Asr
Chapter 5
Ardeth finished dressing, and trying very hard not to watch Rick watch him do so. Because they had company waiting just through the not very substantial curtains. Rick had been a little vague about what the High Priest of AmmunRa had said he wished to speak to them about. But Ardeth was certain that if the man was willing to wait for him to get up and dressed it was important. Otherwise they would have been invited to join him for lunch in the courtyard perhaps but not this. He picked up his shield and slung the now familiar weight onto his shoulder, adding the scepter and his long sword to his sash.
“We’re doing that whole wake up and get ready for war thing again aren’t we?” Rick had his own weapons already in place.
“As always. Though I am beginning to think Nefshen was right and it is foolish to do so here in Thebes. But it will also do no harm that is for certain.”
“You never know when we might need them.” Rick shrugged. “And I feel better with them, even if they aren’t a whole lot of help.”
Ardeth smiled a bit. “Try not to kill our ally quite yet, will you Rick? I would hate to be so rude as to slay the man who just saved us both from hell.”
Rick’s eyes lightened a bit. “Well yeah. Okay. You ready to go?”
“As I will be today I think.” He agreed.
“Good.” And then to Ardeth’s surprise Rick just pulled him close, buried one hand in his hair and kissed him, gently at first and then with soft insistence made it a very long thorough sort of kiss that stole his breath. “Good morning, habibi.”
“It is now, yes.” Ardeth agreed with a smile.
“Yeah.” Rick smiled back and handed him a cup of coffee. Ardeth shook his head a bit and walked out to the balcony. Imhotep was sitting on the railing watching the courtyard below.
“Good morning, Medjai. Did you sleep well?” The question was polite enough, in ancient Egyptian but the tone did not disguise the smile at all.
“I did.” He was a bit surprised and pleased that he managed the reply without flushing.
“Good.” The high priest nodded. “There is precious little comfort to be found in the waking world, Ardeth Bay. You should be thankful to Allah for what you find here.”
“I am beyond thankful to Allah for all the great gifts he has given me even in the midst of the sorrow and grief I feel for those I have lost. Egypt has triumphed over those who would invade us. That alone is cause for joy. Praise be to Allah more of my people survived than were lost, and my family is well. And I would thank you again for my life and my brother’s, and for seeing us safe from hell. It is still a very odd thing to be balancing my thanks with my oath, High Priest of AmmunRa. But I will find a way to do so. Truly.”
Ammun’s High Priest smiled a bit. “It is good of you to try. Your brother does not find it in his heart not to want me dead or worse yet. But his hatred is more personal than yours so perhaps that is reason enough. I bring you the greetings of AmmunRa, Ardeth. And his blessings on us for our victory over the soldiers of Germany. I am to invite you and your brother to speak with him at the midday if you will. I think you will be awake in Ahm Shere before he journeys once more to battle Set.”
“If AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt wishes to speak with me. I will go of course.” He agreed. “Do I have time to drink a bit more coffee first?”
Imhotep chuckled. “Certainly. Enjoy your morning, Ardeth. But do try not to get to distracted with your brother’s-- company will you? I would not wish to disappoint my god.” The smile was teasing now. “Although Ammun is understanding of passion so perhaps he will not be too harsh, and he is pleased with you certainly. There are dark times ahead yet in the waking world, Medjai, and I am not so poor a host or a comrade to taint the glorious hours you have yet this visit in Thebes. And my presence yet annoys your brother greatly. No doubt it stirs memories he would rather not contend with.” Ammun’s priest rose to his feet and then to Ardeth’s surprise only reached over an gripped his shoulder in a firm clasp. “Damnation is never easily forgotten Ardeth. No matter the joy or the wonder found after it is over. He is not so far from the darkness yet that it does not follow in his footsteps. Ammun knows it would be hard for him to not. Watching you die is unpleasant, Ardeth. I would be happy to not ever see it again, myself.” The hand tightened just a bit. “I will see you in the courtyard before noon then.”
“Certainly.” He sighed. “I do not understand you, priest.”
“I know, Ardeth. I know. But that is as our gods will it to be is it not?” The strong fingers let go and then the priest of Ammun only nodded once to Rick and walked out.
“You want to tell me what all that was about?” Rick asked.
“I could wish I knew myself. It seems AmmunRa wishes to see us both come the midday. I am uncertain as to why but I am not going to disappoint He who is lord of all Egypt either.” Ardeth looked toward the still rising sun and then sighed. “We have time for coffee and perhaps a bit of breakfast. And I am truly hungry.”
“So that was all you two talked about?” Rick asked.
“Other than pleasantries yes. He did not even tease me about sharing my bed with you, thanks be to Allah. Oddly enough, he seemed amused by it. Truly I will never understand how he thinks. Which no doubt I should thank Allah for as well.” He did not see the reason in telling Rick what Imhotep had said about hell and damnation. No doubt the High Priest of Ammun was in a position to know of what he spoke. And if he were wrong and Rick was not still a bit haunted by what he had seen bringing it up by asking him if he was seemed equally foolish. “Would that we had most of this beautiful day to laze about in the sun and be lizards and lions.”
Rick smiled at that and came over to stand with him and watch the courtyard below. “Could I get you to lay in the shade and let me rub your back?”
“Without trying.” He agreed. “Although I would be hard pressed to want to stop with you rubbing my shoulders.”
“Hmm, backrubs can lead to all sorts of things.” Rick’s smile was teasing now and his hand traced with far too much softness down Ardeth’s back.
“Do not tempt me now, Rick. We will have to go see Ammun soon. And while he seems to be a merciful face for Allah to show us I would not wish to anger him. I am sorry I was making love and forgot to check the time of day does not sound to me like an excuse one would wish to offer anyone but perhaps Hathor and Bastet.”
Rick chuckled but he drew his hand back. “Good point. Okay, I’ll behave.”
“Thank you, habib, for truly I am without the words to tell you what a wonder and joy it was to share loving with you.” He knew he was flushing and did not care.
“Sounded pretty nice to me.” Rick replied. But it was just as obvious to Ardeth that he’d embarrassed him too.
“You westerners and this odd habit of not saying what you are feeling. I have never understood that either.” He shook his head. “If you are happy, or pleased, or thanks be to Allah, overjoyed with something or someone why in the world do you hide this and not give it voice? No matter the form love takes it is always a welcome joy.”
“That was one of the hardest things for me to get used to going back to the states you know. Not just saying things when I really felt them. Guess I got too good at it. Evie had a hell of a time getting me to say things when we first got married. The English are all for polite and distant in public but it’s apparently supposed to be different when you’re in the privacy of your own bedroom. At least according to Evie.”
Ardeth smiled a bit and then took hold of his friend’s arm and pulled him back inside. “There. I will agree with your wife then. We will have too often in the future to watch what we say to each other and how we act or no doubt there will be much tormenting and worse to face from a few of my tribesmen. Love between comrades is not encouraged but not unknown either. But it is expected to be circumspect surely. So while I may embrace you without anyone thinking anything of it, I will have to keep from kissing you in Ahm Shere. And that, is truly going to be a test of what patience I have.”
“You think?” Rick chuckled. “Okay. So now you want me to tell you how much I really enjoyed making love to you since we’re in your bedroom, huh?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “While it is only mine to borrow certainly it does seem to be mine. I am not doubting that you enjoyed sharing my bed, Rick. It is just-- good to hear it you know.”
Rick smiled but the look was more gentle now as was the hand that traced his jaw. “It was perfect, Ardeth. And if we didn’t have to go see Ammun I’d tumble you back into bed right now.”
“No seduction this time?” He smiled a bit himself but he placed a kiss on Rick’s fingers none the less.
“Well, a little sure. I like seduction. But I can be persuaded to do quick, crazy and hot without a lot of work.”
“That is good to know.” Ardeth chuckled and then pulled Rick close and kissed him again for the pure joy of the feel. Rick gave the kiss back and it was enough to lose himself in the feel for a long while.
“You really do like kissing don’t you Ardeth?” Rick sighed as he pulled away finally.
“Yes.” He paused and then something finally made a connection in his mind that Rick kept asking him that. “Do you not enjoy it then?” He asked, perhaps it was something Rick wished to keep between him and Evelyn after all.
“No Ardeth. I like it a whole lot. It was kinda weird at first, yeah, but I’m not complaining. Just commenting. I guess I was worried you might not like it much, considering you keep having to kiss him too.”
“Ah.” He smiled and then traced Rick’s lips with his finger. “There is nothing to compare the two.” He promised. “With you it is like-- Horus must feel when he flies.” He offered softly.
Rick smiled back and then kissed his palm and wrapped his fingers around it. “For later in Ahm Shere when we can’t do this.”
“Thank you.” He pulled Rick’s hand to his lips and returned the gesture. “For later.” He agreed. “Let us manage a bit of breakfast if we can and I could use some more coffee then we must go see Ammun.”
“Right.” Rick agreed but he did not seem in any hurry to let go of Ardeth either. He was surprised he was still as hungry as he was, considering most times he came to Thebes it really had been no hardship not to eat at all. But the food was almost completely gone when they were finished.
“Now we will be losing the cooks money.” He indicated the table with a smile.
“Looks like it, huh?” Rick shrugged and swallowed the last of his coffee. “Ready to go?”
“In’sh’allah.” He agreed. “Are you certain you wish to do this? Seeing the old gods is unnerving even when they are kind.”
“Yeah.” Rick’s eyes darkened for a bit. “Let’s go.” He got to his feet. Ardeth did so as well and they walked toward the courtyard in silence but he gripped his brother’s shoulder tightly before they headed out into the sunlight.
“Ammun has spoken to Anubis again, my friend, surely we are safe enough from the dread god of those who’s hearts have stilled.”
“No one’s ever really safe from death are they Ardeth?” Rick replied quietly.
