fingers in his hair tightened and he was kissed once more. And Allah it was harder than even being still under the thing’s hands to try and mirror what it did and know that it only pleased the damned thing more. He caught a small gasp of breath when the hand not in his hair went around his back but it only eased his weight off his arms and pulled him closer. But after another long moment it was not as bad as he feared, the kiss being far less harsh than he had expected. If it had been anyone else he was kissing he might have termed it gentle even but he had no such faith in the damned. An insistent touch of tongue against his and he had to fight hard to keep his word and return the caress. But there was no more harshness than before and he managed it somehow. Allah be thanked. Finally, blessed was God, the thing broke the kiss with a sigh, and a last touch of its tongue along Ardeth’s lips. “Breathe now, Abah. You will faint.”
He drew in a deep breath and then pulled himself away from the things hands, not carrying if it cost him the pain of pulling his hair from his scalp or not. But the thing released him with a sigh.
“Truly Ardeth, it was hardly that bad a kiss. I could have made you do much more.”
“And that is supposed to make me hate it less?” He asked, not certain where the sudden anger came from.
“No. It was meant as a point of reference. You should be careful when you play with fire, Abah you may yet get burnt. And your brother is by your side by my leave alone.” The thing chuckled again. “Someday Ardeth you will understand how very patient I have been and you will be as amazed as I am that I managed it at all.” A sigh. “Your brother will be here momentarily Ardeth and if you want me to be courteous enough to not have another such kiss from you while he is here you will do well to recall that I could.”
“I will help him chop you to pieces then.” Ardeth growled out the words. “I have no geas from Ammun not to harm you after all.” And he reached for the shield that sat beside him on the bed and the scepter as well. And then faced the damned thing again. “You have had your kiss, you may, Allah have mercy demand another, and another still but do not expect me to be thankful that I must endure them.”
“I except you to be thankful I did not demand more than kisses. I expect you to be thankful I had the courtesy to let your brother wake in your arms when you first arrived here yesterday and keep myself out of his sight while he trembled. I expected you to be thankful I stood beside you when you faced Anubis at risk to myself I might add. I expected you to be thankful that I left you alone to comfort him last night. And I expected you to be thankful that I gave your brother the gift of seeing my god. All of those things are things I would expect you to be thankful for, Ardeth Bay. Do not be angry at me that you do not find my kisses as horrible as you think they should be. That, silly child, is between you and your own conscious. Not mine. Now I give you the afternoon with your brother and yes, it should come as no surprise, I expect you to be thankful for that. Ungracious child that you are, Medjai. I should indeed take another kiss and leave you undressed and shaken for him to see when he arrives. So do not presume on your immunity, Ardeth Bey.” And the thing smiled without any real humor and left him standing there in complete confusion.
“Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim.” He whispered to himself and then set his weapons aside and went over to the table and poured himself a goblet of the wine sitting there. Not caring at the moment that it was one more thing Allah would have to forgive him for.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice was gentle as was the hand on his shoulder. “You okay?”
“I am-- angry and humiliated as usual. But no harm done. Only another kiss.” He would not let Rick worry it had been more.
“Damned bastard.” Rick took the goblet from his hand and then hugged him close. And it felt too good to argue or care that he was being such a child. “Easy now, I’m here.”
He took a long deep breath and then let Rick go with a sigh. “I am being foolish perhaps. It was only a kiss.”
“Uh huh. And that explains why you’re drinking. Sure.” Rick shook his head and then sat down as well. “You want to tell me?”
“I do not know what there is to tell. I do not know why I am shaken so when he has certainly kissed me before and with far more harshness. I think, I am only angry at myself.” He took another swallow of the wine and then pushed it away. “I should know by now do you not think that it can lie with the truth and keep its word while doing nothing of the sort. I should be thankful it does no worse to me than it does. And I am, thanks be to Allah. But I truly hate having to-- comply. I know that I can not fight it. I know all too well that struggle would be useless but Allah has to know I want to do nothing else. Even if it serves no purpose at all but my own sanity.”
“Shhh.” Rick pulled him up and back to his feet and into his brother’s arms. “Just because your thankful he hasn’t forced you, Ardeth doesn’t mean you can’t be angry and upset about what he has done.”
“I do not know how long I can do this, Rick. How many times I can wake here and know I face another day with yet more of its teasing and humiliation to bear. I swore an oath to Allah to let it have its ten kisses. I meant it. But it has only taken six of ten. By the time it finishes I will be mad I think.”
“Tell me what it did then.”
He felt himself flush hotly at that and could truly not find the words only turned away from his friend sharply and tried to calm himself a bit.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice somehow mixed concern and hatred. “You were right you know? It does help to say it, and to have someone hold you afterwards.”
“I can not do this now.” He forced the words out. “I can not meet your eyes and put this into words.”
“Okay, so don’t meet my eyes. I can live with that.” Rick touched his shoulder gently. “He kissed you.”