“I suppose not.” He agreed. “But there is a difference between death and damnation. I would mourn certainly and with great grief if I were to lose you to death, habib. But I will not let you be damned. No matter the barter I must make to see it from happening or what tenid I must pay to Ammun or Allah himself. Be of better faith Rick. Have I not managed once already now to find you in Hell with the old gods’ help?”
“Yeah, and it nearly got you killed and worse.”
He sighed but he squeezed his hand tighter. “But it did not.” He pointed out. “For which I am truly thankful to AmmunRa and his High Priest.”
“Yeah.” Rick sighed. “He told me you-- offered to spend the night with him for my life.” Rick’s voice was rough.
“No.” He shook his head. “I agreed that I would do so if he had demanded it of me. But he did not ask. There was no such bargain made and I am certainly not expected to keep one.” I will not tell you I do not think that the kiss I agreed to has been given already. You do not need to know that. “If such were the way of things I would have spent last night curled in your arms like a frightened child and not finding pleasure onto Paradise itself.”
Rick relaxed just a bit under his hand. “You’d tell me-- if he demanded it, right?”
“With certainty. But he will not. Odd as it seems my friend on that if nothing else besides what he swears to Ammun I do not doubt him.” He recalled the way Imhotep had looked as he had crouched beside Rick and Ardeth’s twin in Hell and the expression in the dark eyes as they had met his over Rick’s shoulder. Odd to see such compassion and horror in the eyes of someone he had so long thought of as too inhuman to feel either but real none the less. “Leave the shadows where they are, Rick. Let us go stand in the grace of the face of the sun instead.”
“Sounds good.” Rick agreed but he squeezed Ardeth’s hand quickly before walking into the courtyard.
Ammun’s High Priest was sitting on one of the benches writing on the papyrus he had on the table in front of him. “Greetings again, warriors.” He looked up from the writing. “I received word from the Priests of the Bright son of Osiris at Edfu and his dread sister’s High Priest at Abydos. Both it seems have assurances that their gods as well as AmmunRa himself are well pleased with us. Will you take word to your wife, O’Connell that I did as promised and sent a great quantity of beer to Abydos for great Sekhmet to enjoy?”
“Really?” Rick shrugged. “Sure. Sekhmet’s that fond of beer, huh? Evie isn’t real partial to it.”
“Evelyn has more sense. It is horrible.” Ardeth agreed.
“Now you are trying the beer as well as the wine, Ardeth? Are you not overly convinced of Allah’s understanding?”
He smiled just a bit. “Allah is merciful, if he can forgive me for one goblet full he can forgive twenty. But he will not have to forgive me any more beer or brandy in the future, both are truly horrible to drink.”
Rick chuckled just a bit. “Acquired tastes is all.”
“Hmm.” He could not help himself only glanced over at his friend and smiled. “I have other tastes I would rather acquire a fondness for.”
And that actually got Rick to flush again.
“I should have been careful with how much I taught you to tease, Ardeth.” Ammun’s high priest said in Egyptian, but he chuckled none the less. “Come now, warriors, we will go and see to Ammun’s midday, then perhaps we can enjoy our own before the waking world summons again.”
“As you say.” Ardeth nodded. “Should I apologize?” He asked Rick in English now.
“Nah, I’m not going to complain much. Enjoy it a lot, yeah, but not complain.”
“Good.” He clasped Rick’s shoulder again and they followed the priest into the temple. Imhotep paused to take up the regalia of High Priest again leaving the light robe he had been wearing behind. Ardeth thought for a moment and then took the water and cloth one of the servants was holding and washed his hands and face. Then took off his boots so he could wash his feet as well.
“That’s for going to mosque isn’t it?” Rick asked.
“It is, and habit I suppose. But I was thinking that courtesy to one face of Allah is courtesy to all.”
“No doubt Ammun will be appreciative of your thought.” The priest smiled again. “My god is fond of you, Ardeth.”
“For which I am thankful certainly.” He replied. Rick took off his boots and set them aside as well. Imhotep nodded a thank you for the courtesy no doubt before walking deeper into the great temple. There was the sound of singing from the area of the shrine itself but he could not truly understand the words as the sound wove around the columns. Once again the table was covered with food. And there were musicians playing as well and the women singing the hymns he had heard as they approached. It took him a bit to follow the words with the great overlap of voices into song, but it was easier here without the echos. “I did not realize that Ammun enjoyed entertainment with his midday.”
“Ammun enjoys many of the same entertainments we do, Ardeth. In fact, once or twice he has even taken a chantress, musician or dancer from here at the temple to join him on his great barge in the sky. It is the greatest of honors certainly.”
“I would imagine so.” He agreed.
“It’s still hard to get used to the fact that the gods are really here.” Rick shook his head.
“It is a wonder I have yet to grow accustomed too.” Ammun’s High Priest agreed. Then he looked up at the sun just visible in the opening in the ceiling. “We shall have the joy again I think.” And he went to his knees, arms bent at the elbows and then pressed his forehead to the floor. Ardeth knelt as well, placing his hand on his sword, and Rick followed, his hand on the scepter of Osiris. “Great AmmunRa, Lord of both lands of Egypt, bringer of life and light, we give thanks once more for the wonder that is this land of the faithful, we give thanks for joy of thy grace and presence in the sky that insures all life, and we offer our joy to thee. May all our offerings find favor with thee oh great god.”
The women’s voices and the musicians’ instruments had gone to one long pure note and it seemed to truly rise from the temple floor to the sky above. There was a flash of sunlight and an arrow of pure gold that swept not from above but along the huge pathway of columns and they were not alone in waiting for the arrival of Ammun. The bright god of Vengeance in all his glory stood just in front of Ammun’s High Priest. Then the sunlight spilled from overhead into the temple and was a solid presence as well. Horus went to one knee, falcon head bowed. Ardeth was not sure how to keep from staring even though the combined light and glory of the two made his eyes water and burn. The singers and musicians had stopped all sound and even Ammun’s High Priest was silent for a long moment. Rick reached over with his left hand and gripped Ardeth’s arm.
“Greetings oh Great AmmunRa, you who is lord of all Egypt. And to thee bright son of Osiris and most revered Isis.” Imhotep offered finally and raised his head from the stone to kneel calmly before both the gods. “Truly are we blessed beyond expression by thy presence here.”
“As it should be.” AmmunRa replied. “I am indeed well pleased with thee champions of Egypt.” Ammun spoke and the voice that was not a voice was gentle. Ardeth bowed his head again in thanks. “And I bear the thanks of thy god to thee as well Ardeth Bay. Allah says onto thee that he agrees with thee and indeed all thy people are truly a blessing for even such as he. Know then that he is well pleased with thee and that those of your tribes who perished rest now at his side.” One warm hand rested on his head and he could feel the sunlight pour through him like joy. “Truly son of my son you could not have chosen better.”
“I have thought so.” Horus’ voice was equally gentle and warm.
“I have no words to shape this wonder. Truly, I am not worthy of such praise bright gods of Egypt. I am only Medjai as we all are.”
“The best gifts are those least expected are they not, Ardeth Bay? Blessings may be dispersed as well.” Ammun chuckled. Then the warm hand left his head and he could feel the focus of the warmth shift. “And thee Rick O’Connell, I am well ashamed of the way the son of my son repaid your great sacrifice for the wonder that is Egypt. He will not do so again.”
Rick caught his breath sharply and Ardeth looked over to see that Ammun had placed his hand on Rick’s head as he had with Ardeth. And it was too wonderful a sight to bear seeing as the sunlight just seemed to cascade through his friend. He looked away after a moment, but Rick’s hand on his arm only tightened.
“There now, warrior, know that you have our thanks and blessing bright child indeed to serve Osiris’ dark son. I will be assured that you find joy in my reward to undo the horror of Anubis’ lack of understanding.”
“I-- don’t have Ardeth’s way with words, but for this-- and for freeing us from hell...I-- don’t even know what to say.”
“That is thanks enough.” Ammun chuckled. “Be of better heart now, O’Connell. And carry my blessings and joy to thy wife in the waking world. Truly no child of Pharaoh has ever done more for the land of both crowns than she. I am truly pleased with the champions all my children’s children have chosen.” The great god turned back to his High Priest and there was still as mile on the face where no smile should be possible. “And to thee, Imhotep, know that I am more than pleased with thee. Thou has made me proud and for that you shall indeed find more reward than you know.”
“There is no greater reward I could ask for, Great God of Egypt, than the wonder that is waking each morning in the land of the faithful.”
“Then it will be a good gift when thou least expects it.” Ammun returned with a chuckle and that strong hand was placed on Imhotep’s head and Ardeth had to blink as the light poured through the man kneeling to his god. And it was that undeniable proof of grace that let him finally understand what Ammun’s Priest had meant about the fact that he was no longer the creature he had been at Hamanaptura and the distinction that being Ammun’s High Priest in Thebes that was gave him.
“Would that I could bring to the champions of Egypt as good and joyous tiding. But listen well, warriors. You have won a great battle and truly are the enemies of Egypt shaken and afraid. But they are not defeated nor all killed as you would wish. Would that it were so simple a thing, warriors. Guard your people yet, Ardeth Bay and be ready for what is to come. For thy great god has yet a task for thee, child.” Horus knelt and put his hand under Ardeth’s chin so that he had to glance up and meet those fathomless gold eyes. “I am pleased indeed at thee champion, and I will walk between you and all the darkness I can, but this only as a warning can I give you. Falcons are birds of the day, warrior. And you stand my champion. For what else comes for thy people to face, simply set my children free when you awake in Ahm Shere and you will know.”
“I do not understand bright Horus, but I will do as you have told me to do.” He agreed.
“Then my blessings to thee and all thy people Ardeth Bay. Truly Allah is a most fortunate god to have such children and my brother is far more a fool than even I thought. You chose yours well.”
“I am fortunate for that.” He agreed but he let go of his sword to clasp Rick’s hand where it was still on his arm.
“Did I not promise to thee, Rick O’Connell that I would gainsay such horror as you feared?”
“Yes. I just...” Rick broke off and looked away.
“Have seen too much to let it be a real hope. Truly, you are braver than you think yourself O’Connell.” And Horus leaned over and gripped Rick’s free arm as one warrior to another. “I shall speak with my fool of a brother again. This warning I give thee then, do not be afraid again to ask.”
“Am I supposed to understand that?” Rick asked.
Horus laughed and it was a bright sound. “No child, not yet.” The god only let go of Rick’s arm and then in a move that shocked Rick as much as it did Ardeth the bright son of Osiris reached out and ruffled his hair like Rick did for Alex so often. “Silly child.” And he went over to where Ammun stood and said something to Imhotep that Ardeth could not hear. But the High Priest of Ammun looked up in surprise and then back at the floor and nodded. Horus chuckled again. “Peace be with thee warriors of Egypt we shall yet see each other again here in the land of the faithful. My blessings to Sekhmet’s champion as well O’Connell. She shall know her reward soon enough.”
“Thank you.” Rick nodded.
And then Horus turned to Ammun and there was a flash of sunlight that made Ardeth look away and cover his eyes and the temple was empty except for the men and women kneeling there.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice was so obviously shaken.
“I truly do not have any words to shape that Rick. Much less explain.” He shook his head but got to his feet somehow. Rick followed and even Ammun’s High Priest looked overwhelmed. He went over and spoke quietly to the musicians and singers and then came back to where Ardeth and Rick where still standing.
“Are you well warriors? Truly, never have I seen such a wonder as both the bright gods here at once.”
“I am well.” He agreed. “Rick?”
“Fine. It’s just-- that was way too weird, Ardeth. And I’m getting pretty good at dealing with weird generally.”
“Come, let us go sit in the shade. Is there perhaps wine to be had, Imhotep? Or beer even?”
Ammun’s priest smiled just a bit. “There is always both, Ardeth. Shall I have the servants bring karkaday for you or will you join your brother and I in drink?”
“Karkaday will do me better.” He replied. “But at this point I think I would take the wine.”
“At this point I’d take gin. And that’s the worst tasting stuff I know of.” Rick sighed. “Can we go sit for a while?”
“Certainly.” Imhotep smiled a bit more and they walked out of the temple and found benches in the shade of the courtyard trees. The servants came with drinks and lunch and Ardeth remembered to ask Tahiri about her daughter.
“Nefren is well, Medjai, thank you again for saving her, truly she is the joy of my life and I would hate for her to be injured.” She smiled. “She would thank you herself but she is very shy.”
“As long as she is well I will count myself thanked.” He smiled.
“Some things do not change to much in this waking world of yours at least, Medjai, for you are still always concerned with those who can not protect themselves.” Imhotep shook his head a bit. “Are all your warriors still so?”
“What good does it do a man to win at battle if he has no soul left for joy afterwards?” Ardeth returned, quoting the Koran with a smile.
“It allows him the time to recover the art of joy later of course.” Imhotep replied.
“Perhaps.” Ardeth gave the point. “But then it is only victory if he manages the recovery.”
“So victory no matter the cost is not victory at all is that it?”
“In a sense. If a man loses all that he holds dear and defeats his enemy what sort of victory is that?”
“It isn’t one.” Rick put in quietly. “Not any that matters anyway.”
“There we go finding things we agree on O’Connell. It is a wonder Set does not march through the streets at this rate.”
That got a bitter sort of smile from Rick. “So you don’t think so either, huh?”
Ammun’s priest sighed. “When a man has lost all he ever held dear even death and damnation no longer seem to matter O’Connell, much less any victory gained.”
“Then we shall be thankful that the victory we have achieved so far while at a great price is still victory enough to celebrate.” Ardeth decided, because in truth while he was still saddened by the loss of his friends he was still to full of joy to feel disheartened. “To things worth dying for, that we are fortunate enough to have lived to enjoy.” He raised the goblet of karkaday.
“I’ll drink to that.” Rick agreed and tapped his goblet against Ardeth’s.
“Well said, Ardeth.” Imhotep did the same. “Sahedek is it?”
“Sahedek.” Ardeth agreed. “In’sh’allah of course.”
“Allah hamdas aha then?” Rick asked.
“We can always pray so.” He nodded.
“I will drink to that as well.” Imhotep smiled. “No doubt Ammun will understand my intent in doing so.”
“We are not going to argue once again as to whether there is any god but Allah, are we priest?”
“It seems we are to never find an agreement on that one, no.” Imhotep shrugged. “Let us leave it then.”
“As you say.” He set the goblet down and shook his head a bit. “Rick?”
And just like that his friend was gone from Thebes.
“MaSalaama Ardeth I will see you later.” Imhotep’s voice followed him into the waking world.
“Bis’mil’Allah...” He mumbled to himself as he started to roll over and reach for his weapons.
“Slowly, nephew you are still not well.” Selim’s voice was gentle in the soft light of the braziers. “Allah will forgive you if you miss prayers today, Ardeth. I only wanted to check on you.”
“I am fine I think.” He replied although his head was pounding some. “Only very thirsty, uncle.”
“Here then.” Selim took a waterskin from Azza and then much to Ardeth’s embarrassment helped him sit up to drink it.
“I am fine, Selim. I swear it to Allah. Go to prayer. I will sit here and drink and perhaps manage breakfast.” He smiled.
“Go.” Azza made a small shooing motion. “I will make certain they eat.”
Selim sighed but rose to his feet. “Very well.”
“Would you see to it that the leaders of the ten tribes here are gathered uncle-- Malik included, Allah have mercy. After breakfast we must speak.”
Selim sighed but nodded. “As you wish.” He turned and left.
“You get stubborn from all sides, don’t you?” Rick asked from beside him. He turned to see his friend sitting with Evelyn snuggled against his side under one arm.
“It would seem so yes.” He smiled and handed the half empty waterskin to his friend. “Are you well then, Rick? Evelyn?”
“Fine, tired, thirsty, and still hungry but other than that yeah. You?” Rick asked.
“The same.”
“I’m still a bit tired certainly, and thirsty, but I didn’t take nearly the damage you two did.” Evelyn sighed. “You frightened me to death you know.” She hugged Rick tighter.
“Frightened myself.” Rick replied. “But it’s okay now.”
“Are you awake enough to join me for breakfast Jonathan? Alex?” Ardeth looked over at the other two, not at all certain how he was supposed to deal with Rick and Evelyn now. Allah, but this was awkward.
“If there’s tea, I’ll manage it.” Jonathan replied but he smiled all the same. “Good to see you coherent, Ardeth.”
“It is good to be so.” He agreed.
“Are you really all right, dad?” Alex asked. Rick reached out one arm and hugged his son close for a bit.
“Yeah tiger, just tired. Guess I lost more blood than I thought. And fighting tanks is hard work. But I’m okay. Sorry if I scared you, sport.”
“I wasn’t scared. Well not much anyway. And Uncle Jonathan kept telling me you were fine only knocked around a bit. But you looked awful when Ahdam and Sallah brought you here. It wasn’t your blood was it dad?”
“Some of it I guess probably was. But your mom had the book of Sekhmet so I’m fine.”
“I would’ve used the book of the Dead if I’d had too.” Evelyn said firmly.
Ardeth did not bother pointing out that Anubis would have been very unlikely to answer such prayers at the time. “Shall we go eat then, Alex?”
“Okay, Uncle Ardeth.” Alex hugged his dad for another moment and then let go. “Will you tell me about chopping up tanks later dad?”
“Sure.” Rick smiled.
“Okay then.” Alex went back to where Jonathan was standing and they walked out to breakfast. Azza looked at him for a moment and then left as well.
“I do not have any idea what to say.” He admitted finally. “It is not something I can find in me to regret, but I will offer my most heart felt apologies if I have caused tension where none was intended.”
“Don’t be silly.” Evelyn shook her head and to his utter surprise leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Are you certain you’re all right, both of you?”
Rick looked just about as lost as he felt but nodded. “We’re fine, love. At least I think we are. I’m still kinda tired, but that’s all.”
Ardeth nodded. “And I.”
“Well good. Now perhaps one of you would like to tell me exactly what is going on? And what it is you think you should possibly be apologizing to me for, exactly?” She asked, but she smiled a bit more as well. He glanced over at Rick again, not at all certain what he was supposed to say at that and only then realized Rick had flushed much as he had. “And you, are blushing over.” Evelyn put in.
“I am not.” Rick started to argue and then sighed. “Evie.”
“More than kisses I take it?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer.
Ardeth only ducked his head, and could not even find the beginning of anything to say.
“Yeah.” Rick answered, and then much to Ardeth’s shock reached over and touched his jaw. “Don’t do that, Ardeth, please?”
He sighed. “I will try to remember not to.” He agreed.
Evelyn shook her head. “All right, I can see this is going to be awkward if I don’t just start. So, sorry this isn’t going to be quite as polite as it probably should be, Ardeth. But we’ve gone a bit far for propriety I think. Whatever happened or didn’t happen between you and Rick in Thebes is not going to upset me. It is not going to make me love my husband any less. And it’s not going to make me think any less of you either. All right? I’m not nearly that selfish or that silly.”
Ardeth only stared at her in amazement. “I do not know that I will ever understand that. Or what it is you think I have done in my life that makes you care so much for me as to allow me this place. But I will be thankful indeed to Allah every day of my life for the joy.”
“Oh Ardeth you can be such a dear fool.” And she hugged him with a soft laugh. “Would you rather Rick and I talk about this and let you go to prayers?”
“If you wish me to leave you be, certainly.”
“That wasn’t the question.” Rick pointed out. “She’s just giving you an out if you want it.” He put his arm back around Evelyn’s shoulders. “Can we maybe tell you just the really, really important bits of what’s ben going on, Evie?”
“I’ll settle for the important bits now, then we can see if we can find time later for the detailed version. If that’s all right with you Ardeth?”
“I think, as you say, this has gone beyond propriety, Evelyn. And I am so lost as to what to do I can only think to sit here and be amazed.”
Rick chuckled. “Great, leave me to explain it all.”