“Yes.” Ardeth agreed.
“Did he leave you your clothes?” Rick asked gently.
“Yes. Although he threatened to kiss me again and not leave me any so you could find me shaking like a child no doubt.”
“Bastard.” Rick growled. “I’ll kill him, Ardeth. I promise you. Somehow.”
“At the moment I would help. And Egypt does not have the luxury of our anger.” He sighed.
“I don’t give a damn if we have to find Ammun a new champion if it keeps you safe. You wouldn’t let Anubis have me. I’m not letting Ammun’s champion have you. Tough.”
He found the strength to smile. “He left me my clothes, he did not even caress me through them except to put his arm around my back. The other hand was in my hair again. I am tempted to simply cut it short to spite the damned thing.”
“Don’t. That’s just letting it win at something else.” Rick had both hands on his shoulders now. “So he left you your clothes, that’s something. So what was different this time from the last time he kissed you?”
“I was not lying in bed last time.” Ardeth managed.
“Ah hell. Damn the thing to hell.” Rick’s arms went around him again. “I’m here now.”
“He could see to it that you were not. He reminded me of that too. Allah, Rick, I can not do this alone. If that is weakness then I will not be ashamed of it.”
“You think I could have dealt with Anubis’ nightmares by myself Ardeth? I was a lot closer to being a basket case than you are and I only did it for a day.”
“I should be stronger than this.”
“No one could be braver or stronger than you’ve been you idiot.” Rick tightened his arms and then shook Ardeth once in emphasis.
“I do not feel either.” He admitted softly. “It was truly bad enough when he only kissed me.” He sighed. “This time I had to kiss him in return.” He said it in English because it hurt less than the Arabic.
“Damn.” Rick growled the one word and then turned Ardeth around to hold him close again and he let himself simply lean into his friend’s strength.
“It is so foolish a thing to be so torn over is it not? He could have taken far more than a kiss. And I would have had no choice but to try to be as complacent as I can force myself to be, but it was far harder than I thought it would be to find the courage to do as he bid me. Even when the kiss was itself less than others he has taken from me already.”
“Listen to me for a second okay? I mean listen.” Rick shook him again once, although it was a gentle sort of shake. “It isn’t any less force because you don’t fight back. Like you said, the Germans held the knife but damn if that isn’t the same thing as him holding one on you. And it’s still forced Ardeth whether it’s one kiss or ten or being in its bed.”
“I should be stronger.” He knew it but it was so hard to manage.
“Ardeth. I would have been a wreck after that first kiss, believe me.” Rick said and then hugged him closer again.
“Truly?” He had to ask. “I feel like I am being so foolish over nothing.”
“It isn’t noting. Don’t make me rethink my opinion on your intelligence, huh?” Rick stroked his hair gently. “Would you think it was nothing if it had been me he’d kissed and not you?”
He had to think about that for a long moment. “No.” He decided finally. “I would want to kill it even more than I do.”
“So, why is it nothing because he kissed you and not me?”
Ardeth sighed trying to find the words he needed. “Because, it truly was not so bad a kiss to endure for all of the seventh tribe.”
“So you shouldn’t be upset because it could have been worse? Idiot that’s like saying somebody shouldn’t be upset for only losing a hand because they could have lost an arm. You’re smarter than that Ardeth.”
He sighed and then leaned his head wearily against his brother’s shoulder. “I shall try to remember that. Allah be thanked that I have you here, brother. I would be mad otherwise you know that do you not?”
Rick only held him tighter for a bit. “If it helps for me to be here I’ll be here.” His friend promised.
“He could see that you are not. And I do not think I could bear that for long at all.”
“He can try. But I bet you can get Ammun to invite me back., or Horus, or even Allah. And he can’t argue with them so he’s stuck with me. And if I have to I’ll even ask Anubis, galling as that would be.”
“I would never ask that of you.” He shook his head a little.
“Try and stop me.” Rick growled.
“I would not be so foolish as to try.” He pulled away finally and sat down with a sigh. “And it was such a wonderful morning.”
Rick smiled. “So we don’t let it ruin the whole day. You want to go lay around in the shade some more? I bet you’re tied into knots again. How about I rub your shoulders we doze in the sun then we change clothes and get ready for dinner? You’ll have to explain to Nefshen of course that I’m spending the night here so she can’t come back to your room with you though, unless of course you really want her to. Then I can go sleep someplace else.”
“I would be far more content to have you at my back than her in my arms right now despite her beauty.” He answered honestly. “But if we continue this game of annoying it in turn my friend I am almost certain it will do as it has threatened and take one of the kisses I still owe it while you can do nothing but watch.” He was truly afraid that it would.
“I’ll hate every second of it, Ardeth. And believe me I’ll do everything I can to make it pay for it. But even if it does I’m not going to think any less of you because of it, okay? Probably just be even more impressed with how much guts you’ve got.”
And he smiled even as he flushed. “Truly no man could ask for a better friend.”