“I don’t need an explanation, I understand the reasons and all of that. Just tell me if you’re both all right and if you’re safe enough in Thebes for now?”
Ardeth felt himself flush again and Rick just looked shocked “Yeah.” His friend answered finally and then smiled and hugged her again. “Okay, now I have to agree with the damned thing again, you are by far the more intelligent one in our marriage you know that right?”
“Yes dear.” She chuckled. “Nice of him to notice. However, that does not answer my most immediate questions. One, are you both really all right and I don’t mean just physically either so don’t put me off with that. And second what is going on between you and Anubis and why haven’t you told me?”
Rick just sighed. “That’s a lot to answer, Evie.”
“Try.” She suggested, although Ardeth was rather certain it was not really a suggestion.
“Yeah, um I think we’re okay. Aren’t we Ardeth?”
“As you say.” He agreed. .
“So I don’t have to find a way of cursing him back to hell or worse, Ardeth?” Evie’s voice was cold.
Allah help him how was he supposed to answer that. “No.” Rick said with almost as much coldness in his voice.
“Well then good. That settles that for now. Believe me Ardeth, I’m not the least be upset with you or Rick for this all right?”
“I do not understand it, but yes, I believe you.”
“Good. Now why don’t one of you tell me what it is really going on with you and Anubis love?”
“Anubis, huh?” Rick swallowed hard. And Ardeth ignored his own embarrassment and reached over to grip Rick’s shoulder tightly.
“Evelyn and I are both here, Rick.”
“Yeah. I know.” Rick nodded but a little of the horror left his eyes as well. “Um okay, when I killed the Scorpion King I-- inherited I guess, being Anubis’ champion. Okay, usually apparently there isn’t much to that and I’m in England anyway. Now we’re here and there’s this war so, he kinda wants my allegiance. Which to him seems to mean he gets my soul. I’m not agreeing and he keeps finding ways to..try and convince me otherwise.” Rick almost managed to make it sound not really all that horrible at all. Ardeth sighed and met Evelyn’s eyes as she gave a slight snort of disbelief.
“Rick.” Evie sighed. “Darling, you are not convincing me you’re so calm about this or that it isn’t something horrible. I’ve seen your eyes yesterday and after that first dream visit. So, tell me what it is Anubis had done to try and convince you otherwise?”
He swallowed hard. “He keeps making me live through hell. Literally, I mean. The hell part, anyway. Mostly, it’s watching you and Alex and Ardeth die, over and over again and I can’t stop it. Nothing ever happens to me. He likes me so angry and lost I don’t give a damn about anything but making the bastard pay for what happened. And all I have to do to make it stop is give him my soul.” The words were a harsh whisper.
“Oh Rick. I’m fine, love. Alex is fine. Ardeth is fine too. Aren’t you, Ardeth?”
“I am.” He agreed. “Shall I swear it again?”
“No.” Rick shook his head. “I think I’m starting to believe it now.”
“Good.”
“Good.” Evelyn agreed. “And Anubis can’t have your soul. Because you’re going to be in heaven with me.” She shifted a bit and then kissed him. Ardeth looked away, even when he knew he should be used to such gestures of affection between his friends. But it was so very odd when he had enjoyed kissing Rick himself so very much only a bit ago. Evelyn pulled back from the kiss finally, and just leaned her head against Rick’s shoulder. “I love you so much, Rick.”
“I love you too.” He replied.
“You’d best say that again, don’t you think?” She asked with a smile.
“Say...Evie.” Rick grumbled, flushing again. “She’s going to drive me nuts, Ardeth.”
“I think you object where there is no cause.” Ardeth managed a smile. And then took his courage in both hands. “And she is right. Anubis may not have your soul, habib.”
And that got Rick to flush even more. “Not you too.”
Evelyn praise be to Allah only laughed. “See there. And we’re all still friends. Better now?” She looked at them both.
“Miracle beyond my understanding certainly, Evelyn. But yes, I believe you.” He clasped Rick’s shoulder again. “I will be a good brother now, sister mine, and let you two alone. As I think there are a few things Rick would say to you that he will no doubt be more comfortable with if I am not here.” He let go of his friend’s shoulder. “I have no words to say to you, Rick for how full of joy you have made my heart. But I will trust you know as well as Allah does exactly how thankful I am.” And he left it at that and went to join his tribesmates and leave his friends alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Bloody stubborn fool. Do you want to go after him Rick?” Evie asked.
“No. I think he’s right. Maybe this will be easier if he’s not here.”
“All right. If you think so. So, you’re all right and he’s all right and things went well in Thebes?”
“Yeah.” He had to smile. “They did.”
“Good. And you and Ardeth are far more than friends now. Not just pretending anymore?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Good. And Imhotep didn’t try to stop you?”
“Nope. Shocked me too. He annoyed the hell out of me afterward, yeah but I can live with that.”
“As long as you’re all right and Ardeth’s all right I suppose I can to. Although I’m not certain yet. And you weren’t hurt in this hell of Anubis’.”
“No.” He shook his head. “I wasn’t. He never hurts me, Evie. I just get to watch you die, over and over again.”
“That sounds quite hellish enough.” She snuggled closer again. “So, is that all that happened last night in Thebes. You and Ardeth decided to be more than friends and Imhotep was annoying but didn’t hurt either of you?”
“That’s about it yeah. Except for right before we woke up here actually. Ardeth and I had to go and see AmmunRa again. Which is-- I don’t have words for it really. But he said that he’d make sure Anubis left me alone. And he can’t hurt you in the real world because of Sekhmet, and Ardeth’s got Horus. But maybe we should make sure we keep Alex safe. Just in case not being able to give me tours of hell really makes Anubis angry.”
“I’ll give him the medallion I got from Adham unless we’re actually fighting. That should keep him safe from anything. And Sekhmet will understand me wanting to protect our son. She’s Hathor’s shadow after all.”
“That’d be good.” Rick took a deep breath, catching the hint of rosemary and roses that clung to her hair. “You smell good.”
“Azza helped me wash last night, she kept adding oils to the water to help me relax I think. She’s a wonderful mother you know.”
“That’s good.” Rick hugged her tighter. “You really are okay, right? You didn’t get hurt yesterday?”
“Not a scratch. I’m still a bit tired really but that’s all. And I’m starving. Shall we go get breakfast and then see what is happening today and then find a bit of time for you to tell me more of the whole story. And you can make sure I’m not jealous of you making love to Ardeth in Thebes.”
“I can, huh?” He smiled a bit, and it wasn’t hard to laugh and then kiss her and then laugh some more because life for the moment at least really was okay. It was his life sure, so it wouldn’t last like that. But Rick had gotten really good at taking the great parts when they came and stretching the joy out to cover the rest so he knew he could do it again.
They went and joined Alex, Jonathan, and Ardeth for breakfast. Ardeth glanced over at him and Evelyn and smiled. “Good morning my friends.”
“Good morning, Ardeth.” Evie smiled back and then went over to kiss Jonathan’s cheek, embarrass Alex by kissing his forehead and then went over and kissed Ardeth’s cheek as well.
Ardeth flushed and glanced down but he smiled and then gripped her hand and said something in Egyptian that was way too soft for Rick to even think about trying to get a word of two from.
Evie replied in the same language and then embarrassed Ardeth even further by hugging him.
“Please, Evelyn, that is not proper.”
“We’re a bit far into this to worry about propriety now, Ardeth.” She shook her head but let him go.
“There is truth to that. Yes.” He agreed. Rick managed not to chuckle but it was a close thing. Right, like we’re going to keep this under wraps for too long Ardeth. We’ll be lucky if the whole damn tribe doesn’t know by tomorrow. He sighed and only finished his coffee.
Azza was making sure everyone ate and drank as much liquid as she could get them too. Selim, Sallah, and Adham came over after a bit and joined them as well.
Adham walked over and crouched down to grip Ardeth’s shoulders and then hug him close. Ardeth only smiled and did the same, kissing his cousin on each cheek. “I had worried when you did not come to prayer, Ardeth. But Selim tells me you are well only still exhausted. Kashim is resting as well but Hassan and I have spend the night on parol with those of us up to such after the battle and we have seen no sign of the Germans moving.
“That is good to know. But move they will. Or so the old gods tell me. Allah have mercy I forgot already. Come we must see to the falcons.” Ardeth shook his head and got to his feet.
“What about the falcons?” Selim asked joining them.
“Hours said if I would know what was yet to come for us I should let his children fly when I woke in Ahm Shere.” Ardeth answered and Rick recalled it now that he repeated it.
“I do not understand how you are so calm about the miracles you see in Thebes, Ardeth.” Adham sighed.
“It is more shock often than calm.” Ardeth replied but he came to a stop by the falcons. Horus gave an annoyed sounding chirp and hopped to his arm and the rest of the birds seemed equally unhappy with something.
“Yes my friend I am late. I am so sorry. Can you and your siblings show to me what it is the bright son of Osiris wishes me to know?”
Horus took to his wings and headed out toward the dunes where they’d fought yesterday.
“Do we go that way?” Selim asked.
“We do. Sallah will you go get the books and join us there? Do you have your weapons with you Evelyn? Good Rick...” Sallah headed toward the storage tent.
“I left it out there somewhere Ardeth, we’ll have to go find it later.” Rick shrugged.
“Then we do this the quickest way we can.” Ardeth decided and slid his shield around and onto his arm. “Alex stay here with your uncle.”
“But...”
“No.” Ardeth’s voice held that same weight it had when he’d faced down his tribesmates and Alex for once showed sense enough not to argue.
“I’ll keep him here.” Jonathan promised.
“Good. Selim, Adham, Rick, Evelyn grab hold please?” He held out his shield and his free arm as well. Evie took his arm, Selim gripped his shoulder and that left Rick and Adham to grab onto the shield. Ardeth said something in Egyptian and then there was that odd displacement of air and they were standing on the dunes looking down at the battle field. The falcons were circling something on the far western side.