“Then we’re even.” Rick squeezed his shoulder. “Want to go lay in the sun?”
“No it is too hot now to enjoy the daylight, do you mind if we stay here where it is cool?” He filled the other goblet with the karkaday that was also on the table. “I will do better to let you finish the wine. It only makes me have less sense.”
“See there’s more proof of how brave you are I’d be as drunk as I could manage if I had to face that damned thing every night like you do.”
He smiled a bit more. “As you say.”
“So you want to try teaching me Hounds and Jackals?” Rick walked over to stand behind him and then gripped his shoulders and began to rub them again. “Christ Ardeth, you must have a hell of a headache.”
“It is only tension.” He shrugged.
“And that’s better because?” Rick sighed. “Idiot.” The strong fingers flexed in a half-shake. “All right, you lay down, take your boots off if you don’t mind and the knives of course and I’ll do this right.”
Ardeth reached up and caught his friend’s wrists. “You do not have to.”
“I know that. Let me help , huh? I think I’ll go nuts if I can’t help somehow.”
“Ah, now that I can truly understand.” And he did because it had been so very hard to not be able to ease his friend’s horror any. And perhaps it would do Rick good to worry about him instead of Anubis. He unbuckled his boots and set them aside, realizing then that he had not gathered up his knives or his sword from earlier. He moved the shield, scepter and his sword into easy reach from the bed and his knives to the chest beside the bed. Then he considered for a long moment and undid his robe and laid that aside as well and then laid down on the bed as Rick had asked.
“Well that’ll help even more.” Rick went over to dig through the chest on the small table and came back with the same sort of ointment he had used on Ardeth’s shoulder the other day. “I’ll guard your back, Ardeth. Just relax a little, huh?”
“Even today in the courtyard I did not mind lying half dressed where he could see me when I knew you were beside me.”
Rick was silent for a bit. “You are the bravest man I know, you know that?”
“I am honored that you think so.” He replied and meant it. Then he was just content to lie there and let Rick work at his shoulders and back. And Allah had to know how very hard it was to not either curl up like a child or find relief in tears as the tension slowly ebbed.
“Want to talk about it?” Rick asked gently, finally.
“I do not even know what it is to talk about.” He shook his head.
“Then tell me what I can do to help? You’re shaking, Ardeth.”
“Am I?” It was no real surprise. “And here you think me brave.”
“I do. I was shaking in your arms yesterday. I know I was. Do you want me to stop?” Rick’s hands paused on his shoulders.
“I... Do you know what I truly want right this moment?”
“No. But like you said last night, if I can I’ll see to it.”
He closed his eyes for a long moment. He will not think less of you, trust him just a bit more. He told himself firmly. “Could you, perhaps for just a few moments, pretend I was Alex?”
“Pret...oh hell, you are such and idiot for someone so smart.” Rick moved to lay beside him and Ardeth did not even have time to think before he was rolled over and into Rick’s arms. “Better?”
“I have never thought myself a coward before.” He sighed but he relaxed into the embrace none the less.
“Then don’t start. My turn to hold you is all.”
“Did you truly mean what you said about Evelyn not minding this?” He laid his head on his brother’s shoulder.
“Sure did. She’d kick my butt if I didn’t hold you maybe.”
“Truly your wife is the most amazing woman, my friend.”
“Yeah, she is. You let me worry about Evie and about watching for the damned thing to come back and you just worry about not worrying about anything okay?”
“I suppose it can do no harm to try.” He sighed. “Since you are being so much more than a good friend tell me a very amusing story about you and Evelyn and Alex when he was a young child.”
“Now I’m playing Scheherzade?” Rick chuckled.
“If you wish. I will not even threaten to have you killed in the morning.”
“That’s nice of you. Okay.” Rick put one hand in his hair the other on his shoulder.
“Why is it that it bothers me none when you do that and so much when it does?” He asked.
“What this?” Rick ruffled his hair. “Because you trust me?”
“To hell and back.” He agreed.
“That’s mutual too.” Rick chuckled. Then to Ardeth’s surprise Rick’s hand left his shoulder and caught his hand and then pressed a kiss to his palm and curled his fingers around it. “There, in case you fall asleep and I’m not here right away when you wake up.”
He flushed but he could not keep from smiling. “Are you the older brother then?”
“Of course I am. I’m the one married with a kid right?”
“There is truth to that.” Ardeth agreed. “Tell me a story of them then. I am certain Alex has done something I will laugh at.”
“That’s a safe bet.” Rick chuckled and then began a tale that would have been unbelievable for anyone but his friend and his family involving a stolen artifact from the British Museum and Alex’s attempt to solve the mystery. He did not pay as much attention to the story as he just enjoyed the comfort he could in his friend’s arms and the safety it offered for the moment. Come evening he would have to face the damned thing again and be brave but for right then it was enough to be a small child in his brother’s arms. Mut came on silent feet and snagged him into sleep.
Duhr:ToC