“Now what?” Rick asked.
“We go and see what it is they would have us see.” Ardeth answered. But Horus came soaring out of the sky and landed on the outstretched shield “What is it my friend? Do we go or not?”
Horus flapped his wings and then took off and circled once over head and then down the dune toward the battle field.
“Do we follow?” Adham asked.
“I think we must.” Ardeth agreed. It was harder making it down that dune without the armor to help him but Horus was waiting on one of the destroyed tanks as they reached the first line of carnage. “Now where my friend?” Ardeth’s voice was rough, and Rick didn’t doubt that walking amongst the remains of his tribes was going to be even harder for him than it was for the rest of them.
Horus took wing and flew just a bit away, then back then over the same spot, then settled to the ground. Ardeth made it to the side of the man lying there before the rest of them and knelt.
“Let me, Ardeth.” Evie knelt on the other side of the man and helped Ardeth roll him over.
“Bis’mil’Allah..” Ardeth whispered. “Kahid.”
The young man was barely breathing but it was pretty obvious the wounds weren’t from battle. Rick knew the signs of a beating when he saw one. “Ar..deth...more...” He tried to grip onto Ardeth’s arm but his hand was too badly broken for the move. And Rick could only recall how gracefully the young man had leapt from rock to rock as they had worked their way into the remains of the pyramid at Ahm Shere.
“I know. Rest now...” Ardeth whispered, easing the young man’s hand back to his side.
“Here, Kahid drink.” Selim pulled the waterskin from his belt.
“I have a better idea.” Evie pulled the medallion Adham had given her from around her neck and set it on Kahid’s chest and Rick moved to stand behind her, placing her between him and Ardeth without being asked. She put her hand on the amulet and then said something in Egyptian, but it really sounded like a prayer. So he bowed his head too.
A dark red glow moved out from the medallion and surrounded Kahid, then moved up Evie’s arms to her elbows. It hovered for a moment and then just seemed to warp around them both like fabric or something and was gone. And Kahid was breathing strong and fighting to sit up in Ardeth’s arms.
“Arebe...Ardeth you must...they left us...” The young man pointed behind him where the falcons were still circling. “We told them nothing, chieftain, but they...left us to die in the sun.”
“I will go get Arebe.” Ardeth promised. “Stay with Adham. Get him back to camp, cousin.”
“I’m going with you.” Evie got to her feet, picking up the medallion of Sekhmet as she did so.
“Me too.” Rick pulled his shotgun wishing he had the armor but knowing there was no way they were going without him.
There was a sudden swirl of wind and sand and they weren’t alone on the field anymore. “AmmunRa tells me I am to join you this morning, champions.” The damned thing smiled, but he was dressed once more in the robes he’d borrowed from Adham and could have passed for human.
“We will be thankful for the aid then. We must get there.”
“Ardeth.” Kahid gripped his arm. “It is a trap, chieftain I am certain of it...Arebe and I we said nothing. We did not even let them know we spoke the language of the Prophet although only two of them do so. The others speak a language I do not know...Especially the one who questioned us. But I know they wait for you.”
“Then we will surprise them even more.” Ardeth turned to the damned thing. “Can you find my brother’s armor for him, Priest of AmmunRa?”
“Certainly.” The thing nodded and then raised one arm and before a full minute had passed the armor was dropped from the sky not ten feet to Rick’s left and nicely out of everyone else’s way.
“Thanks.” Rick rolled his eyes but he slipped the damn stuff on.
“You are welcome, O’Connell. Do we go now, Ardeth?”
“We do. Selim go back with Adham and Kahid and warn the tribes. Adham, do you have any cannon shot left?”
“Some.” Adham agreed. “Husan and I will get what weapons we have ammunition for ready, Ardeth.”
“Good. Selim get the leaders to their tribes and get the men mounted.”
Selim only nodded and the two leaders headed back up the dune to the camp, helping Kahid between them.
“Now what? If it’s a trap we’re walking right into it.” Rick pointed out.
“We are not walking anywhere.” Ardeth corrected. “Horus, go and get your siblings from the sky now.” He spoke to the falcon still on his shield. Horus took to the sky, gave a loud cry and streaked with far more speed than he should have had toward the other birds and then back toward Ahm Shere with the other falcons behind him. “I suppose it is too much to assume you have yet the power to turn day to night so we might approach unaware. But the cover of the sand will do almost as well.”
The damned thing smiled. “We will do better with sunlight and sand, champion of Horus than with darkness. Do we travel by wind then or by the grace of the bright son of Osiris?”
“Horus is faster than even your winds.” Ardeth replied and held out his shield. Rick was careful to grip the outer edge and keep away from Evie as well. The poison didn’t seem to bother the damned thing any so he didn’t much worry about that.
The sand swirled about them suddenly and then Ardeth recited the short bit of Egyptian Rick followed now. “Ai- hetrem- heset- heru.” And they were just as suddenly someplace else. He turned, shield at the ready, sword drawn as Ardeth and Evie knelt beside the man on the ground. The creature scanned the surrounding cover as well and then there was a burst of gunfire and he moved toward it. Ardeth shouted something in Medjai or Egyptian and the damned thing reached out and gripped his arm. “No.” Ardeth ordered and it was a word in Egyptian he understood. He said something else and the creature nodded and the storm just got worse, huge amounts of sand swirling just inches away from them now, almost a wall of the stuff and Evie used her knives on whatever was holding Arebe to the ground and then Ardeth pulled the wounded or dead man into his arms and Evie gripped his shoulder. Rick took hold of the shield Ardeth held out and the grabbed the damned thing’s arm and they were gone from the battle field to the middle of Ahm Shere.
Ardeth laid Arebe down onto the ground and Evie did as she'd done earlier put the medallion on the man's chest and spoke in Egyptian. The red glow was darker this time and took a lot longer to wrap itself around Arebe and then up Evie's arms. She sat back with a tired sigh but Rick could see that Arebe was breathing strongly now although still unconscious. Rick was kind of glad for that actually, because even with the wounds healing and fading it was obvious that the man he’d come to think of as a pretty good friend had been tortured. Ardeth had pulled the remains of the stakes that Evie had chopped through free from Arebe’s arms with a look of pure horror. Rick could understand that himself.
"Thank you, Evelyn." Ardeth sighed, resting his hand on Arebe’s forehead for a moment. Then he shook himself a bit and looked around, spotting someone he knew. "Amina you and the others get Arebe to the area for the wounded. We must find the others. We must be ready to go back to war." He turned from the small group of women who were tending the cooking fire to the men about. "Y’Allah, Medjai. Nimshee!"
It still amazed Rick not a little that all the men within hearing distance headed toward the dunes, gathering the others as they went.
"I do not think they will attack today, Ardeth." The creature put in quietly.
"It is better to be ready in case. Let us get back to the dunes."
"Are you okay, Evie?" Rick wished he could reach down and help her up but he was concentrating on just staying out of everyone's reach.
"Tired. That's more like wielding the weapons than reading from the books."
"Are you well enough to fight?" Ardeth asked, and helped her up.
“I can manage a bit. I’ll read the book of War if nothing else Ardeth.”
“Thank you.” He nodded once and held out the shield. Rick just grabbed hold again. And then they were standing on the main battle line looking down at the remains of the tanks and men. “It would do us the most good to know where they are coming from, if they come at all. Can you tell me that, priest of AmmunRa?”
The damned thing looked up at the sun and then out toward the field, closing his eyes after a moment but still facing that way. “They do not come this way at all, Ardeth. They head back west, and there were few of them at the point we found your tribesmate, a trap perhaps for rescuers but not for an army.”
“That is good. There you are, Sallah, may I have the book of Vengeance please?” Ardeth took the alabaster and gold book from his friend and opened it. “Is there not, I recall you saying Sallah, a spell in here for knowing those who are allies and can be trusted from those who would do you harm or turn against you? I think it is for finding traitors more than enemies, but I was thinking it might find us any Germans who remain hidden in the battlefield below.”
“There is indeed.” Sallah reached over and turned another page. “This one.” He tapped one inscription and began to recite it.
“Good. Please, Evelyn, Priest of Ammun, Sallah, if you would be so kind as to let me know if I get this wrong.” Ardeth took a deep breath and then glanced once eastward. “In’sh’allah of course.” The words were soft and then he looked up at the sun quickly and began to recite.
“He does that very well for someone who does not speak Egyptian.” The damned thing commented to Evie or Sallah Rick wasn’t sure.
“We are followers of the Prophet of Allah, Peace be upon him, repeating prayers is something we do well.” Sallah replied.
“As you say.” The thing nodded.
There was a bright flash of sunlight from the east and then a golden streak, not unlike the way Horus had appeared at Thebes that morning flew right over their shoulders and down across the field below. Then it circled, like a falcon might and streaked back toward them. Not one of them was expecting it to plummet suddenly into the book Ardeth was still holding. The whole thing glowed bright gold, the light blinding them all for a moment. “Ardeth.” Rick reached over as Ardeth gave a surprised sort of cry. Rick felt the sudden slam of the blow a second before it spun him around and into the sand.
“Killing him will not help, O’Connell.” The damned thing’s voice was sharp. “Are you well, Medjai?”
“I am fine. Only startled and out of sorts. Are you all right, Rick?”
“Yeah, fine.” He grumbled but he got to his feet. “Good thing we can’t hurt each other though.” He glared at their ally and then had to sigh. “But thanks. I wasn’t thinking.”
“You are welcome. It is good to try and save your brother of course, O’Connell. But right now that aid would do more harm than good.”
“We need to find you some immunity from the poison of the armor I think, Ardeth.” Evie put in. “I’ve got the amulet of Sekhmet and it doesn’t seem to bother you.” She looked over at the damned thing. “But I’d feel better if we didn’t have to worry so much about fighting side by side you know.”
“We shall see if such can be done.” Ardeth agreed. “Thank you for the concern though, Rick.” He smiled a bit. Then shook his head. “It is rather like what Alex said about the bracelet. Like a picture in my mind of the field below, with clear indications of who is Medjai and who is not.” He shook his head again. “But there is no one left alive down there now. So it is best, I think if we try to burry our dead before we go to battle again.”
“Do I tell the men to stand down then, Ardeth?” Selim asked coming over with the rest of the Medjai leaders.
“Did you find my father then, praise be to God?” One young man Rick didn’t know put in.
“We did indeed Malik. He is at the nursing area now. I must speak with him and Kahid and you all. Are there enough men rested in the tribes now that we can keep patrols going and burry the dead as well?”
"There should be." Adham answered.
"Good. It will be hard work to bury them all, Allah have mercy. And then if we can I would see to the burial of Ahmer's tribe as well. They have lain far too long already with only the sky for their shrouds."
"Is there a ritual that should be observed here, Medjai? Do the dead need to be prepared first or is burial sufficient?" The damned thing asked.
"There are prayers to be said certainly. I do not doubt the women of the tribe will give vent to our grief for us as they always do. Then the family of each man should put a handful of sand into the grave. But with such a large number as this no doubt we will say prayers for all at once. They died in battle for Egypt and Allah, therefore it does them more honor to bury them where they lay and they need not be purified at a mosque first, having already achieved Paradise. Why?"
"I can certainly with Ammun's grace of course, move enough sand to achieve the later." The creature offered.
That seemed to surprise Ardeth as much as it did him. "It was-- unexpected enough that you walked among us to heal those who are bound by oaths to God to see you once more in your grave. Now you would offer to help us
burry our dead? I must, Allah knows this I am certain, find a stronger word than madness, priest of Ammun."
The thing smiled. "The dead are enemies of no one, Medjai. They died for Egypt, your God and their oath as Medjai. A man it has been said can be judged as much by his enemies as his friends. Am I not then well judged
indeed? I will move as much sand as you wish, Ardeth Bay for the honor of the men who died here. If of course it is not insulting your tribes to do so."
Ardeth shook his head. "That, I have no answer for, priest of AmmunRa, I must speak to my tribesmen. Let us set patrols first, then we shall see to the burying of the dead." Ardeth decided. "Find forty men from each tribe to ride. Selim, Malik, Kashim, have your tribes take south. Adham, Gamal, Hassan, Abdul have your tribes take the west. Pasha, Jumah, Mohamed, my most heartfelt grief to you both for the loss of your son and fathers leaders of the Medjai, will you have your tribes take the north. Then we will meet at the main fire and discuss what is to come. Rick will you go and put that armor away, thanks be to Allah we do not need it now.”
“Sure.” He nodded.
“Evelyn, Priest of Ammun, let us go and see to the wounded who remain, while the leaders of the tribes send out scouts and then we shall join them for a council of war. Sallah, if you will bring the books please?”
“Of course, Ardeth.” Sallah agreed.
Rick gave Evie a quick smile and then let the speed and distance covering ability the armor gave him get him back to Ahm Shere so he could put the stuff away again. It didn’t take long to get to where Arebe was being tended by his wife and two young women Rick didn’t know, but figured might be his daughters. The older man looked drawn and pale, and his eyes were still full of horror when they met Rick’s over Ainya’s shoulder. But they were angry too and stubborn so Rick had a bit of hope that the man he already considered a friend would be all right in the long term.
“Malik’s a good guy to fight with you know.” He offered as he came over.
That seemed to surprise Arebe a bit but he nodded. “Thank you, Rick. Ainya and my daughters tell me we won.”
“Yeah. We did. Sorry it took us so long to find you. Horus told us to let the falcons go this morning so we did. Looks like he kinda likes you.”
The man shook his head a bit but he sighed. “As Allah wills of course. But I am thankful. And where is my chieftain and your wife? I do recall then from earlier do I not?”
“Ardeth’s checking the perimeter but they should be back any second with the other armaments and the books. Do any of you know where Kahid is?”
“Hamalia, his mother said he went to bathe and she would get him clean clothes and food and bring him back here.” Ainya answered.
“That is good to know.” Ardeth’s voice came from behind Rick and he turned to see Ardeth, Evie, Sallah, and the damned thing. “Alhamdilallah, Arebe. Truly I thought we had lost you.” Ardeth knelt down and gripped the older man by his shoulders and then pulled him close and kissed each cheek. “Malik has gone to see that the scouts of the third tribe have gone to join the others and then he will join us. Truly, you both should be well proud of him. But I am certain he is most thankful himself that you are back with us now to lead your tribe my friend.”
“He may have it for today, Ardeth. Truly, I will do well to stay awake for the council to come. What magic you have wrought for me I do not know, but I am truly thankful.”
“You should thank Evelyn for that, my friend. And Sekhmet. Come to that we have come now to see to any wounded who remain here. Would one of you be so kind as to find me whoever is in charge of the healing?” Ardeth asked obviously to the two young women.
“Of course chieftain.” They answered in unison, looked at each other quickly and then both got up and went to do so. Rick smiled a bit. He was pretty sure Ardeth had a lot of the young Medjai girls mooning over him. And knowing Ardeth was oblivious as a rock.
Evie came over and slipped under his arm, wrapping her arm around his waist. They spent a while walking among the wounded that had been rescued from the battle field over night and it was really wondrous to watch the spells out of the book of Sekhmet and the book of AmmunRa work their magic. Because there were a lot of the Medjai who would have been dead otherwise and then they were well. Exhausted and weak sure. But well. Rick just shook his head and watched.
“Makes me think I should learn to read the damned book of the Dead you know.” He pointed out to Ardeth at one point.
“Truly, I can speak Egyptian certainly and read bits of it but not like that. No doubt there are things within the book of Vengeance that I would do well to know, certainly. Perhaps with you learning to speak Egyptian we should take the time as well to learn what symbols mean what.”
“Probably won’t hurt.” Rick agreed.
“Everything is well with Evelyn then?” Ardeth asked after a moment’s pause. And it could have been a normal question of concern given the battle yesterday and the healing today. But Rick knew exactly what Ardeth meant.
“Yeah, Ardeth. She really is the most amazing woman in the world.”
His friend smiled and then nodded. “I would have to agree considering. Certainly if you wish to spend the day with your wife, Rick I can speak to my fellow Medjai about the battles to come and see you at dinner.”
“Not until I know you aren’t going to get killed or challenged yet for saving us all. If Kashim and Gamal and Sura’s son agree to follow you like Hassan has, no problem.”
Ardeth took a deep breath. “If they do not, it would be best if you take Adham up on his offer of hospitality. Assuming of course that he does not challenge whoever I lose to-- and loses himself.”
Rick turned to stare at him, not sure at first if Ardeth was as serious as he sounded. But the dark eyes that met his were calm, and very serious. “Better idea. Don’t die.”
Ardeth smiled just a bit. “In’sh’allah of course. Gamal I can defeat, Jumah I can defeat, both even I am reasonably certain. Kashim-- perhaps, but Kashim and the others? No. That is what concerns me most.”
“They aren’t that angry are they Ardeth?”
“I do not know. I would not think so, but it remains to be seen how Allah wills the day to go. We can do no other, my friend. You will do as I ask if I fall? I will rest better in Paradise certainly, knowing you and your family are safe.”
“You’re assuming of course that I’m not just going to shoot whoever tries to kill you.” He pointed out.
Ardeth shook his head but he smiled again. “You have more honor than that, Rick. You know it, as do I. Come now, my brother, let us brave the lions, hmm?” He clasped Rick’s shoulder, and for just a moment the dark eyes meeting his gentled and Rick could recall with complete clarity the joy and passion they’d shared last night. “Damned unmanageable elephant indeed.” Ardeth shook his head and the strong hand on Rick’s shoulder let go as he turned away to walk over to Selim and Adham.
This is going to be so damned hard. Rick thought to himself. Evie came back over to him and he put his arm around her shoulders. “Okay love?”
“Fine. Reading the spells doesn’t make me nearly as tired as wielding the weapons. Do we stay for the council of war and then go find Alex and Jonathan?”
“Yeah.” He agreed. So they found spots to sit. Rick wasn’t really surprised when the damned thing came to join them after a bit.
“Ardeth seems to think I should stay here. To, is there a good way to put this, insure our safety if need be?”
“Cover our butts if they turn on us after they turn on him you mean.” Rick replied.
“They wouldn’t? Would they?” Evie looked from him to the creature and back.
“That remains to be seen, Princess. Truly, I would pray that Ammun and Allah both have more mercy than to let that happen. I admit I would be hard pressed myself not to simply break into pieces whoever is fool enough to try to take his place.”
“I’ll help.” Rick offered with a smile. And as there eyes met over Evie’s head he realized that while the words were almost teasing they were both deadly serious. Now that is just nuts. We’re agreeing on keeping Ardeth safe? You and me? Right. Sure.
“Me too.” Evie put in, coldly.
“You’ll scare them worse than he does.” Rick chuckled, indicating their surprise ally.
“Good.” Evie, or Nefertiri smiled. “Serve the idiot right.”
“Arebe, Kahid, while I am loathe to ask either of you to relive your heroism quite so soon, we must know of anything at all you have learned about the enemies we yet face.” Ardeth’s voice was quiet, but it carried well enough.
“Very little I think. Their leader, who-- questioned us the most seems quite mad to me. He kept asking us things in a language we did not know and then growing more angry when we did not answer.” Arebe replied.
“Two of them came and spoke to us in Arabic but we pretended we did not know that either. And the once when I spoke aloud to Arebe while we were there I spoke Medja.” Kahid added. “I tried to count how many more of those tanks there were when they brought us to their camp, Ardeth but I counted only ten or so before they took us to the tent where we were kept, and I could not think to count when they took us out before dawn.”
“At least you were conscious to try to count.” Arebe smiled and hugged the young man tight. “Truly, Kashim your tribe is lucky to have such a man.”
“I have always thought so.” Kashim answered. “So we have more Germans to face yet.”
“The bright son of Osiris said that the battle had been won but not the war, and that there were yet dark times ahead.” Ardeth agreed. “And so, leaders of the Medjai we are yet defenders of Egypt. And so, I will ask as I did before for your oaths as Medjai if you will give them. Gamal, Jumah, Mohamed, Kashim? Will you follow me as commander still? Hassan has already given me his oath yesterday after the battle.” He smiled a bit at the man standing with Adham and Selim now.
“If there is anyone who would not, they may argue it with me when I am well.” Arebe grumbled.
Ardeth smiled a bit more and squeezed the man’s shoulder. “Thank you, my friend, but there are yet reasons for your fellow leaders to be uneasy. Has the battle yesterday changed your minds my friends as to the sanity of keeping those allies Allah has seen fit to grant us even if we are uncomfortable at times with his choices?”
Yeah you think you guys have problems with it. Hell if Ardeth, Evie and I can manage to be civil you can deal just fine. Rick looked around.
“My father was willing to die for Egypt, Ardeth, as Medjai and under your command. I will do no less to honor his memory. My sword and my horse are yours, chieftain, onto Paradise.” Mohamed, Jalil’s son spoke first.
“Thank you, Mohamed. Truly, your father was a good man and I mourn his loss, but the tenth tribe is fortunate to have you to lead them. Allah haman’ ana.”
“In’sh’allah.” The young man agreed.
“My father was uncertain of your sanity, Ardeth, but after what I saw on the field yesterday I can say for my own heart that truly we needed the aid you have found for us, even that of our sworn enemy. So I will take the second pillar of my oath as precedence over the later. Egypt first, then we shall worry about all else.” Jumah, Sura’s son spoke next. “So my sword and my horse are yours, untried though they may be.”
“You will do well if you speak as well to your people as you do here.” Ardeth replied. “Thank you, Juman. So, I am left to ask of you both, you gave me your oaths the night before last to follow me through the battle. I thank you both for the kindness of letting me recover from my injuries yesterday and last night although you could have done otherwise certainly. So, Gamal, Kashim? Am I your chieftain still? Do we stand united to fight for Egypt?”
“I am still uncertain as to your sanity.” Gamal spoke next. “But even I can not see that we could have won the battle yesterday without the weapons of old Egypt, and those that you have allied us with to use them. It is wrong, I know, to fight with infidels, women and the damned as our allies. But it is an even greater wrong to allow Germany to defeat us. And so I bow to Allah’s will. But when the war with Germany is over, Ardeth Bay we will speak again.”
Rick grumbled a bit to himself over the infidels, women, and the damned bit although he knew technically it was accurate.
“No doubt. Thank you then, Gamal. Truly, I understand your uncertainty old friend, often times I share it. But we must do as Allah wills us.”
“For the length of this war then, chieftain, my sword and my horse our yours.” Gamal spoke the oath quietly.
“Thanks be to God.” Ardeth agreed. “Kashim?”
Kashim rose to his feet. “If Allah wishes you to ally us with the damned he will have to show me proof of it.” And he drew the sword at his waist.
“Oh damn...” Evie whispered.
“I do not wish to do this, Kashim. For the love of Allah, there has not been a challenge among our people for a dozen generations now.” Ardeth pleaded. “Let us talk of this and see if we can not come to peace, my friend.”
“How do I know you are yet my friend? How do I know the damned thing has not already stolen your soul while it haunted your dreams? No. You may Allah willing prove me wrong of course. But I will see it proven.”
Rick could see Ardeth draw himself up. “So be it then. Do you challenge me for the right to lead the Medjai, Kashim el Ahmed?”
“I challenge your right to lead us. I will let the tribes decide your successor should I prove correct.” Kashim replied.
“In that at least you show wisdom. I ask you once more, for the love of Allah and the sake of our tribes, Kashim, do not do this.”
“If you do not draw your blade, I will know for certain that you are a coward and then I will know just as certainly that you are no longer the man I have known all my life and followed for so long. For the love of Allah, Ardeth bin Mohamed. Prove me wrong.”
Ardeth took off the shield of Horus and handed it to Adham, then the scepter. “See that these go to whoever the bright God of Vengeance wishes them to should I lose, cousin.”
Adham said something too low for Rick to make it out from where he was.
“Be of better faith.” Ardeth replied and gripped his cousin’s shoulder. “Will you give me yet the honor of allowing my brother and his family to continue to aid Egypt in her struggle if I fall?” Ardeth asked, drawing his long sword with an easy familiarity.
“If he kills you, he can damn will fight the Germans without us.” Evie replied before Rick could think of a way to say it.
“Do not let your grief rule you so, sister mine. You will no more desert Egypt than I would. Nor you brother.” Ardeth circled a bit to his left.
“We’ll see.” Rick replied coldly. Nothing said he couldn’t cut the bastard down himself if he won.
“I will allow O’Connell and his family to leave us in peace, Ardeth or stay if they wish to.” Kashim agreed. “Now, do we fight?”
“In’sh’allah, Kashim you have left me no choice at all.” Ardeth sighed. “Allah have mercy on us all.” And then he slashed out with his sword. Rick kept his arm around Evie even as they got to their feet. Imhotep standing on his other side.
“Does the fool think for a moment I could not kill him from here if I wished?” Ammun’s priest shook his head. “Would your brother forgive me do you think?”
“No. Stupid, idiotic, stubborn Arab. It’s a duel. I don’t get to shoot the bastard in the back either.”
“Honor has a place, but if it kills him I will personally ask Ammun himself to allow me the privilege of shaking sense into him in the next life.”
Rick had to smile. “I just might help.”
The thing chuckled. “As if it would do any good.”
“Me too.” Evie smiled. “And I get to make Kashim sorry for it, first.”
There was an odd look to the thing’s eyes. “Of that Princess I would almost say he deserves it.”
“You would know.” She replied with a nod.
Rick just watched the fight as it grew increasingly serious, and damn but Ardeth had been right, Kashim was just as good with a sword as he was. Rick kept his arm around Evie because it kept him from reaching for his gun or going to Ardeth’s defense and he knew damned well he couldn’t do either. He looked over at Selim and Adham and could tell from the tenseness in their stances that it was just as hard for them. He also noticed that Adham had set the shield and scepter down and had his hand on his sword hilt so there was no doubt in Rick’s mind that if Ardeth lost, Kashim was following him quickly. He met the tall Medjai’s eyes and put his own hand on his pistol. Adham nodded once so they understood that it wasn’t going unavenged one way or the other.
Ardeth was damned good with his sword, as graceful as any man Rick had ever seen in a fight. But it was also obvious that he was not at his best and that he was more tired and exhausted than Rick had realized. And it was not an easy fight at all. Ardeth dodged back not quite quick enough and the sleeve of his robe on his sword arm was slashed and hanging half off. There was just a trace of blood though so it wasn’t a bad cut. He swung around, low this time and Kashim had to dodge back as well. And it was that dodge that took the Medjai onto just the wrong patch of sand and rocks and his footing slipped and Ardeth knocked his sword from his hands in a move Rick could recall having worked on him back in Hamanaptura and then Kashim was flat on his back with Ardeth’s sword at his throat. “For the love of Allah, Kashim. Yield?”
“With gratitude.” Kashim replied with a groan. “Truly, Ardeth, it is good to be proven wrong.”
“Is it?” Ardeth looked down at him. “I could kill you.”
“You could but it would prove me right.” Kashim pointed out.
“I could have you banished.” Ardeth growled.
“If you wish. But you need all the warriors you have, Ardeth.”
“I could strip you of your command.”
“If you see fit to do so, chieftain.”
Ardeth was silent for a long moment and then he moved the blade in his hand and slid the tip of it across Kashim’s throat just enough to draw the blood. “Allah hamdas aha, Kashim.”
“As it should be, Ardeth.” Kashim agreed, but Rick could hear the first bit of fear in the man’s voice. “Do I join him in Paradise, Ardeth?”
“No, Kashim. You spoke true when you say I need every warrior I have. You oath, Kashim to Allah. I am your chieftain.”
“You are commander of the Medjai, Ardeth Bay. My chieftain, and my sword and horse are yours, forever forward. I will never doubt you again, Ardeth I swear it to Allah, the most merciful.”
“Then you should thank him that I need you yet.” Ardeth agreed. “Accepted. Sworn. Witnessed.”
“Witnessed.” The Medjai agreed in chorus.
“Have your wife tend that.” Ardeth wiped his sword tip on his own torn sleeve and sheathed the blade.
“Certainly.” Kashim got to his feet and then walked toward his own tribe’s encampment.
“Now, Allah have mercy, do we plan the next part of this war or must I yet deal with grown men who would behave like sulking children?” Ardeth looked around at the remaining Medjai.
“No, Ardeth. I think we are satisfied to follow.” Pasha put in. “Truly, Kashim should have beaten you, no offence of course chieftain, but you are not at your best, and Kashim is better with a sword than you are most days. So, if Allah had wanted us to follow another you would be dead. Since you are not, praise be to God, we follow onto Paradise. And I myself, will strangle the next person who says otherwise.”
Ardeth smiled a bit. “Thank you, my friend.” He looked at the others. “We have scouts out to check for any approaching Germans. Arebe, my friend, when you are feeling better will you do me the favor of finding a falcon for each tribe? I would have then ride with the leaders of each scout group, that will give us faster warning than any rider could manage.”
“I am well enough for that, Ardeth. Even now, who do I owe my thanks to for that miracle may I ask?”
“Evelyn and the grace of Sekhmet actually.” Ardeth replied, and turned back to them. “Will you join us then, still? Truly we will do well to know what we can as to the remaining battles to come and what resources we yet have. But now we must see to the burying of the dead.”
“Did you truly mean this offer of aiding us in the burial of our dead?” Adham asked.
“I did.” The damned thing answered. “The shifting of the great desert is not so hard to manage.”
“Then I will say that ninth tribe would be willing to let you aid us in burying our dead.” Adham looked over at those who had to be his band leaders and they all nodded.
“Considering that I owe you in part for my life, it seems foolish indeed to turn aside the aid in burying my tribesmen who are not so fortunate. I agree with Adham, the third tribe would be glad for the aid.” Arebe looked over at his son but the young man only nodded.
“If such can be achieved and it sees the dead buried before sundown with honor, then I will agree as well, Priest of Ammun on behalf of the seventh.” Selim put in.
“And I, as well. Truly it would be foolish to do otherwise.” Husan looked pointedly at Gamal as he spoke and Rick figured that most of the Medjai were even more likely to not side with the man now.
“I think it is safe to say, chieftain that there is no one here who would not be thankful for the help. If you are certain of course, Pasha that it is no offence to Allah and therefore the souls of our tribesmates for us to do so.” Husan looked around at the others and there were various nods, even from Gamal.
“Then it shall be done.” Ardeth relaxed just a little. “Let us see to that grim task of burying our dead and then we shall concentrate on how those of us left may defend Egypt.”
“Shall we gather the tribes then, on the dunes where Adham and Husan have their weapons?” Mohamed asked.
“Let us have midday prayer and then see to the burial. Would that our victory was certain so we might yet celebrate the arrival of so many of us to Paradise. But such revelry will have to wait until the Germans are no longer a threat to Egypt. Then we shall celebrate both for a week.”
“I look forward to it.” Adham clasped Ardeth’s shoulder. “Allah willing we will not have to wait long.”
“I am certain, Medjai that my god will tell to me in advance of when the Germans attack again. Come to that Osiris’ bright son will undoubtedly speak to you if need be. We do not face them today at the very least.” The creature pointed out.
“There is truth to that. But I will worry less for the safety of my tribes once I know for certain when the attack will come. I worry more that it will come in pieces and not all at once. What weapons we have to use against them are great but truly it takes far too many lives to beat them and we can not spare another such number of lives and have anything left with which to fight. Arebe, will you send word to Hashim at Hamanaptura please and tell him to come with all his men as soon as he can? Truly, we will need this once I think to leave Hamanaptura to her own defenses and have all of us here that we can. Little it seems is there left in Hamanaptura to guard against in any case as you are here and so are the books.”
“There is truth in that.” Arebe agreed glancing at the damned thing.
Abdul chuckled suddenly. “Do you think in this aid you are giving us creature that you might find a way to curse Hamanaptura for us from here so that we need not worry the crazy Inglizi will go digging up something else while we turn our backs? No offence of course, O’Connell.”
Rick had to laugh. “No offence taken Abdul and since we’re all here too you don’t have to worry about us unearthing something we shouldn’t either. Can you do something to keep Hamanaptura safe?”
“There is little of value left to Hamanaptura but gold. But I will speak to AmmunRa and we shall see what can be done to insure the safety of what remains. It is the city of the Dead however, O’Connell so indeed there may be more that can be done with the book of the Anubis than with the book of AmmunRa.”
“I hadn’t thought about that. But it would make sense.” Evie agreed.
“Will you do me the favor of looking through the book of the Dead then Sallah, Evelyn. Carefully? Please?” Ardeth smiled a bit.
Evie rolled her eyes but smiled back. “What else can I do wrong at this point right?” She cast a very annoyed look at the creature still standing with them and then shrugged. “Don’t answer that. I’m sure there’s something. Let’s go look at the books Sallah. You can come too, Priest of Ammun.” She decided. “Rick will you go tell Jonathan and Alex where I am so they can come help if they’d like?”
“Sure.” He smiled a bit. “You think one of the guys at Hamanaptura could go find Izzy in Cairo and tell him we need more grenades and cannon shells?” He asked Ardeth.
“I do not see why not. It will be good to have more ammunition certainly.” Ardeth agreed. “Let us all see to our tribes, my friends, and what we can yet do to aid our fight against the Germans and then we will join together on the dunes and bury our dead.”
There were various nods of agreement and the leaders all headed off in separate directions except for Selim and Adham and Arebe who seemed determined to linger and speak with Ardeth for a bit, quietly, in Medja. Whatever the concern was it was rectified after a bit and the three older men left. Ardeth walked over to stand with him and Evie and the damned thing. “You need to have that looked at.” Evie pointed out, indicating his arm.
“It is a scratch only. Truly, I am luckier than I deserve to be.” Ardeth shrugged and turned to look at the damned thing. “You did not cause him to trip, did you?”
“No.” The thing chuckled. “Although, I will not say I would not have, if I had thought of it. But I swear it to Ammun, Ardeth, whatever caused your tribesmate’s fall it was not I.”
“Then I will give thanks to Allah.” Ardeth replied. “You would not truly have abandoned the rest of my people to the Germans had I fallen would you have?”
Rick looked at Evie and then at the damned thing and then sighed. “No, probably not, cause I like your family and their families. And I like a lot of your people. But I would have made damn sure that Kashim didn’t live long enough to even care who they got to replace you.”
“At this point Adham’s son, Ismail is next in line, but he is only a child, two years less than Alex. So, if I were to guess it will fall to Adham himself until such a time as Ismail is old enough to take up the burden.” Ardeth replied.
“I could cope with that but I’d be too damned angry to care much about fighting the Germans.”
“It is good of you to say so.” Ardeth smiled and then gripped his shoulder tightly.
“No doubt Horus and AmmunRa, he who is lord of all Egypt, if not Allah himself would have voiced their displeasure upon your tribesmate as well. I was well tempted myself to remind the fool that I can be still a foe to the Medjai if I choose.”
“We’re inviting the end of the word again.” Rick pointed out.
“As you say, O’Connell.” The thing nodded but Ardeth smiled.
“It would have undermined Kashim horribly if I’d just gone over and beaten him with a sword wouldn’t it have, Ardeth?” Evie put in.
“With certainty, Evelyn why?”
“Because I figured I’d just do that if he looked like he was going to win. Let Nefertiri pound him into the ground.” She smiled. “Then you could have had what was left boys.”
Ardeth looked from one of them to the other and shook his head. “It was a duel, honorably challenged and answered. Please, do not tell me any of you are serious?”
“I am mad, am I not, Medjai? And damned. What have I to lose after all?” The thing smiled.
“I’m an uneducated, hotheaded, American with no sense of honor and last time I checked avenging your brother was okay by God so why not?” Rick answered.
“And I’m only a woman, and English to boot. So I don’t have to have any honor.” Evie leaned up and kissed Ardeth’s cheek. “Welcome to the family, Ardeth. Do try not to die before you meet the rest of them will you?” Then she said something to the damned thing in Egyptian that made him laugh and Ardeth glance eastward.
“Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim.” Ardeth muttered.
“Why thank you, Princess. For what little remains of today ,I am honored of course to partake of your brother’s hospitality.” The damned thing chuckled. “It will be an interesting change of pace.”
“You are all without doubt, mad. Truly, Allah himself must know I am only one man. Let us see then to the book of the Dead for ways to protect Hamanaptura and then see to the burial of my tribesmates who rest now with Allah. Then if possible I would like to send men to bury Ahmer’s tribe as well but I do not know if I can spare them.”
“If the prayers for the ones here will suffice for the ones there, Ardeth, that much more sand to move is no hardship.”
The offer surprised Rick a bit but not so much as it had the first time.
“Then I will thank you for that as well, Priest of Ammun.”
The thing said something which had to be in Medja since it was obvious Evie didn’t get it either. Ardeth only looked eastward again and sighed. “You will drive me to madness with you, you realize?”
“Surely Allah will forgive you for so small a transgression, Ardeth?” The thing smiled. “You had best do so now so that your brother does not overestimate my request and run me through again.”
Rick found a cold smile. “Can’t I do it just for fun?”
“No.” Ardeth sighed. “You can not. Very well then, Allah have mercy, thank you Imhotep for your aid once more in seeing to my tribes so that we may face the enemies of Egypt as allies.”
“It is not a difficult name to say is it?” The thing shrugged.
“It’s forbidden.” Evie replied, her voice just as cold as Rick’s had been. “And it’s cursed.” She paused for a long moment. “Call him Akatammun that’s appropriate.”
“So it is. Will that do then, Ardeth? For when you can not find it possible to say my name? It is a name I do not object to in the slightest.”
“There is logic to it I suppose. And it is more a title than a name is it not?”
“It’s like most of the old names, a little of both..” Evie answered. “But you are Ammun’s chosen at the moment.”
“As you say.” The thing agreed.
“So what does Nefertiri mean?” Rick had to ask.
“Beautiful one.” The thing answered.
“Well it’s appropriate anyway.” Rick smiled a bit.
“Why thank you. Rick.” She smiled back and then kissed him. “Are you coming with us Ardeth to translate or are you going to see to the rest of the tribes?”
“I think this alliance is to new yet to let you walk alone.” Ardeth sighed. “Why do Ammun’s High Priest and I not go and work with Sallah and you two can check on your family and then join us? It will not take too long I do not think for us to go through the dread book.”
“That makes sense I guess.” Rick answered, not really sure he wanted to leave Ardeth alone with the damned thing but figuring that even he wasn’t stupid enough to undermine Ardeth’s very hard fought authority by embarrassing the hell out of Ardeth in front of his tribesmates.
“We’ll see you in a bit then.” Evie agreed and then said something to the damned thing.
Ardeth didn’t do a very good job of hiding a smile and the thing looked surprised and then resigned. “As you say Princess. I shall endeavor for the sake of Egypt to do as you ask.” It returned with a slight bow.
“See that you do.” She agreed with a nod and then slipped under Rick’s arm like normal. “Let’s go see Alex and Jonathan shall we?”
“Sure sweetheart. I’ll see you in a bit, Ardeth.”
“Ma’Salaama akee.” Ardeth agreed and then walked toward the translation tent with the damned thing.
“Sometimes you know I can almost forget he’s not human and then I could just rip him to pieces.” Evie grumbled.
“You and me both, sweetheart, you and me both.” Rick agreed but he let it go for now.
Asr:ToC